A hitch for my car..

**mtngirl79** · 04-06-2017, 10:06 PM

Just for a bike rack.

This?

http://m.northerntool.com/products/s...C5oaApH08P8HAQ

I want the cheapest thing that will work. It's only for a bike rack.

**Sirshredalot** · 04-06-2017, 10:14 PM

I'm sure that would be fine. I ordered through etrailer last time I did this and it was similarly-priced. They had nice directions and everything.

You might want to consider 2" rather than 1 1/4". Some hitch-mount rack manufacturers recommend it if you go 4-bike. Cost difference should be negligible.

**mtngirl79** · 04-06-2017, 10:18 PM

I see no 2 inch for my car? I was told there are adapters?

**AlpiNord** · 04-06-2017, 10:30 PM

1 1/4" are typical for Subarus. Adding adapters adds play, additional parts and extends the bikes out farther, but is an option if needed. For a couple/few bikes, 1 1/4" works fine.

**mtngirl79** · 04-06-2017, 10:40 PM

Yeah I probably won't be hauling a ton of bikes... I just don't want to be shoving my new fs bike (when I get it) in the back of my car like I do with the pahoehoe.. And 2 bikes plus Murphy doesn't work to well.

**abraham** · 04-06-2017, 10:44 PM

I probably have a spare roof rack if you need it

**Sirshredalot** · 04-06-2017, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by mtngirl79

Yeah I probably won't be hauling a ton of bikes... I just don't want to be shoving my new fs bike (when I get it) in the back of my car like I do with the pahoehoe.. And 2 bikes plus Murphy doesn't work to well.

2 bike rack will be fine on 1 1/4" and it will be a vast improvement over shoving the bike in the back of the car.

**boarddad** · 04-06-2017, 10:57 PM

If you don't have the hitch, U-haul is your best bet. I got my rack from Amazon. If you decide to tow anything and need the lights, Subaru is already wired for it. You can get the harness from eTrailer. Don't bother with anything that just straps to the back of the car - not worth the hassle.

**mtngirl79** · 04-06-2017, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by abraham

I probably have a spare roof rack if you need it

I have a basket on my roof and if I took it off I would never be able to find my car in parking lots.

I'm thinking of getting the north shore 2 rack.

**mtngirl79** · 04-06-2017, 11:32 PM

And uhaul costs more. These things just bolt on, right? Like I can do it myself?

**BS720** · 04-07-2017, 02:00 AM

Maybe. There's a bolt with a clip on the end that holds the receiver hitch on. The one I had you kind of wiggle it to get it into the hitch, line up the bolt with the hole and throw the clip on the bolt. Definitely easier with two people, but I suspect that the 1 1/4" will be far easier for one person.

**wooley12** · 04-07-2017, 02:29 AM

Originally Posted by mtngirl79

And uhaul costs more. These things just bolt on, right? Like I can do it myself?

You be the judge. Youtube rules for how to and deciding DIY or not. We just got a '15 Forrester and I'll be putting a hitch on but I'm retired with a lot of tools and a lot of time.

**jm2e** · 04-07-2017, 07:34 AM

I prefer the Etailer option. They usually have nice videos you can watch to see ahead of time whether you're up for it. They also have lots of Q&A and anecdotes from folks and hopefully from someone with your exact car.
Just know:
1. You'll need some big sockets.
2. Crawling under there is way more awkward than it is for the guy in the video who can walk right under the car.
3. The muffler hangers are so much harder to get off than it looks. Use copious amounts of WD40.
4. Have someone help you. Holding that thing up and bolting it on will be tricky unless you gave a giant heaving bosom you can balance it on.
5. You'll need a really big torque wrench. Maybe a local auto parts store can rent/lend you one.

**Sirshredalot** · 04-07-2017, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by jm2e

I prefer the Etailer option. They usually have nice videos you can watch to see ahead of time whether you're up for it. They also have lots of Q&A and anecdotes from folks and hopefully from someone with your exact car.
Just know:
1. You'll need some big sockets.
2. Crawling under there is way more awkward than it is for the guy in the video who can walk right under the car.
3. The muffler hangers are so much harder to get off than it looks. Use copious amounts of WD40.
4. Have someone help you. Holding that thing up and bolting it on will be tricky unless you gave a giant heaving bosom you can balance it on.
5. You'll need a really big torque wrench. Maybe a local auto parts store can rent/lend you one.

The one time I've done this, the muffler hanger stymied me. It was a press fit into rubber on a newer car, and it sucked. I ended up caving and taking it into a garage so it could go on a lift.

**AlpiNord** · 04-07-2017, 07:54 AM

<p>
Ramps and a cart are well worth it if you change your own oil and helpful for DIY hitch installation.

</p>

**gravitylover** · 04-07-2017, 09:13 AM

Take a look at the new Swagman Sitkka rack that will start shipping in about 4 weeks. Best rack and best priced 2 bike wheel holder hitch rack out there. http://www.swagman.net/product/sitkka-2/

**mtngirl79** · 04-07-2017, 09:59 AM

I have some favors owed. I'll get it done.

**AlpiNord** · 04-07-2017, 10:04 AM

BTW, for the cost of shipping, I have a some 1 1/4" ball mounts sitting around if anyone needs one plus a 2" Toyota 4Runner with 2" ball.

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**mtngirl79** · 04-07-2017, 10:09 AM

This is what I was thinking id get.

http://www.northshoreracks.com/NSR%202-bike.htm

**reckless toboggan** · 04-07-2017, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by mtngirl79

This is what I was thinking id get.

http://www.northshoreracks.com/NSR%202-bike.htm

Best rack out.

Loved and abused the shit out of mine for a decade or so.

Awesome for highway and getting up logging roads for shuttling. Been down to bham with mine many a time.

You can use a u-lock and cable for security, and loop it all through your car's/truck's frame.

**jamal** · 04-07-2017, 10:24 AM

I've put hitches on a few outbacks and it was really straightforward. Forester should be basically the same. Looks like you'll have to pull off the muffler and heat shield in addition to the bumper and possibly tail lights but that all comes off fairly easily.

And torklift does a 2" reciever. I feel like that will possibly keep a bike rack from wobbling around quite as much.

**N1CK.** · 04-07-2017, 10:25 AM

I'm sure those are good racks, but I prefer the simple tray style. I have a Thule T2 and it's hard to beat.
1 1/4" holds two bikes no problemo. Installing a hitch on my car was a nightmare so I had my local mechanic dude take care of that.

**mtngirl79** · 04-07-2017, 10:26 AM

I wish recon made a smaller rack so I could support the local guy but theirs are all too big.

**RShea** · 04-07-2017, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by mtngirl79

I see no 2 inch for my car? I was told there are adapters?

Many vehicles are not rated for high enough towing to handle 2 inch class 3 hitches (goes usually by tongue weight). Class 2 is only up to 350 pounds. Plenty for most bike racks with a few bikes on them. As mentioned by others the 1.25 inch hitches when you go to 2 inch adapter for the receiver adds some play and probably would only be needed for the highest end bigger bike racks. Many bike racks out there in 1.25 inch receiver. I have one made by Saris basically- 4 bike, but I've never carried 3 bikes on it. I don't have a hitch on my latest vehicle, fold down rear seat.