Hitch Clearance for Bike Rack on 2011 Ford Fusion

Published 08/26/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(201)

$212.18

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(17)

$220.84

Question:

I need to purchase another hitch mount for my 2011 Ford Fusion as the previous one was bent when my car was hit from behind while bike rack was attached. My question is I had the Draw-Tite previously and when my bike rack was in the up position it would rub again the back of my car. Would the Curt hitch be any further back? Or any other suggestion to eliminate this concern on my next hitch purchase? I dont want to use an extender as that cuts the supported weight in half and that will make staying under the limit nearly impossible. Thank you.

asked by: Brad R

Helpful Expert Reply:

We offer two Class I hitches for your 2011 Ford Fusion, the Draw-Tite # 24865 and the Curt # C11390. I reviewed the two linked installation videos for these items to compare their clearance dimensions and they differ by only 1/4-inch. The Curt hitch will provide approximately 5-1/4-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the back of the bumper cover, while the Draw-Tite dimension is 5-inches.

The clearance provided by compatible Class I bike racks will vary between racks. A new rack may be your best solution. The linked page will display all Class I hitch racks. We provide the hitch pin hole clearance dimension for all racks we sell, so it is easy to find one that will avoid contact with the vehicle.

For instance, the Swagman Trailhead # S63360 offers 11-inches of clearance. You will find this dimension in the specs section for each hitch rack we sell.

expert reply by: Adam R