11 replies to this topic

[250Yam]

Has anyone fitted a rack to an original shape (2003) Focus Hatchback?

Dad's got a van that will fit 2 bikes or more, but I'm not insured on it and can't rely on him all the time, so I'm thinking a tow bar and rack's the best bet for just getting my own bike about. We've also got a couple of small trailers which may be adaptable. Can get a complete tow bar kit for £70 off eBay and am happy to fit it.

Looking at the Dave Cooper rack, and I realise you can use a 'swan neck' type tow bar/ball.

So has anyone used a focus or got any thoughts/advice?

Cheers

[Monty_Jon]

250Yam, on 20 June 2011 - 09:54 AM, said:

Has anyone fitted a rack to an original shape (2003) Focus Hatchback?

Dad's got a van that will fit 2 bikes or more, but I'm not insured on it and can't rely on him all the time, so I'm thinking a tow bar and rack's the best bet for just getting my own bike about. We've also got a couple of small trailers which may be adaptable. Can get a complete tow bar kit for £70 off eBay and am happy to fit it.

Looking at the Dave Cooper rack, and I realise you can use a 'swan neck' type tow bar/ball.

So has anyone used a focus or got any thoughts/advice?

Cheers

Not tried one on a focus, I had no problems on my old escort diesel

They are a lot better than using trailers!

Edited by Monty_Jon, 20 June 2011 - 10:55 AM.

[Telecat]

You can't use a swan neck if it's the one I'm thinking of. You need one with the two bolt detachable hook. It's known, (no sniggering at the back), as a Flange Ball type. You'd also have to make sure the Electrics (single point), are lower or higher than the two bolts. The Dave Cooper comes with two "long" bolts that allow you to fit the Towball back onto the flange. As for fitting, I have used the same rack on a Rover 25. Nissan Almeira and a Mitsubishi Lancer estate with no problems and have seen them used on the Mk1 Focus with no problems.

[250Yam]

Telecat, on 20 June 2011 - 12:28 PM, said:

You can't use a swan neck if it's the one I'm thinking of. You need one with the two bolt detachable hook. It's known, (no sniggering at the back), as a Flange Ball type. You'd also have to make sure the Electrics (single point), are lower or higher than the two bolts. The Dave Cooper comes with two "long" bolts that allow you to fit the Towball back onto the flange. As for fitting, I have used the same rack on a Rover 25. Nissan Almeira and a Mitsubishi Lancer estate with no problems and have seen them used on the Mk1 Focus with no problems.

Tidy, think I'll have to get a tow bar and rack ordered! I've just realised we've got an old trailer at a mates place that I can modify if I want to carry more than one bike as well, should be ideal, fairly low slung, all angle frame on a mini rear beam. Yet another project......

Await the 'what design for my trailer?' thread.

Edited by 250Yam, 20 June 2011 - 03:31 PM.

[jonnybmac]

Afaik kliponoff do a swan neck rack

[leggins]

250Yam, on 20 June 2011 - 09:54 AM, said:

Has anyone fitted a rack to an original shape (2003) Focus Hatchback?

Dad's got a van that will fit 2 bikes or more, but I'm not insured on it and can't rely on him all the time, so I'm thinking a tow bar and rack's the best bet for just getting my own bike about. We've also got a couple of small trailers which may be adaptable. Can get a complete tow bar kit for £70 off eBay and am happy to fit it.

Looking at the Dave Cooper rack, and I realise you can use a 'swan neck' type tow bar/ball.

So has anyone used a focus or got any thoughts/advice?

Cheers

[leggins]

Hi Ive had a Dave cooper rack on my 54 plate Focus for the last four years. My bike not only sits well against my car but also doesnt obstruct the lights. I bought the towbar off the net and fitted it myself in a hour. I have the ball type. I regularly travel long distances with my bike and have never had any problems. hope this helps,

[scramblebike]

leggins, on 20 June 2011 - 08:17 PM, said:

Hi Ive had a Dave cooper rack on my 54 plate Focus for the last four years. My bike not only sits well against my car but also doesnt obstruct the lights. I bought the towbar off the net and fitted it myself in a hour. I have the ball type. I regularly travel long distances with my bike and have never had any problems. hope this helps,

Hi did you have to uprate rear suspension or fit bump stops to rear coils on springs of car ?

[Monty_Jon]

scramblebike, on 20 June 2011 - 09:08 PM, said:

Hi did you have to uprate rear suspension or fit bump stops to rear coils on springs of car ?

You hardly notice its there, its only like having a couple of bags of sand in the boot

[250Yam]

I guess it also depends how far you're going to travel with it, in my case probably not far, and we've got van/trailers anyway. Recently had new rear shockers anyway so that should help in my case.

[Rouleur]

I've got a DC rack on my 04-plate Focus and I find that it works perfectly, although I use a light board as I'm paranoid about the police being awkward about how visible the lights are, and you need a separate number plate anyway.

[250Yam]

If I go to the trouble of putting a tow bar on I may aswell put the lighting socket on, have got a little trailer to modify anway. Better to be safe than sorry.