How to Transport 4 Bikes on a 2013 Ford Focus With a Class I Hitch  

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Expert Reply:

Thank you for your recent hitch purchase from etrailer.

The hitch # C11158 you selected, a 1-1/4-inch light-duty Class I type from Curt, is the only type offered for your 2013 Ford Focus, and you are correct that such a hitch can safely transport only 2 bikes at a time, even if the bike rack itself can hold more.

In order to transport 4 bikes on this vehicle you will need to find an alternative location for the 3rd and 4th bikes. A roof rack will give you the additional 2-bike capacity plus allow you to use other roof-mounted accessories, such as a cargo carrier, when you are not transporting bikes.

If your Focus is a 4-door with no roof hardware I suggest the economical SportRack Semi-Custom Roof Rack # SR1010 which is shown in the linked video. If you have the 5-door you can instead use the Rhino-Rack system consisting of parts # RRVA126B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK307. Both racks offer excellent compatibility with a range of rooftop bike carriers.

With either rack in place on your Focus you can use one of the square-bar-compatible rooftop bike carriers shown on the link provided. You can choose from several types (fork-, frame- or wheel-mount) as well as carriers that will work with disc brakes. The linked article will help you consider the best options for your particular bikes.

It is a good idea to check your Focus owner's manual for any indications as to roof weight-bearing capacity to ensure you do not overload the vehicle.

expert reply by: Adam R

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