[OAC_Sparky]

Norval,Feb 23 2010, 10:25 PM Wrote:They told me that on a FOCUS I could not install a standard size hitch.

Is this for real? I don't know why anyone would want less than a standard hitch.
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At the risk of sounding like a smart-ass, towing ratings are based on 3 things -- the ability to pull, the ability to control, and the ability to stop.

The ability to pull -- your car has 140hp and 140trq, is geared for fuel economy, light duty small car construction. (Strike 1, 2, and 3)

Ability to contol -- your car weighs 2700 pounds -- a class one hitch is 1500 pounds at which you are trying to control a trailer that weighs over half of what your car does. All it takes is a good crosswind and you're done. (Strike 4)

Ability to stop -- while the brakes on a Focus are ok for stopping a Focus, even with only a loaded Class 1 hitch you're asking a car designed to stop 2700 pounds to stop 5200 pounds. You're asking for brake fade. (Strike 5)

The reason they won't put a "standard size" hitch on the Focus is simple -- legal liability. As "Focus Man" said, if you put a 2" receiver on it you're going to have some idiot trying to tow a 5000 pound camper with it, rip the car apart or kill themselves or someone else, then try to sue Ford, the hitch company, the trailer company or anyone else they can.

Quote:Any other advice for me?

1) new bike rack that fits the focus
2) you can modify the rack you already have if you have a welder or know someone who does. Then you use a sleeve over the smaller adapter to use it in the 2" receiver of the other car.
3) as for towing, I have little advice other than use a vehicle that is designed for towing. I wouldn't recommend anyone tow anything with a Focus, whether it has a hitch on it or not. Just not the right tool for the job IMHO