Hi, I'm new to the forum and am hoping someone here can help. I had a factory hitch (1.25") installed on my 2017 3.6R. I am looking for a bike rack but am having trouble finding one that works with this hitch. The problem is that the pin hole on the receiver is a little over 1" from the outer edge of the receiver and most bike racks require at least 1.5" of "overlap".
Subaru Canada only recommends the Thule Vertex 2 as a fit for the hitch (probably because it just meets the 1.5" minimum). When the Thule Vertex is installed the bolt that goes through the stinger and receiver does not go completely through to the opposite side and there is no lock nut to secure the bolt. I am concerned that this doesn't look very solid or safe.
I feel like installing the factory hitch installed was a very costly mistake due to the limitation of bike racks that will work. I am considering having the factory hitch removed and replaced with a Torklift Ecohitch. This is not the preferred course of action but I just can't see how this hitch will work with a bike rack. Any input on your experience with the factory hitch and bike racks, replacing factory hitch with Ecohitch, etc. is greatly appreciated. Thanks!