3-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2007 Subaru Forester

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Question:

There are many trunk mount bike carriers available. I am trying to choose the best option to carry 3 adult bikes on a 2007 Subaru Forester no spoiler. Security of bikes and product durability and ease to store when not in use are important. Specifically I cant find much difference between Yakima King Joe3, Super Joe Pro 3 Thule Passage3, Raceway3, Archway3 or Gaitway3. A little help in narrowing down options would be great. Thanks!

asked by: Rachel

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Expert Reply:

Most of the racks you referenced do indeed share similar design traits, features and pricing. However, not all of these carriers include locks and there are a few other key distinctions that separate the Thule Raceway 3 from the rest.

The OutWay 3, part # TH56BV, includes locks for the rack itself and for your 3 loaded bikes. It also has the feature of using 2 high-strength steel cables, rather than 6 straps; this offers a measure of additional security against would-be thieves. This carrier's construction is quite substantial and for the transport of three adult bikes this is my recommendation. Thule backs this carrier with a limited lifetime warranty.

One other option to consider is a hitch-mount carrier, which of course requires that your Forester have a trailer hitch installed. There are a few benefits with this route: 1) you have the ability to use other hitch-mount accessories like a cargo basket; 2) you can tow a trailer; 3) the weight of your 3 bikes is not carried by the vehicle's sheet metal but instead by its frame (its strongest part); 4) you do not lose the functionality of your rear wiper as you do with any trunk-mount carrier; 5) hitch-mount carriers can be locked to your hitch for better security than a trunk-mount rack offers.

The most popular hitch for Forester owners is the Curt # C12038 (to be used along with stabilizing strap # 18050). With this you can use any of the fully-lockable carriers shown on the link provided. All have 3-bike capacity and include locks for both the rack and your loaded bikes. Two linked article may help you consider your preferences.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

The only hitches we carry for your 2005 Subaru Forester are Class II like the Draw Tite hitch part #36311. Class III hitches are usually reserved for higher capacity vehicles like SUVs and trucks. As long as you stay under the towing capacities of…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

The only hitch size available for your 2006 Subaru Forester is a 1-1/4 inch hitch like the Draw Tite hitch part #36311 that is a Class II hitch. 2 inch hitches are used on larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. I attached a help article on hitch sizes…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 7

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 8

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 9

Hey Nelson, welcome back and congrats on your new SUV! We get our information directly from Curt and their item #C13409 and item #C47HR hitches fit all models of the 2025 Subaru Forester including the hybrids. This is why we don't list a hybrid…

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Answer 10

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 11

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

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Answer 12

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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3-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2007 Subaru Forester

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