Kuat Trio on Thule AeroBlade Bars Does Not Clear Spoiler/Open Hatch on 2016 Ford Focus ST

Updated 09/27/2017 | Published 09/26/2017

Question:

I got this piece for my 2016 Ford Focus ST hatchback, to be put in my Thule aeroblades, and it hits the spoiler when the hatch opens. The ST has a slightly larger spoiler than the base focus. Am I doing something wrong or does it not fit the ST?

asked by: William

Helpful Expert Reply:

We can't have that happening! Let's see what we can do. Roof bike racks such as the Kuat Trio # RU01 are designed to fit roof racks and not specific vehicles. Even if the rack was not touching the spoiler on your 2016 Ford Focus ST with the hatch open the rear bike tire most likely would have.

How close is the rack from being able to clear the spoiler? If it just barely touches then it would be permissible to move all 4 of the roof rack feet forward a hair so that it doesn't touch. But if it needs another 1/2 inch or more then moving the feet is not a good idea because then the roof rack would not fit the vehicle properly.

The other option is to go with a bike rack that is shorter. The Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount Item # RBC035 is very popular, very stable, and about 10 inches shorter than the Kuat Trio. I have linked a video review of this rack which I just realized is shown on my old car!

expert reply by: Michael H