Recommended 2-Bike Rack for 2015 Ford Escape Titanium

Question:

Please recommend a 2 bike rack for our 2015 Ford Escape Titanium. We do not have a hitch. But are thinking we may need one:-

asked by: Beth S

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do recommend going with a trailer hitch and hitch-mounted bike rack for your 2015 Ford Escape. A hitch-mounted rack is going to provide a much more stable and secure platform for your bikes. It will also push the bikes out and away from your vehicle, meaning there won't be any contact between the bikes/bike rack and your Ford Escape's finish, resulting in less of a chance of any vehicle damage.

Starting with the trailer hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame # 75758. This Class III hitch is custom-fit for your Ford Escape and will use existing holes in it's frame for a no-drill installation. The reason I recommend going with a Class III hitch instead of a Class II, of which there are a couple available for your vehicle, is simply because of the 2 inch receiver that the higher class unit provides. Even though you likely won't be using the extra capacity that this hitch offers, a 2 inch receiver (as opposed to the 1-1/4 inch receiver on the Class II) allows for many more options when it comes to bike racks and other accessories like cargo carriers. A 1-1/4 inch receiver is just a bit more limited when it comes to the products that will work with it without having to use an additional adapter.

I have attached an installation video on your Ford Escape that you can use for reference.

Then for a 2-bike rack that will work great with this hitch and your vehicle, I recommend the Kuat NV 2.0 # NV22G. This is an excellent, platform-style back that uses ratcheting hooks to hold your bikes by the wheels with no frame contact. A convenient lever is built in to allow you to easily tilt the rack bike, even with the bikes loaded, for easy rear cargo access on the vehicle.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this carrier so you can get a closer look at all of its features.

If you do decide to go with a trunk rack, I recommend taking a look at the Saris Bones 3 Bike Rack for your trunk # SA801BL. This trunk rack features a 6-strap mounting system and adjustable arms. It is the only confirmed fit traditional trunk mount to fit your Ford Escape Titanium and the adjustable arms will help to keep the bikes level.
We also have the vacuum cup mounted rack for 1-bike like the # 298-BK1910-AB or the # 298-BH1302.

I have included a video demonstration on this rack that you can also check out.