Base Plate Kit, Safety Cables, and Light Kit Needed to Flat Tow a 2005 Ford Focus  

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In order to use any tow bar, you will need to install a base plate kit. The kit for your 2005 Ford Focus with manual transmission is the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, # 52491-3. To use the Tow Ready Adjustable Tow Bar, # 63180, you will need an adapter; Roadmaster Base Plate to Tow Ready Tow Bar Adapter, # RM-025. This tow bar is rated for towing speeds of 45 miles per hour or less. Also, since the recommended base plate kit is an EZ removable type, if you want to be able to remove the the base plates, you will need Quick-Disconnects # RM-201.

There are a few more items you will need in order to safely flat tow your Focus. First, you will need safety cables, like RoadMaster 68 inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643, as required by law. These cables will keep the vehicle attached to the tow vehicle in the event the coupler becomes detached from the ball.

You will also need a light kit as required by law. There are two options for light kits. First, is the temporary, Magnetic Towing Light Kit, # RM-2120, if you do not plan on towing the Focus that often. If you do plan on doing a lot of towing, use Tail Light Isolating Diode System with Wiring Harness, # 38955. I have included two videos showing an installation and demonstration of this kit.

The last part you will need is information: You will need to check with the manufacturer for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your vehicle because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed. The information I have at this time is that the 2005 Ford Focus with automatic transmission must be towed with a tow dolly or on a trailer and cannot be flat towed.

expert reply by: Michael H

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