Is There A 2" Trailer Hitch Available For A 2000 Subaru Forester To Carry E-Bikes?

Question:

I have 53# e-bike, which requires a bike rack that needs a 2inch receiver. My previous bike rack was a 1-1/4, but I dont want to use an adapter due to loss of strength and the additional length it adds. Can you help me find a 2inch receiver?

asked by: Mary

Expert Reply:

We do have 1-1/4" Class II hitches, like the Draw-Tite # 36311, available for a 2000 Subaru Forester, but there are not any Class III 2" receivers available, unfortunately.

With that said, there are bike racks that can handle your 53 pound e-bike that will still fit a Class II 1-1/4". Not knowing what kind of rack you previously had, or still have, I can't say for sure if this is the case with your rack, but as an example, the Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack # Y02445 will have no issues fitting a 1-1/4" hitch and carrying your e-bike. This is rated to 60 pounds per bike and the rack itself will weigh right at 50 pounds. This will mean your tongue weight would be 170 pounds fully loaded with two 60 pound e-bikes. As your 2000 Forester is rated for up to 200 pounds of tongue weight, you would still be well within this capacity.

I also completely agree that an adapter/extender will not be recommended as it will not only move the rack further out from the vehicle, it will also cut your tongue weight capacity in half.

expert reply by: Lazer S