Recommended Hitch for 2013 Escape & 2-Bike Platform Bike Rack for Mountain Bike and Beach Cruiser  

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Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2013 Ford Escape to enable use of a hitch-mount 2-bike rack is the Draw-Tite Class III model # 75758. This has a 2-inch receiver opening and a high weight capacity, making it a great choice for use with a quality bike carrier. The hitch bolts on using included hardware and no drilling is needed. An install video is linked for you along with the written instructions.

Since your bike has a standard top frame tube and your wife's beach cruiser has a sloping top tube and fenders a frame-mount platform rack becomes a very good option. This type will work for both bike styles and bikes with fenders will cause no issue.

For a "long-term" recommendation I suggest you consider the Thule EasyFold # TH903202. I say long-term because this rack can handle the higher weights of electric bikes (should one of those be in your futures). It will fit both 2-inch and 1-1/4-inch hitches so it is likely to fit any of your future vehicles, and it includes locks both for the rack itself and for your two bikes. It tilts for easier vehicle access and it includes a loading ramp to make it easier to stow your bikes after a long ride. As a bonus it weighs only 40-lbs, thanks to its advanced aluminum and ABS construction. Also, it will fit quite well on the recommended hitch with plenty of space between the rack and the car.

Please have a look at the linked video showing it in use.

If you are new to Thule, you can be confident that this product is thoroughly engineered in the USA, extensively tested in their own lab in Connecticut and backed by their lifetime warranty and legendary customer support.

expert reply by: Adam R

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