Base Plates and Other Equipment Needed to Tow 2012 Ford Focus Titanium Behind an RV
Question:
Need tow bar base plate. I have Falcon 2 hitch etc...just need base plate to attach to... 2012 Ford Focus Titanium nothing indicates SE, but I dont know if SE and Titanium have same frame, etc.. My vehicle does NoT have EcoBosst. My vehicle does NOT have adaptive cruise control, but it DOES have normal non-radar cruise control. Which product is correct baseplate model for my car? Thanks.
asked by: Darrell M
Expert Reply:
The Roadmaster # RM-524430-5 Base Plate Kit would work fine for your 2012 Focus Titanium model. The only fit exclusions are the ST model and models with the adaptive radar-based cruise control. Since your Focus is a Titanium with a regular mechanical-type cruise control, the base plate will work great for you.
To complete your Flat towing system, in addition to the Falcon 2 tow bar you already have, you'll need safety cables, a wiring solution for the vehicle, possibly a high-low adapter and a supplemental braking system.
The # RM-643 would be my recommendation for cables. The coiled design keeps the cables up off the ground so they aren't damaged.
For wiring the Focus, go with the Roadmaster Diode Kit, part # RM-15267. This provides the umbilical cable to connect the vehicle's wiring to the RV wiring, a 6 pin plug that installs at the front of the towed vehicle as well as the wire and the diodes that keep anything from feeding back into the RV wiring.
For safety, the tow bar connecting the RV and the Focus needs to be within 3 inches plus or minus of level. When the base plates are installed, they will be right at 17-1/2 inches above the ground (assuming your Focus is at stock ride height with stock sized tires). If the inside top of your receiver opening is between 14-1/2 and 20-1/2 inches above the ground, you won't need an adapter. If it's outside of that range to the high or low side, you'll need an adapter. I'll link you to the ones we offer and to an FAQ article that explains how to determine the height adapter you need.
Finally, you'll need a supplemental braking system. I really like the portable units like the Even Brake, part # RM-9400. The units don't require hours of expensive shop labor to install, they can be installed in just a few minutes. You'll also need an # RM-9332 outlet kit.
According to the owner's manual, your Focus is capable of being flat towed, but there is a very specific procedure that needs to be followed to avoid damaging the transmission, so please read and follow the instructions provided in the 'Recreational Towing' section of your owner's manual.
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 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 >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Wireless Monitoring - Proportional
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional
- Shop: Second Vehicle Kit for Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Q&A: Second Vehicle Kit Recommendation for the SMI Air Force One Braking System
- Q&A: Second Vehicle SMI Air Force One Brake Kit Recommendation for 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: base plates
- Search Results: air force one brake system
- Video: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit Installation - 2018 Ford Focus
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Video: Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring - Splices into Vehicle Wiring - RM-15267 Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: What is the Estimated Installation Time for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags on a 2006 Ford F-250
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Video: Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimit
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Replacement 5 Leaf Slipper Spring for a Tandem Axle Dump Trailer with Two 6K Axles
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
on Base Plates
