250yam Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_jon Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 (edited) 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 June 20, 2011 by Monty_Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telecat Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
250yam Posted June 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 (edited) 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 June 20, 2011 by 250Yam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnybmac Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 Afaik kliponoff do a swan neck rack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leggins Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leggins Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 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, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scramblebike Posted June 20, 2011 Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 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 ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_jon Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
250yam Posted June 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rouleur Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
250yam Posted June 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.