[bradrh]

I've seen some posts on the 'activity mount'/trailer hitch, that the capacity is only 100 lbs?? Is there anything official on this? A bike rack and 2 heavy bikes would be over 100lbs

 

[waltonb]

I have to imagine it is identical to the bZ4X's activity mount.

2023 bZ4X Exterior Accessories

Protect your vehicle while adding a touch of style with 2023 bZ4X’s interior and exterior accessories. Browse Toyota Genuine Accessories now.

www.toyota.com

 

[bradrh]

2023 bZ4X Exterior Accessories

Protect your vehicle while adding a touch of style with 2023 bZ4X’s interior and exterior accessories. Browse Toyota Genuine Accessories now.

www.toyota.com

Yep, 100 lbs. That's probly a deal killer for me.

 

[jg.]

I’m sure there will be an eco-hitch before too long, that’s what I put on all my vehicles and they are rock solid.

 

[JIm_in_PA]

I’m sure there will be an eco-hitch before too long, that’s what I put on all my vehicles and they are rock solid.

Regardless of the source of the receiver hardware, the vehicle limit of 100 lbs "back there" would likely stand.

 

[HeyChris]

One of the bicycle racks I have weighs ~31 lbs. Simply adding one non-EV bike would nearly negate the benefits of bringing your two wheel companion along for yourself... The passengers would be SOL...

Alternatively you pick up a flat rack (~17#) then you strap down your five kick scooters (~12#)...
(Numbers rounded up due to never fully believing their marketing blabs)

Real world functionality with that 100lb limit will be tough....

Some weekends I have struggles with my `19 OB, rack and four bikes... Especially on deciding which assortment of bikes can be loaded.

C.

 

[waltonb]

I've seen some posts on the 'activity mount'/trailer hitch, that the capacity is only 100 lbs?? Is there anything official on this? A bike rack and 2 heavy bikes would be over 100lbs

Well its official, it holds up to 100 lbs

2023 Subaru Solterra Accessory Activity Mount - PT97442231 - Genuine Subaru Accessory

The Genuine Subaru Activity Mount features a durable steel construction and mounts to the rear unibody structure of the Solterra. The replaces the rear bumper beam of the vehicle and is designed and tested to be an integral safety component. The mount is not a trailer hitch and not intended to...

parts.subaru.com

 

[HogarthH]

Well its official, it holds up to 100 lbs

2023 Subaru Solterra Accessory Activity Mount - PT97442231 - Genuine Subaru Accessory

The Genuine Subaru Activity Mount features a durable steel construction and mounts to the rear unibody structure of the Solterra. The replaces the rear bumper beam of the vehicle and is designed and tested to be an integral safety component. The mount is not a trailer hitch and not intended to...

parts.subaru.com

This could be the nail in the coffin for me. I was okay with the limited range etc as I could make it to my national park (and ski hill) and back on one charge. If I can’t bring the entire families bikes and camping gear, that could be a deal breaker.

 

[bob E]

This could be the nail in the coffin for me. I was okay with the limited range etc as I could make it to my national park (and ski hill) and back on one charge. If I can’t bring the entire families bikes and camping gear, that could be a deal breaker.

One thing I've been wondering is whether Solterras with activity hitches have a cutout in the bumper for the hitch, while those that lack the hitch have a different bumper.

You could get the activity hitch, and then replace it with an aftermarket hitch that can handle more weight. That's my intention.

 

[HeyChris]

@bob E, it isn't the physical hitch material that is limited in weight. It is the mounting points designed by a 'Smart' engineer who likely said 'oops' after doing his part.

My Curt hitch is overrated for what the wagon is limited to. An aftermarket kit would have the same issue, imo.

 

[bob E]

it isn't the physical hitch material that is limited in weight. It is the mounting points designed by a 'Smart' engineer who likely said 'oops' after doing his part.

Well, I guess I'll be sending some new Japanese steel to the steel recycler to save some weight. With luck, it'll end up being used to manufacture a Cybertruck.

 

[jg.]

Since the activity mount will "replace the rear bumper beam" the "mount" is probably a light duty extension very much like the standard bumper beam (built to crush) and built behind and underneath the rest of the beam, so the 100 lb limit is likely due to the downward force applied at a fair distance from the mounting bolts thereby creating a large amount of stress in a direction the bolts (and probably the beam structure) were not intended to support.

I can't say enough about the Torklift eco-hitch and have put them on Outbacks and Foresters (it is absolutely something you can do at home). They are custom made for the vehicle and some models replace the light-duty crushable bumper beam with a square tube (Forester) and some mount against the vehicle behind the existing bumper beam (Outback).

They will definitely have one made for the Solterra eventually and I may even drive down there and let them use my vehicle to design it.

There's a link to installation videos on YouTube below, but in case you don't want to wade through the plethora of videos, here's some screen shots of the Forester and Outback installs

Forester bumper beam is removed

and replaced with square tube with hitch

Outback bumper beam is removed

Good view of the full hitch

Bumper beam is bolted back over the hitch

Bumper reinstalled

Closeup view of final product

Torklift Central YouTube Channel

 

[waltonb]

Since the activity mount will "replace the rear bumper beam" the "mount" is probably a light duty extension very much like the standard bumper beam (built to crush) and built behind and underneath the rest of the beam, so the 100 lb limit is likely due to the downward force applied at a fair distance from the mounting bolts thereby creating a large amount of stress in a direction the bolts (and probably the beam structure) were not intended to support.

I can't say enough about the Torklift eco-hitch and have put them on Outbacks and Foresters (it is absolutely something you can do at home). They are custom made for the vehicle and some models replace the light-duty crushable bumper beam with a square tube (Forester) and some mount against the vehicle behind the existing bumper beam (Outback).

They will definitely have one made for the Solterra eventually and I may even drive down there and let them use my vehicle to design it.

There's a link to installation videos on YouTube below, but in case you don't want to wade through the plethora of videos, here's some screen shots of the Forester and Outback installs

Forester bumper beam is removed
View attachment 776

and replaced with square tube with hitch
View attachment 777

Outback bumper beam is removed
View attachment 778

Good view of the full hitch
View attachment 779

Bumper beam is bolted back over the hitch
View attachment 780

Bumper reinstalled
View attachment 781

Closeup view of final product
View attachment 782

Torklift Central YouTube Channel

There may be hope for an aftermarket. The Toyota Venza uses an Activity Mount and Curt makes an aftermarket hitch for the Venza.
Here is a video of one being installed and the Curt site confirms it fits the Venza.
And here is a video of the closeup of the Venza activity mount.
Ironically if you do want the Activity mount, you can get the Subaru one from Toyota for less than Subaru.

Suba Solt Atmt Hitch PT974-42231 | Toyota Parts

Genuine Factory PT974-42231 - Suba Solt Atmt Hitch. McGeorge Toyota Parts is your choice for Toyota Parts and Toyota accessories. We are a factory authorized Toyota Dealer with Toyota parts and Toyota accessories all at wholesale prices for your Tundra, Tacoma, Camry, Corolla, RAV4, 4Runner...

toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com

 

[n6nl]

Ironically if you do want the Activity mount, you can get the Subaru one from Toyota for less than Subaru.

Half the price, but as a port installed option, it includes installation. The Toyota parts accessory does not include installation.

 

[waltonb]

Th

Half the price, but as a port installed option, it includes installation. The Toyota parts accessory does not include installation.

I meant is was less as an accessory (not installed) from Toyota than from Subaru

2023 Subaru Solterra Accessory Activity Mount PT97442231 | Subaru OEM Parts Online

2023 Subaru Solterra Accessory Activity Mount PT97442231

www.subaruoempartsonline.com

 

[jg.]

mcgeorgetoyota.com

I knew that name sounded familiar, that’s where I bought a brand new 2001 Prius. Had to order on the Internet and buy at the dealer. Then the Cadillac dealer bought the Subaru dealer and I almost bought my first Subaru there As well. I had that Prius for 10 years and 330,000 miles before the battery quit holding much of a charge.

sorry for the tangent…

 

[JIm_in_PA]

Just keep in mind that if Subaru says "no towing" you're on your own with that even if there's a third party 2" receiver that becomes available. Towing specifications are not just about the hitch receiver.