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Blogger East Brother's 2014 Ford Focus Electric with EcoHitch-mounted Kuat Sherpa bike rack

Over the past few months at Torklift Central, we have been extolling the virtues of hitch-mounted bike racks because they are the best option for the avid cyclist. Unlike their roof-mounted relatives, they eliminate lower back strain, reduce drag when on the road—simultaneously preserving gas mileage—and most importantly: minimize damage to your vehicle. Moreover, the right combination of trailer hitch and bike rack can even allow you access to your cargo area with minimal effort.

 

Thanks to our data-gathering friends at East-West Brothers Garage, we are happy to report that perhaps the best combination of hitch and rack for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric is our very own EcoHitch and Kuat’s Sherpa bicycle rack.

 

Kuat_Sherpa_Bike_Rack_Tilted_For_Rear_Hatch_Access

Kurt Sherpa bike rack tilted back for rear hatch access

The Kuat Sherpa only weighs a mere 29 pounds and is as solid as they come. Blogger “East Brother” of East-West Brothers Garage has stated that once properly anchored into place with the EcoHitch, the Sherpa is solid enough to make the car rock on its suspension when leverage is applied, giving him the confidence to mount “[his] carbon road bike on the rack.” The Kuat Sherpa also has a nifty tilting function that allows you to temporarily lean the rack back away from the Ford Focus Electric’s hatch to easily access the cargo area with no pinch-points. Once the hatch is closed, the Sherpa easily tilts back into place and locks securely. “Everything [on the Sherpa] moves with a fluidity that demonstrates the rack’s quality construction,” says East Brother.

 

When it comes to the EcoHitch, East Brother had this to say:

"I have the EcoHitch installed on my 2014 [Ford Focus Electric]. I use it for my hitch-mounted bike rack and the fitment is perfect... Looking at the hitch itself, the material quality seems to be excellent and a lot of care went into making sure that the paint on it was thick and well-hardened to prevent little nicks from exposing the bare metal. From what I could see of the welds, they were smooth and even, looking like very good quality work. Standing behind the car, the hitch is visible, but not so noticeable as to be distracting. From most angles, the hitch receiver is barely even noticeable and does not stick out beyond the plane of the rear edge of the bumper. Overall, I am extraordinarily pleased with the results and the added versatility."

 

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EcoHitch for 2012-2013 Ford Focus Electric - only receiver is visible

That’s because the EcoHitch for the 2012-2013 Ford Focus Electric is the best hidden hitch the industry has to offer. Not only does it boast a completely concealed design in which only the receiver is visible, but is easy to install with 100% bolt-on installation and no drilling whatsoever required. Torklift Central has also taken the time to ensure that EcoHitch is safe, which is why it was engineered to meet stringent national SAE J684 towing safety standards and designed to complement the aerodynamic contours and underbody airflow of your vehicle. Moreover, Ford Focus EcoHitch is rated for 200 pounds tongue weight and 2,000 pounds towing weight, which makes it perfect for hauling a bike rack. The receiver is available in 1 ¼ or 2-inch receivers depending on your needs.

 

Perhaps what is most unique about EcoHitch is that it’s made of eco-friendly recycled materials that includes a qualified combination of aerospace grade aluminum, stainless steel or steel.* Our hitches are not only lightweight, they are treated with high impact powder coat for extraordinary durability. Torklift Central also offers a lifetime warranty, free shipping within the lower 48 states, as well as the comfort of knowing the EcoHitch is proudly made in the U.S.A.

 

On a side note, you may have noticed that there is a slight discrepancy between the years that EcoHitch is officially compatible with the Ford Focus Electric and the year of East Brother’s Ford Focus Electric. But rather than bore you with a roundabout answer about whether or not the EcoHitch jives with the 2014 Focus, we’ll just let East Brother fill you in:

 

“I actually called the folks at Torklift Central and they were very honest that they were unsure because they had not actually physically had a 2014 in for them to test the fitment, but if the 2014 car was essentially the same as the two prior years, they were confident it would fit.”

 

With that being said, the EcoHitch fit like a glove on the 2014 model year just like the previous years. Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to your bicycle hauling needs. Snag yourself a Kuat Sherpa bike rack and then Get Out and Go your way with EcoHitch for Ford Focus Electric!

 

Buy now or contact us for more information:

 

Torklift Central
315 Central Ave N Kent, WA 98032
[email protected]
877-343-6933
www.torkliftcentral.com

*Depending on the application, the product can include a combination of up to three qualified materials

 

Written by Jake Holley
As a graduate from Western Washington University with a B.A. in Creative Writing, Jake Holley is an aspiring writer with a passion for language, philosophy and seeking out obscure films and literature. He is also an unabashed metal head and looks darn good in a suit.