Recommendation For Carrying 3 Mountain Bikes On 2013 Ford Focus Hatchback
Question:
Hello Im looking for a Hitch and a bike rack that will hold 3 mountain bikes. I own a 2013 ford focus hatchback. Will the hitch be able to hold 3 bikes? They all seem to be rated at 200 pounds. But every rack seems to suggest a class 2 hitch for 3 bikes. thanks
asked by: Keith R
Expert Reply:
Since your 2013 Ford Focus is limited to Class l hitches I do have another option you may be interested in.
I recommend a trunk mount bike carrier. If you have a 5-door hatchback I recommend the Thule OutWay 3-Bike Rack # TH56BV. This carrier has a weight capacity of 99 lbs. The weight of the carrier is just about 19 lbs, so your Focus should have no problem handling the carrier with bikes. This carrier has anti-sway cradles that prevent bike-to-bike contact. It features an integrated locking cable which secures the bikes to the carrier preventing theft. The carrier also has arms that fold down for storage when the carrier is not being used.
I have attached a link to a product review video for this carrier.
If the combined weight of the 3 mountain bikes you wish to carry is more than 99 lbs, then you may want to consider other options such as a hitch and hitch carrier for 2 bikes along with a roof rack and roof bike carrier. Or you can use a roof rack system with a roof mounted bike carrier along with a trunk mount bike carrier.
If you decide to choose a 2 bike trunk mount carrier and a roof rack system as well I recommend the Thule Passage 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH910XT. Again, the carrier does limit the weight of bikes to 33 lbs each.
For a roof rack I recommend the Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack with Aero Crossbars. To order this roof rack you need parts # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK307.
If you decide to go with a trailer hitch I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # C11158. This is a Class l hitch and has a 1-1/4 by 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. Curt requires using a stabilizing strap like the Curt Bike Rack Strap with Cambuckle, part # 18050, with any hitch mounted bike rack and or hitch accessories.
The hitch mounted carrier I recommend is the Thule Camber 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH9058. This carrier has a weight capacity of 75 lbs and has a tilting feature that allows access to the rear of your vehicle.
If you decide on a hanging bike carrier and plan on carrying any women's bikes or bikes with alternative frames like children's bikes I recommend a bar adapter like part # HRBA-PRO. This attaches between the handlebar stem and the seat post and holds the bikes level when on the carrier as well as providing more ground clearance.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Hollywood Racks Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 15 - 29 Inch Long
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 49 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Thule Camber Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Shop: Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Is There a Towing Capacity for the 2012 Ford Focus
- Video: Best 2012 Ford Fusion Trailer Hitch Options
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Search Results: 68149
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: Replacement Clearance Lights Needed for GLO-BRITE 122R and 122Y Lights
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Components for Off-Road Trailer Similar to Chevy Colorado Wheels
- Search Results: dust cap
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Video: Lippert Solera Slider Slide-Topper Review