Ford Focus III estate (C346) with a Menabo Viper tailgate bike rack for 3 bikes

On a Ford Focus III (C346) estate we fitted the Menabo Viper rack, which is fixed to the tailgate with 6 straps and carries up to 3 bikes. The fitting was done in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Ford Focus III estate (C346)

The Ford Focus III, code C346, was sold in Europe in model years 2011-2018, and production for the European market began in December 2010 in Saarlouis, Germany, on the Ford global C-car platform. The 4-door saloon and 5-door hatchback were shown first, and the 5-door estate was presented a month later at the Geneva Motor Show. In 2014, also in Geneva, the Mk 3.5 facelift arrived, with slimmer headlights and a new trapezoidal grille. For the car in this post we cannot say for certain whether it is before or after the facelift.

On an estate, a tailgate rack is a practical choice: the Viper rests on the tailgate and is held by straps, without you needing roof bars or a towbar. Of all the types of racks, tailgate racks are the ones where bikes are easiest to load and unload. As with any tailgate rack, exact compatibility with the estate version is checked in the Menabo list on the product page.

What we fitted on this Ford Focus III estate

The Menabo Viper bike rack is made of steel, in black, and carries 3 bikes at the same time, with a maximum load of 45 kg. It is fixed to the tailgate with 6 dedicated straps, attached at 6 points, and the surfaces that touch the car are covered with rubber and a rubberised coating, so that they do not scratch the bodywork. The bikes are held by the frame with clamps, whatever the frame diameter.

The Viper is tested and certified to ISO standards, folds when not in use and comes in a package of 60 x 13 x 100 cm. It is compatible with fat bikes but not with e-bikes, and it has no lock for the rack or for the bikes. We have set out the differences between a tailgate rack and a roof rack in the guide roof-mounted bike rack versus rear-mounted rack.

Technical details and what to watch for

• The maximum load of the Menabo Viper is 45 kg for all 3 bikes: three bikes of 14 kg add up to 42 kg, under the limit; going over it can damage the tailgate or the rack.
• The bikes touch each other on the Viper; frame protectors help to prevent scratches.
• On an estate, the bikes on the tailgate must leave the number plate and rear lights visible; check this after loading them.
• Before fitting, clean the tailgate and, after tightening the 6 straps, check that the rack does not move.
• On the product page you will find the Menabo Viper fitting instructions, the specifications and the list of compatible cars, as PDFs.

Instructions and documents

• Menabo compatibility list for bike racks (PDF)
• Fitting instructions - Menabo Viper (PDF)
• Specifications - Menabo Viper (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Which tailgate bike rack fits the Ford Focus 3 estate?

On the Ford Focus III (C346) estate we fitted the Menabo Viper tailgate rack, which is held by 6 straps and carries 3 bikes, with a maximum of 45 kg. It does not need roof bars or a towbar. The exact car model is checked in the Menabo compatibility list on the product page.

How much weight does the Menabo Viper rack carry?

The Menabo Viper carries a maximum of 45 kg, shared among the 3 bikes it can carry at once. Three bikes of 14 kg, for example, add up to 42 kg and stay under the limit.

Can I carry a fat bike on the Menabo Viper?

Yes, the Menabo Viper tailgate rack is compatible with fat bikes, but not with e-bikes. The limit stays at 45 kg for all the bikes. You will find more about choosing a rack in the guide bike rack for fat bikes.

Are roof bars or a towbar needed for the Menabo Viper on a Ford Focus III estate?

No, the Menabo Viper fits directly on the tailgate of the Ford Focus III estate, with 6 straps, without roof bars and without a towbar. The fitting steps are explained in the guide fitting steps for tailgate-mounted bike racks.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

Do you have a Focus estate or another estate car and want to take your bikes with you without roof bars and without a towbar? Our shop is at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania, and we help you choose and fit the rack. See also tailgate bike racks or the whole range of bike racks, and you can reach us through contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Ford Focus (third generation), Wikipedia · Guide: roof-mounted bike rack versus rear-mounted bike rack · Guide: fitting steps for tailgate bike racks · Guide: fitting steps for tailgate-mounted bike racks · Guide: bike rack for fat bikes · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro