Trailer Hitch and Bike Carrier Recommendations for a 2014 Ford Focus

Question:

I have looked at several sources on you website and the Thule website. I want to put a receiver on my 2014 Ford Focus so I can use a Thule T2 bike carrier. According to the measurements in your youtube video of the T2 on a Ford Focus, the Curt receiver would fit and still allow clearance with the rear bumper. The video featured a draw-tite though. I would prefer the Curt since it is recessed underneath the bumper further than the Draw-tite. In conclusion, I want to know if the T2 will work with a Curt receiver on a 2014 Ford Focus. I appreciate any insight you can give me.

asked by: Brian C

Expert Reply:

The further the trailer hitch receiver is recessed under the back of a vehicle the less clearance there is for accessories and the harder it is to pin in any accessories to the trailer hitch. The Curt hitch # C11158 measures 2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to clear the rear bumper. To me, that is perfect.

Curt trailer hitch # C11158 we have installed on a 2012 Focus sedan but not a 2014 hatchback like in the other video so it is really not a fair comparison. But on the 2012 sedan, the center of the pin hole is 4-3/4 inches from the back bumper. Still not too bad.

What might change your mind on the Curt hitch is that fact that in order to comply with the Curt warranty requirements you have to use stabilization strap # 18050 for any non-trailer load (bike racks and cargo carriers). The Draw-Tite hitch does not have that requirement.

The Thule T2, # TH9045, is compatible with Class I trailer hitches but weighs about 60 pounds so it is a heavy rack. On Class I trailer hitches I recommend going with the lightest rack possible. The Saris Freedom # SA4412B weighs under 25 pounds.