Recommendation for a Class I Ford Focus to Transport a Mobility Scooter on a Cargo Carrier

Question:

I just bought a 2012 ford focus se 4 dr sedan. I also just found out that it will only accept a class 1 hitch. I need to attach a handicap scooter carrier with scooter. the carrier is made to use with a class 3 hitch. the total wgt of the carrier is 71 lbs and the scooter without the batteries, which I can remove is 125 lbs. Do you think it would be safe to install the class 1 hitch on the car and then use the class 3 conversion receiver?

asked by: Julie A

Expert Reply:

You are correct that your 2012 Ford Focus sedan will only support a Class I hitch. However, I cannot recommend that you use your existing cargo carrier, that is designed to be used with a Class III hitch, in a Class I hitch receiver, for both compatibility and safety reasons.

Many hitch manufacturers have modified the receiver portion of a Class I hitch to make it only compatible with Class I accessories. A stopper is installed in the Class 1 hitch, this shortens the length of a the receiver tube, and prevents the use of higher rated accessories being used in a Class I hitch.

Another reason, and as you have indicated, you would need to use a conversion receiver, or an adapter. All Class I hitches have 1-1/4 inch receivers. Your Class III cargo carrier most likely fits into 2 inch receivers. It is possible that using an adapter will not fit due to the possible length restriction on a Class I rated hitch.

Additionally, using adapters (with the exception of a reducer sleeve), will reduce the tongue weight capacity by 50 percent. For example if your tongue weight of the hitch is rated for 200 pounds, and you choose to use an adapter, then the tongue weight is reduced to 100 pounds. With that as a consideration the weight of the scooter alone would exceed the weight limit of the carrier if used with an adapter.

For your 2012 Ford Focus I recommend the Curt # C11158 hitch. Please note that since this is a Class I hitch, a manufacturer-recommended drawbar or ball mount should be used. For this hitch the ball mount is # 3593, and the correct size shank diameter ball for this ball mount is either the 1-7/ inch diameter ball, # 19256, or the 2 inch diameter ball # 19258,

The hitch that you referenced is designed to fit the 2007- 2012 Nissan Sentra, and is not intended to fit your 2012 Ford Focus.

I have checked and we do not have a Class I compatible cargo carrier that has a ramp that you could use for your mobility scooter. However you could use a small trailer.

I have included links to the parts listed above for your reference, several videos, and a couple of helpful articles for your reference.