Does SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Braking Install Different On 2013 Ford Focus with Battery Disconnected

Question:

Ford requires the negative battery cable to be disconnected for tow bar towing. Are there any modifications needed for the SMI duo to function?

asked by: Richard P

Expert Reply:

You would still install the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 the same way on your 2013 Ford Focus with the battery disconnected. I have included a link to the installation details for you. I have linked a video for showing an example installation on another Ford vehicle that has to have the battery disconnected to flat tow.

To provide a maintenance charge to the Focus battery while towing I recommend running a wire from the positive battery terminal to the 12 volt pin in the vehicle side connector of kit # BX88206. Where the wires attach in the back the 12 volt circuit is in the 11 o'clock position.

To keep a maintenance charge on the battery I recommend using a harness such as # BX88206 with the tow bar wiring you will be using so that you can run a wire from the connector at the front of the truck to the vehicle battery.

There are a couple of ways to do this. First, you can tap into the running light circuit in the tow bar wiring but to provide power to the battery the RV running lights would have to be on all the time. Or if the connector at the back of the RV has a working 12 volt circuit you could use that circuit instead.

Which ever way you choose you would just attach the wire to the appropriate corresponding pin at the back of the connector that will be at the front of the truck and the other end of that wire will go to the positive battery terminal.