My Owners Manual is Saying to Not Install a Hitch, but You Have One Listed to Work, What Should I do
Updated 04/02/2026 | Published 03/24/2026
Question:
I bought a 2026 Subaru Solterra a few days ago and I am considering putting a tow hitch on it to carry a tray-style bike rack. I am a little disconcerted to find language in the owners manual saying your vehicle is not designed for tow hitch mounted carriers and doesnt recommend using a tow hitch carrier for bicycles. I believe this may be common to other small/medium sized EVs due to the way loads are carried on EV frames and other design characteristics unique to EVs. I also know that lots of people mount hitch recievers to their EVs to carry bikes etc. Do you have any advice for how to think about this? My read of the owners manual suggests my vehicle is not designed to use a Part Number: EH97CR...even though thats the product I want and I know its fairly widely used. Thanks!
asked by: Chris C
Expert Reply:
Hello Chris,
Great question, and honestly your read on this is pretty spot on.
What you’re running into is a disconnect between what the aftermarket hitch, like the EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # EH97CR, is capable of and what Subaru has actually designed and tested the Solterra to handle. The hitch itself is built and rated for things like bike racks, but Subaru is saying the vehicle isn’t intended for hitch-mounted carriers. That’s not unusual with newer EVs, especially ones like the Solterra and bZ4X where the rear structure and load paths are a bit different because of the battery and overall chassis design.
One thing to keep in mind is that a hitch-mounted bike rack puts a different kind of load on the vehicle than towing does. Instead of pulling weight behind you, you’re hanging it off the back, which creates leverage on the hitch and the rear of the vehicle. That effect is even more noticeable with tray-style racks and heavier bikes. That’s usually what manufacturers are being cautious about and why you’re seeing that language in the owner’s manual.
We do recommend following what the manufacturer says since they designed and tested the vehicle, and EVs can be different from other models in how they handle these kinds of loads.
I would like to look into a roof rack mount. How many bikes do you need to transport? Do you have any rails on the vehicle that run front to back? If so, are the flush mounted, or can you stick you fingers in between the rail and the roof? I am showing they should be flush, but want to confirm =)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Completely Hidden
- EcoHitch
more information >
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on Trailer Hitch
Bob M.
3/31/2026
Chris, I installed one on my 2023 Toyota BZ45X. It fits and works great. Had to take rear bumper cover off and trim some of the plastic. I just leave the receive part on it all the time. It's a little difficult to remove especially since I did not want to trim as much off as recommended. It hasn't bottomed out on anything and looks pretty good. Works great for both my gravel and road bike.