Recommendation For Carrying 3 Mountain Bikes On 2013 Ford Focus Hatchback  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Since your 2013 Ford Focus is limited to Class l hitches I do have another option you may be interested in.

I recommend a trunk mount bike carrier. If you have a 5-door hatchback I recommend the Thule OutWay 3-Bike Rack # TH56BV. This carrier has a weight capacity of 99 lbs. The weight of the carrier is just about 19 lbs, so your Focus should have no problem handling the carrier with bikes. This carrier has anti-sway cradles that prevent bike-to-bike contact. It features an integrated locking cable which secures the bikes to the carrier preventing theft. The carrier also has arms that fold down for storage when the carrier is not being used.

I have attached a link to a product review video for this carrier.

If the combined weight of the 3 mountain bikes you wish to carry is more than 99 lbs, then you may want to consider other options such as a hitch and hitch carrier for 2 bikes along with a roof rack and roof bike carrier. Or you can use a roof rack system with a roof mounted bike carrier along with a trunk mount bike carrier.

If you decide to choose a 2 bike trunk mount carrier and a roof rack system as well I recommend the Thule Passage 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH910XT. Again, the carrier does limit the weight of bikes to 33 lbs each.

For a roof rack I recommend the Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack with Aero Crossbars. To order this roof rack you need parts # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK307.

If you decide to go with a trailer hitch I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # C11158. This is a Class l hitch and has a 1-1/4 by 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. Curt requires using a stabilizing strap like the Curt Bike Rack Strap with Cambuckle, part # 18050, with any hitch mounted bike rack and or hitch accessories.

The hitch mounted carrier I recommend is the Thule Camber 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH9058. This carrier has a weight capacity of 75 lbs and has a tilting feature that allows access to the rear of your vehicle.

If you decide on a hanging bike carrier and plan on carrying any women's bikes or bikes with alternative frames like children's bikes I recommend a bar adapter like part # HRBA-PRO. This attaches between the handlebar stem and the seat post and holds the bikes level when on the carrier as well as providing more ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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