Recommended 1-1/4" To Use with Thule Helium 3-Bike Rack on a 2013 Ford Fusion Energi

Question:

I have a 2013 Ford Fusion Energi. I am buying the Thule Aluminum Pro 3 bike rack TH9043PRO. I need your advice on which hitch to buy. I think I need the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4 - 24897 because a it has greater clearance off the back of the bumper to allow the attachment knob on the bike rack to tighten easily your video says it sticks out 1 inch further than the Curt and a reviewer of the bike rack said that a Curt hitch made tightening the rack very difficult, and b it is easier to trim the underbody panel, which must be done for the Energi to protect the battery compartment. Do you agree? Also, how do I trim the under body panel? Do you have a video or instructions on that?

asked by: Leif M

Expert Reply:

You are correct that the Draw-Tite will give you more clearance. When we installed the Draw-Tite # 24897 and the Curt # C12091 on a 2013 Ford Fusion we found that the Draw-Tite has about 1-3/4" more clearance which will help make loading the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack # TH9043PRO easier.

When it comes to the fascia it looks like Draw-Tite says to trim the fascia wile Curt just says to return it to the customer. Trimming isn't too hard especially if you have tin snips. Just compare your bumper with the photo in the linked Draw-Tite instructions, make your marks on your fascia, and then use the tin snips to make the cutout.

We don't have a video of this installed on a 2013 Ford Fusions Energi but I've linked an installation video of this on a 2013 Ford Fusion for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G