Would Swagman XTC2 Work Well on 2013 Ford Focus

Question:

I am looking at choices for a bike rack for my 2013 Ford Focus SE. Would the Swagman XTC2 or Yakima DoubleDown Ace for 4 Bikes both work well with the Focus? Thanks

asked by: Larry M

Helpful Expert Reply:

A Class I hitch is rated to carry a maximum of 2 bikes. The weight of the additional bikes can be a problem, but the greater issue is when additional bikes are placed in the rack the load is moved away from the receiver tube. As the distance becomes greater, so does the amount of leverage applied to the receiver and the attachment points between the vehicle and the hitch. Excessive leverage can damage the hitch or result in the failure of the attachment points between the hitch and vehicle, resulting in the loss of the load.

I do show that the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Carrier, which you referenced is a fit and would work well with your Focus.

If you would like to carry two additional bikes and have roof-mounted crossbars on your Focus, you can use roof-mounted bike carriers like the RockyMounts SwitchHitter Roof Mounted Bike Carrier # RKY1270.

If your Focus has a naked roof and you would like crossbars in order to use # RKY1270, you can use Thule Roof Rack parts # TH711400, # TH710501, # TH145065. The crossbars also come in black using # TH711420.

I have included video reviews of the Swagman XTC2 on a 2012 Ford Focus, the RockyMounts TieRod Roof Mounted Bike Carrier and the installation of the Thule Roof Rack.