Lightweight Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2013 Ford Fusion
Question:
Until I visited www.etrailer.com I have been unable to find a light weight trailer hitch. All I want to do is install a hitch so I can carry 2 bicycles. Bike rack and two bicycles weight would not exceed 75 Ibs. Installation instructions indicate Underbody panels must be permanently removed for hitch installation. How important are underbody panels? Is it dangerous to remove them permanently? I had a similar issue once with an Acura TL, that is, under body panels had to be removed for installation. But I never had a problem.
asked by: Jim H
Expert Reply:
Removing the underbody panels to install a hitch on your 2013 Ford Fusion will not hurt anything at all. Those panels are designed for cosmetic purposes and to help maximize fuel mileage.
The Draw Tite Hitch part # 24897 would be an excellent hitch for your Fusion to carry a couple bikes.
My favorite 2 bike rack is the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack # HLY94FR because it's a platform bike rack which means it's easy to load/unload, it's extremely light weight at only 20 lbs, it folds up for storage or when not in use, and it has a built in rise of 9" in the shank, which will help a ton with ground clearance on your Ford Fusion which is fairly close to the ground.
If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 16 - 31-1/2 Inch Long
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Swagman Nomad Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Shop: Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Video: Hollywood Racks Destination 2 Bike Platform Rack Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes Ground Clearance for Low Vehicle
- Q&A: Will 2 Marlin 5 Trek Bikes Fit on the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Platform Rack
- Search Results: hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Hitches for the Scion XB
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: bike rack
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Search Results: 5504
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Q&A: Is It Better To Carry Bikes Behind Flat Towed Vehicle or Above Tow Bars?
on Trailer Hitch
