Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier and Bike Rack for 2014 Ford Focus with Class I Hitch

Question:

I have a 2014 Ford focus hatchback with a class I hitch. I am looking for a hitch mounted rack that I can use to carry a couple bikes and potentially some cargo for other excursions. I have been looking at the cargo racks and have thought about maybe attaching the Hollywood fork mounts to the rack. Any suggestions on which cargo racks this would work with? Or if its a good set-up? Thanks!

asked by: Hayley S

Expert Reply:

A carrier that will work really well with your Focus and it's class 1 hitch is the Reese Cargo Carrier # 63155.

The Hollywood Racks Truck Bed Bike Carrier # HRT970 that you referenced is designed to bolt to a solid surface such as a truck bed. This isn't the best carrier to use with a grated floor hitch-mounted cargo carrier on your Ford Focus as it won't provide a secure enough connection. If you were creative you could find some hardware and fabricate a backing plate on the bottom side of the cargo carrier to use this mount.

The best solution to carrying bikes for your particular situation would be to use a bike rack such as # KU74FR.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R