Recommended 2 Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack on 2008 Ford Escape  

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Expert Reply:

We have a variety of hitch mount bike racks for your 2008 Ford Escape. The main thing that will restrict your choice is whether you have a Class II, 1-1/4 inch square opening, or Class III, 2 inch square opening, trailer hitch receiver.

One type of hitch mount bike rack is a hanging rack, like the Thule Helium Pro # TH9043PRO. A hanigng rack holds the bikes by the cross tube. In particular, the Helium Pro fits a Class I, II, or III hitch receiver and also includes anti-sway cages to help prevent the bikes from making contact with your Escape or with each other, an anti-rattle hitch pin, and locks to keep the bikes safe from theft. The advantage of hanging bike rack is they're reasonably easy to use and install. The draw back is if any of your bikes do not have a straight crosstube, like a typical men's bike does, they will not hang level. To solve this you can use the Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01. This installs on the bike and creates that straight crosstube to keep the bikes level.

Another style is a platform bike rack. They're generally larger and heavier than hanging bike racks. However, since the bikes are secured by their wheels, and often the frame as well, they can be used on a larger variety of bikes. The bikes also move less since they aren't hanging. An example is the Kuat Transfer # KU74FR. This rack also fits a Class I, II, or III hitch receiver, includes a threaded anti-rattle hitch pin, and will tilt down with the bikes loaded to allow you access to the rear of your Escape.

If your Escape doesn't already have a trailer hitch receiver to mount the rack in I suggest the etrailer # e56AR. This is a Class III hitch so it will have the 2 inch receiver. I'd go with the Class III because there is a larger variety of accessories that will be compatible. Plus, the weight capacity is higher.

expert reply by: Charles S

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