[dubie7006]

Is anyone using a trunk mount bike rack with their FuSpo? I'm in the market for a new bike but don't want to do a roof rack or trailer hitch retrofit. I know the Ford accessories page doesn't list a trunk mount rack for the Fusion.

Any help is appreciated...recommendations, etc.

Thanks!

 

[lainsonj]

Hey there. I know you are interested in a trunk mounted rack, but I'd humbly suggest that you reconsider a hitch mount rack.

Curt has done a fantastic job with engineering a hitch. It is unobtrusive and tucked neatly under the bumper. You cannot see any of the supports, only the receiver. It also wasn't that expensive.

I'd call myself an avid cyclist and user of racks over the years. I've bought a number of trunk mount racks and, in the end, I've always ended up disappointed. They're okay for occasional use, but there's the risk of paint damage to the car, bike frame damage (with carbon bikes), theft and they're easy to overload (putting too much tension on the supporting straps and warping your car's sheet metal) - all of these things I experienced. Plus, you can't open your trunk with the rack on! Our car has the added complexity of the deck spoiler, which may interfere with the support straps on a trunk mount rack.

I went with the hitch and a 1upusa single bike rack and couldn't be happier. I can get in the trunk with the rack on - even if the rack is folded up, plus it looks a lot cleaner.

Of course, you know your use case better than anyone and I only offer my caution to you from my own past experiences.

I've attached a couple shots of the rack installed so you can see how unobtrusive it is (for a rack - LOL). Of course, my family is grown so, younger family, bigger rack!

Good luck in your search!!

 

[ergoman]

I agree with everything lainsonj said. Trunk mounted racks are POSs, and have all the problems described. The 1upusa is the mack-daddy rack to have, heads and tails above all others, but ain't cheap. But think of it as an investment, something you can take with you to your next vehicle. You can buy extra units to carry more bikes, but I think you're limited to two bikes with a 1.25 inch hitch. Another thing with hitch racks - at least get one that supports the bikes from the bottom (as the 1up) instead of hanging the bikes from the tubes. (Again, generally a more expensive option but worth it). If the bikes hang, they will invariably flop around even with multiple bungee cords, and full suspension MTBs and kids bikes may hang at somewhat extreme angles.


If you're a very casual cyclist and transport your bike at most once a month, then just about any cheap trunk rack will do. Otherwise, make an investment in your rack. Me? I also have a F150 with a Yakima hitch rack (Hold Up model) that carries two bikes, and I have a two bike extension I can add. I'm not about to get into my FuSpo after a three hour ride in Southeast humidity or after an MTB ride! If I ever get another rack it will be a 1up.

 

[dubie7006]

Yea this is going to be a once-a-week AT MAXIMUM thing. Basically a way to get my cruiser to the beach if I want it on any given weekend. Definitely wouldn't be keeping it on there every day. I'm not looking for something I can take hundreds of miles or anything. Noted the issues (contact, etc) but for me I really think a hitch is overkill. Feel free to try to persuade me further, though.
@lainsonj - not seeing any photos.

 

[lainsonj]

Apparently my picture-posting kung fu is not strong. LOL

They should be attached to this.

 

[ergoman]

Feel free to try to persuade me further, though.

Well, a hitch rack looks way classier than a trunk rack with six straps coming out in every direction, strap ends flapping around while your bike is mounted at a thirty degree angle. But those gains are minimized if you're carrying around a cruiser Do whatever works for you!