Can Thule Epos 3 Bike Rack Be Used With 1-1/4" to 2" Adapter On 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

Published 11/17/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Epos Bike Rack w/ Tail Lights - 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount

$1699.95

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1545)

$169.11

Thule Helium Pro Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(95)

$479.95

Question:

Will the Thule Epos 3-Bike Rack with Tail Lights TH34FR44SR fit a Class II 1-1/4inch hitch if I use a 1-1/4-to-2inch adapter? I’ve got a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with a factory hitch and mostly carry lightweight mountain bikes.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

Good question, Brian - and I’m glad you asked before trying it. Thule’s official instructions specify that the Epos 3 bike rack # TH34FR44SR must be mounted to a Class III + 2 inch receiver with at least 1.5 inches from the hitch pin hole to the receiver face. The smaller 1-1/4 inch hitches fall outside that spec and can’t safely handle the weight of this rack.

While a 1-1/4-to-2 inch adapter will technically fit, it cuts your hitch’s tongue-weight rating in half, which usually leaves very little margin once you factor in the rack’s weight. Also, that goes against what Thule and etrailer recommend, so you'd be on your own if you go that route using an adapter to convert to 1-1/4".

If you plan to stick with the Crosstrek, I’d strongly suggest upgrading to a Class III 2 inch hitch like the etrailer # e98912 - then the Epos will mount securely and stay within Thule’s specs.

If you are set on using the existing hitch, you will be stuck using a hanging rack like the Thule Helium Pro Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # TH9043PRO. But keep in mind, manufacturers STILL say to only load 2 bikes on a class 1 receiver like you currently have, so you'd also be risking overloading it with the leverage of a third bike.

What type of bikes are you hauling right now, and what rack do you currently use?

expert reply by: Andrew N

Brian

11/17/2025

Got it. I only carry two bikes on my hitch now..

Andrew N.

11/17/2025

@Brian Yes, I'm afraid to say that you are correct. I strongly recommend adding the 2" receiver so that you can throw just about any rack on there and not have to worry. It really is just not easy or even recommended to haul 3 bikes on a class 1 1-1/4" receiver like the one on your car.