Parts Needed to Use Darby Kayak Carrier DTA944-968-924 on 2007 Ford Fusion

Question:

I want a trailer hitch kayak rack for my 2007 Ford Fusion. I want to be able to place part of my boat on the roof of my car and have the rack to support the other half of the kayak. Do you have a Kayak hitch rack that will fit my 2007 Ford Fusion?

asked by: Lauren K

Helpful Expert Reply:

The hitches that are made or your 2007 Ford Fusion are the 1-1/4-inch Class I type, such as the Curt # C11329 that I recommend, so in order to use a 2-inch hitch-mount kayak carrier like the Darby # DTA944-968-924 you'll need a hitch adapter # HT5R to give you the needed 2-inch hitch opening. This adapter not only gives you the larger receiver opening but it also will give you 5-inches of rise (height gain) which will improve your ground clearance when using the Darby carrier.

All adapters like this do reduce the hitch's rated weight capacity but since half the kayak's weight will be on the Fusion's roof you'll still have no problem transporting 1 or more kayaks with a total weight of as much as 200-lbs.

The Darby carrier includes one roof rack bar that can extend in length to as much as 60-inches which is plenty for as many as 2 typical kayaks, but you'll need a second foam block for the hitch T-support. The Darby blocks are no longer made but the Malone Foam Block # MPG172 is a little long and could be cut down in case you need to transport 2 kayaks.

I recommend adding locks to keep everything secure on the Fusion. Use part # e98880 to lock the hitch adapter to your hitch and anti-rattle lock # 63232 to secure the Darby carrier to the adapter.