Can Swagman XP - Folding 4 Bike Rack Be Used In a 2012 Ford Focus Class I Hitch  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Your Class I hitch has a 2 bike maximum. The hitch and bike rack manufacturers all agree that no more than two bikes should be carried on a bike rack used in a Class I hitch. The weight of the additional bikes can be a problem, but the greater issue is that 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.

If you would like to carry four bikes, you can carry two on your Class I hitch and then carry two on your roof. If you decide to explore this idea, let me know and I can make a specific recommendation.

Class II hitches are mounted on a stronger vehicle and can handle the road conditions without damaging the frame of the vehicle or the hitch. Class II hitches also measure 1-1/4 inches square which you have found, however the tow rating and carrying capacity comes from the vehicle manufacturer.

I was unable to find a tow capacity for your vehicle. For bike racks and other hitch-mounted accessories, you will be limited by the tongue weight capacity of the hitch.

expert reply by: Lori W

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