Will Installing a Trailer Hitch on a 2012 Ford Mustang V6 Deform the Rear Bumper Fascia

Question:

I have a 2012 Mustang V6 convertible. The car is one of the Ford factory V6 packages and the rear fascia is standard, not a custom bumper in other words. Will your hidden hitch # 60280 deform the rear fascia? I want it for a four bike bike rack, but dont want to damage the car.

asked by: Will W

Expert Reply:

The fascia on the V6 models does not come down as far as it does on the GT and other special models so there should not be any fascia deformation on your 2012 Mustang. Since you want to use the hitch for a bike rack I recommend Draw-Tite hitch # 24863. This is just the hitch and installation hardware. The hitch you referenced, # 60280 (no longer available), will fit but it comes with a ball mount, pin and clip. These items you will not need if you are just using the hitch for a bike rack.

The other issue is that all of the trailer hitches for the 2012 Ford Mustang are Class I hitches. Class I trailer hitches can only carry up to 2 bikes at most. This is because when you add a third or more bikes it puts the weight too far from the hitch receiver and creates too much stress on the hitch, like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut on a wheel. This extra stress can cause loss of hitch and damage the vehicle.

You will need a Class I compatible bike rack that holds 2 bikes. I recommend the Swagman Trailhead # S63360. It can tilt, has anti-sway cradles, and features a rise in the shank for added ground clearance. I have linked a video review of this bike rack for you.

expert reply by: Michael H