2012 Focus Hitch is available

2012sel · 06-08-2011, 09:48 AM

UPDATE: UHaul probably did me a big favor. After sending me the wrong hitch twice, I've cancelled the order. I'm looking at the Hidden Hitch brand since it requires NO drilling and NO "reaming" with a die grinder of the Focus' frame. The Curt Hitch DOES require drilling two holes and reaming of your cars frame rail access hole. I just placed a phone order for the Hidden Hitch (part #24872) from etrailer.com for $159.00.

Product information page...
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/p...005&part=24872
Instructions for the Hidden Hitch...
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/d...ion/N60290.pdf

Hidden Hitch installed...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3404205...n/photostream/

2012 FOCUS...

Below is the actual product picture from Curt. www.curtmfg.com

Details and pictures here...
http://www.thehitchstore.com/images/...-11158-INS.pdf

Curt has the hitch for around 220.00 MSRP. Product # 11158 (129.00 street price)

UHaul sells the Curt hitch as their part #24857 branded UHaul for 149.00 (pdf installation instructions are dated 5/18/2011). Free shipping.

The main body of the hitch is hidden behind the rear fascia (very good).

I am wondering how this class of hitch holds up to a bike rack with two bikes. Does anyone have experience with class I hitches hauling bikes on a bike rack without additional stabilizing straps? The installation document I downloaded from UHaul says it voids the warranty if the Curt stabilizer strap part #18050 (available on Amazon) is not used.

Also, I'd like to here if anyone has had issues with Ford's warranty after installing a hitch. Ford doesn't rate the 2012 Focus for towing. I think previous years were rated for a small amount. A mechanic said they check to see if the car has trailer wiring installed to see if a person has been using the hitch for trailer towing. So, be aware of this if you're concerned about warranty compliance. Please reply if you have more info on this subject.

Thanks

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pizzapants · 06-08-2011, 11:23 AM

Looks pretty sweet...though I'd be a little worried about drilling into my new car, and what effect the bike rack will have on the rear-view camera/rear parking sensors.

I just put a Hidden Hitch on my '03 Vibe, luckily the holes were already there!

camurphy2 · 06-10-2011, 07:32 PM

I have A 05 ZX3 SES with a draw tite hitch using a thule 4 bike rack and ive never had a problem. Some of the hitch companies with void the warranty using a bike rack. I carry 2 bikes and i use a single bungie cord to prevent swaying.

keelhaul · 06-10-2011, 09:27 PM

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has tried towing a single or double rail motorcycle trailer with one of these. All loaded up with two bikes it would probably be around 1500lb.

28HopUp · 06-11-2011, 12:17 PM

Thanks for the reminder - I need to get a hitch for the SE (to hold our bike rack)

OldArmy07 · 07-18-2011, 04:58 PM

Any word on whether this impacts the parking sensors (not the rear camera)?

Fattie · 07-18-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keelhaul

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has tried towing a single or double rail motorcycle trailer with one of these. All loaded up with two bikes it would probably be around 1500lb.

i haul a 4x8 trailer always loaded with heavy crap. youll be fine.

Grinder · 07-19-2011, 06:57 AM

If I planned to tow anything that required a hitch.... I probably wouldn't buy a focus. But then again, I'm nuts. I like to live on the cutting edge of common sense

***BLRich1*** · 07-19-2011, 08:58 AM

Moved to "Third Generation Ford Focus (2012)"

Faygo Focus · 07-19-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grinder

If I planned to tow anything that required a hitch.... I probably wouldn't buy a focus. But then again, I'm nuts. I like to live on the cutting edge of common sense

And sarcasm, too, I suppose.

Anyway, for those of us who just want to haul our bicycles around... anyone having success in that department?