Things to Consider When Using a Hitch Extender with a Hitch Bike Rack

Published 07/09/2014

Question:

Currently my bike rack is 9inch from the back of the vehicle when placed in the Hondas 2inch receiver. On the Subaru with the HTAD adapter it is 189 for the adapter and 9inch for the carrier from the bumper which puts the first bike at 22inch to 25inch from the bumper. Is it safe to have it that far from the bumper? or should I look for another adapter. Thanks

asked by: Jim K

Expert Reply:

22-25 inches from the pin hole to the start of the upright portion of the bike rack is a good amount of distance, you might run into ground clearance issues with a bike rack sticking out that far when driving up drive ways or on dips in the road. When you use an adapter like this you cut the tongue weight capacity of the hitch in half as well. You will need to consider those two things before you use the # HTAD adapter on your 2015 Subaru Forester.

Is there a reason you need to use an adapter? If you already have 9 inches from the bumper to the bike rack without the adapter it doesn't sound like you would need to use it.

expert reply by: Jameson C