2012 Focus Hitch is available

[thejsx]

nice bikes !

[2012sel]

@Faygo Focus

Could you provide purchase info for the hitch cover? Ford part number or website where you got it. I did a quick look on the internet and didn't find it.

Thanks!

[Faygo Focus]

Sure, for a 1.25" hitch it is...

1L2Z-17F000-AA ~$12 at the dealer parts counter

Pricey but its rugged and wraps all the way around the receiver edge.

[Faygo Focus]

Oh, and the plugs for the pin holes... 1/2" nylon plugs from hardware store. 45 cents each. Coated with heavy lube before I put them in.

[CD/SFE]

Ok, so you install this rack, you can't open the hatch anymore with the bikes loaded, you maybe drill into the frame and remove stuff, Ford dealers say you may void your car's warranty because it is a trailer hitch that can be used for towing when nobody is looking and this cars isn't rated to tow nothing, the DCT's have already reported problems by some ( not ME, I'm on my second with ZERO problems ) and all this because you don't want to install a very clean looking Yakima/Thule roof cargo/bike rack that makes no permanent changes to the car, and the reason is............???????

Somehow, I just don't get it.

[Rogerschro]

I installed the rack, the Hatch DOES still open, it DOES NOT require drilling in the frame, It will NOT void the warranty. And I prefer not having a rack on the roof. There is no issue with this.

[CD/SFE]

I also hate how the cars look with all the crap hanging off their back bumpers myself. I'm partial to the looks of the stuff up top. Old school, I guess. To each his own, good luck.

That and you can take a rear bump in traffic and not destroy 3K in road racing bicycles.

[Dondi]

I have to go with the bikes on the hitch. Less likely to damage the car or paint if they slip while putting them on the roof.

[2012sel]

Originally Posted by CD/SFE

Ok, so you install this rack, you can't open the hatch anymore with the bikes loaded, you maybe drill into the frame and remove stuff, Ford dealers say you may void your car's warranty because it is a trailer hitch that can be used for towing when nobody is looking and this cars isn't rated to tow nothing, the DCT's have already reported problems by some ( not ME, I'm on my second with ZERO problems ) and all this because you don't want to install a very clean looking Yakima/Thule roof cargo/bike rack that makes no permanent changes to the car, and the reason is............???????

Somehow, I just don't get it.

-You can open the hatch
-There was no drilling on the brand of hitch I installed
-You don't have to remove stuff
-Ford doesn't care unless you've installed trailer wiring. I've asked a service writer and a Ford dealer mechanic. I ride weekly with the Ford mechanic.

I understand and respect your preference, but I wonder why you posted your message and think your looking to understand hitch racks. So, here's why I prefer a hitch rack...

Roof rack
Back the car out of the garage, open all 4 doors, lift two load bars over the car, tighten it firmly enough not to bend the roof sheetmetal, take off my bike's front wheels, LIFT the bike above my shiny unscratched car roof, attach it to the rack and throw the wheels in the cargo area. At some point, I'm going to get too lazy to remove the roof racks on a regular basis. Hello wind noise, scratches from rack mounts and goodbye MPGs.

Hitch rack
Put the rack in the hitch, insert the locking pin and lift each bike onto the rack. ALL while the car is still parked in an enclosed garage.


I owned the rack from a previous vehicle. For me, it's quicker, more convenient, leaves more room in the cargo area, can haul more than two bikes on occasion, has an integrated cable lock and can be used on any vehicle with a hitch. Like my friend's who borrowed the rack a month ago for a distant event while I was out of town.

Also, I really enjoy being able to drive right into the garage and shut the door with the loaded rack. Or, load the bikes the night before an early event.

[Faygo Focus]

Bikes on hitch, camping gear on roof, people and personal effects inside.

The end.