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/products.aspx?lvl=3&parentid=0&catID=1005&part=24872
Instructions for the Hidden Hitch...
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/downloads/installation/N60290.pdf
Hidden Hitch installed...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34042051@N06/5852711055/sizes/z/in/photostream/
2012 FOCUS...
Below is the actual product picture from Curt. www.curtmfg.com
Details and pictures here...
http://www.thehitchstore.com/images/documents/CM-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
Product information page...
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=3&parentid=0&catID=1005&part=24872
Instructions for the Hidden Hitch...
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/content/downloads/installation/N60290.pdf
Hidden Hitch installed...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34042051@N06/5852711055/sizes/z/in/photostream/
2012 FOCUS...
Below is the actual product picture from Curt. www.curtmfg.com
Details and pictures here...
http://www.thehitchstore.com/images/documents/CM-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