Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback
Question:
Besides the baseplates and wiring what do u have t the car. I did install ford said turn key on put in nuetral unhook batt .is this right cause tranny went in100 k
asked by: Pete
Expert Reply:
In addition to the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-524443-5 that you referenced and the needed tail light wiring, for which I recommend the Roadmaster Diode Kit # RM-15267, you will need a tow bar, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system to flat tow your 2017 Ford Focus.
For the tow bar I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain # RM-522. This is an excellent tow bar that features a non-binding design for easy hookup even when you're on unlevel ground, extra long telescoping arms for better maneuverability on the road, and a self-aligning design that lets you simply hook up and drive forward to lock the arms into place. For safety cables the Roadmaster 6K # RM-643 will work perfectly.
For a supplemental braking system I highly recommend the Demco SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 if your RV has hydraulic brakes or the SMI Air Force One # SM99243 if it has air brakes. This is a proportional system that will activate the Focus' brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in the RV. After the initial installation this system allows for a completely clean setup that doesn't need to be removed or re-activated as you transition between towing and every day driving.
I have attached installation videos on the products mentioned that you can check out as well.
I did take a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2017 Ford Focus and it does state that the negative (black) cable needs to be disconnected from the battery before flat towing. This along with the other required steps are listed under the "Recreational Towing" section of the manual, which begins on page 184.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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