How to Transport 4 Bikes on a 2013 Ford Focus With a Class I Hitch
Question:
Hello, I just bought an Curt part #C11158 from your company. I want to take a family of 4 bike riding, but after looking at some of your other videos I don't think this will work. I need to be a able to transport 4 bikes on this class 1 hitch but all videos say even with a 4 bike rack system I can only carry 2 bikes. please let me know your recommendation or advise thanks.
asked by: Sal
Expert Reply:
Thank you for your recent hitch purchase from etrailer.
The hitch # C11158 you selected, a 1-1/4-inch light-duty Class I type from Curt, is the only type offered for your 2013 Ford Focus, and you are correct that such a hitch can safely transport only 2 bikes at a time, even if the bike rack itself can hold more.
In order to transport 4 bikes on this vehicle you will need to find an alternative location for the 3rd and 4th bikes. A roof rack will give you the additional 2-bike capacity plus allow you to use other roof-mounted accessories, such as a cargo carrier, when you are not transporting bikes.
If your Focus is a 4-door with no roof hardware I suggest the economical SportRack Semi-Custom Roof Rack # SR1010 which is shown in the linked video. If you have the 5-door you can instead use the Rhino-Rack system consisting of parts # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK307. Both racks offer excellent compatibility with a range of rooftop bike carriers.
With either rack in place on your Focus you can use one of the square-bar-compatible rooftop bike carriers shown on the link provided. You can choose from several types (fork-, frame- or wheel-mount) as well as carriers that will work with disc brakes. The linked article will help you consider the best options for your particular bikes.
It is a good idea to check your Focus owner's manual for any indications as to roof weight-bearing capacity to ensure you do not overload the vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
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 >
SportRack Semi-Custom Roof Rack for Naked Roofs - Square Crossbars - Steel - 50" Long
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Square Bars
- 50 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- SportRack
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 >
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