Recommend Hitch and Hitch Mounted 3 Bike Rack For 2010 Ford Fusion

Question:

Im looking for the best/affordable hitch and 3 bike rack for a ford fusion. Which would you recommend?

asked by: Jon S

Expert Reply:

For your 2010 Ford Fusion, I recommend the Draw-Tite - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4, part # 24865. This is a quality hitch and has the lowest price point of all the hitches available for you 2010 Fusion. The only size hitch available for the 2010 Fusion is Class I, 1-1/4 Inch.

With a Class I Hitch you will be limited to carrying 2 bikes because of the torque applied by the third bike, farthest away from the vehicle. That amount of torque could overload the hitch, even if you are within the tongue weight capacity with the bike rack and 3 bikes mounted.

For a 3 Bike Carrier, I recommend the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Carrier, part # S63365, which features an anti-rattle hitch pin and anti-sway cradles to minimize the movement of your bikes when being carried.

If you will be carrying a children, womens or alternative framed bicycle, I would recommend the Swagman Easy-Out Womens and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter, part # 64005. The Easy-Out Adapter will allow you to carry bikes with those types of frames level on the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Carrier.

The item you selected, SportRack 3 Bike Hitch Mount Tilting Rack, part # SR2603, will not work with Class I hitches.

When carrying a hitch mounted bike rack or other hitch accessory you want to make sure not to exceed the tongue weight capacity of you vehicle or the hitch. The bike rack plus the weight of the bikes is considered tongue weight.

Since you would be limited to carrying 2 bikes from a hitch mounted bike rack, I recommend going with a 2 bike rack, like the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack # S63360, and then mount the other bike on the roof of your vehicle. To do so, you need to install a roof rack like the 2010 Ford Fusion Roof Rack by Rhino Rack Naked Roofs made up of parts # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK149.

Then you could use Yakima Roof Mounted Bike Carrier, part # Y02103.

I have linked instructions and a video installation of the Draw-Tite - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4, part # 24865, on a 2010 Ford Fusion that you may find as a good reference. Instructions for the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Carrier, part # S63365 and a video review of the Swagman Easy-Out Womens and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter, part # 64005 are also linked.