Best Recommended Hitch for a Bike Rack and Towing a Small Trailer with a 2015 Ford Fusion SE Hybrid

Question:

Looking for best option for 2015 Ford Fusion SE Hybrid. Want a hitch mainly for a bike rack but maybe occasionally pull a motorcycle on trailer a short distance. Curt 12091 looks like a good choice but what else should I be looking at. Thanks

asked by: Thomas K

Expert Reply:

You are correct. The Curt hitch # C12091 is the best choice based on weight capacity for your 2015 Ford Fusion, but for any non-trailer load like a bike rack or cargo carrier you will have to use a stabilization strap like # 18050 per the instructions from Curt. This would be the best choice if you don't mind having to install this strap each time you use a bike rack.

Many customers dislike the need for the support strap so we typically recommend one of the other hitches available. The Draw-Tite Hitch # 24897 would be the ideal choice if your bike rack and trailer will not exceed the 200lb tongue weight, or the 2,000lb towing weight and doesn't require you to use a support strap. You will also need a ball mount like # 3594. Two common trailer ball sizes that will fit this ball mount are the 2 inch # 19258 and the 1-7/8 inch # 19256; which one you will need will depend on your trailer. You will want to check your owner's manual for any weight limitations your car may have. This will also be listed on the placard on the inside of the drivers door.

The wiring harness you will need for your vehicle is # 118574.

If you haven't already settled on a bike rack I really like the Thule Helium Pro # TH9042PRO. With a 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver you will be limited to 2 bikes on any rack because of the leverage the bikes put on the rack and vehicle. Because the Hidden Hitch is a Class I hitch the Thule Helium Pro will work great with it. The Helium Pro will also fit the Curt hitch which is a Class II hitch. Class will be important thing to know when selecting a bike rack that will be compatible with your hitch. Another important measurement you will need to know if the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper for clearance. On the Hidden Hitch we will have 3-3/4 inches needed and with the Curt you will need 4-1/2 inches. The Thule Helium Pro # TH9042PRO will provide adequate clearance for both hitches on your 2015 Ford Fusion SE Hybrid.

If you happen to have any alternative framed bikes, like women's bike often are, you will want to use a bike adapter bar like # TH982XT to mount the bike properly.