Platform Style Bike Rack for a 2014 Subaru Forester with Factory 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch

Question:

Please recommend a quality tray style bike rack for this set-up. I think I understand the issue with the pin placement on the hitch. Am I correct that Yakima racks have a hole/pen placement that should work? Carrying up to two bikes road, hybrid and/or kids...would prefer no frame contact. Holdup 1-1/4? Thank you for answering this...I know you have addressed it before. Would I be better off installing cross bars and mounting on top of vehicle?

asked by: Will G

Expert Reply:

Since the pin hole on the factory Subaru hitch on the 2014 Forester is so close to the end of the receiver, the only racks that are really safe to use in that hitch are the Yakima racks that would ordinarily not fit a Class I hitch. But in this case, they do fit. So the HoldUp, # Y02445, is the best option.

I still strongly advise the use of stabilization strap # 18050 to relieve some of the stress on the trailer hitch.

expert reply by: Michael H