How to Power Electric Braking System When Ford Focus Battery is Disconnected

Question:

We have a Winnebago View 2016 with Mercedes Sprinter diesel. We’ve dinghy-towed our 2017 Ford Focus over a year and thousands of miles with no problems.... until this week. We were on I-40 near Amarillo about 15 miles down the road in rain when suddenly the tow car seized up. Everything was properly set- we are obsessive about our checklist. Battery disconnected with a metal toggle, transmission in neutral, tow brake set up, all connections solid. The Ford Dealer says the transmission must be replaced. It’s definitely shot. Ford says it’s not covered because the battery must be disconnected on the negative, not the positive terminal. Camping World installed our towing package and claims the battery is completely shut off the way they installed it. What can we do?

asked by: REBECCA D

Expert Reply:

Sorry to hear about your mishap. I cannot offer legal advice, and that is what you may need in addition to the transmission replacement, but it sounds like your installer would be the one with whom you need to have a "heart-to-heart chat".

We are familiar with this issue about the owner's manual saying one thing about battery disconnection for flat towing and the requirements for your specific flat tow setup, such as when using a 12V powered braking system like the Roadmaster Even Brake # RM-9400 that still needs power even when the battery is disconnected.

The solution we recommend is easy and inexpensive, a 12V accessory outlet kit # RM-9332 which wires directly to the (disconnected) battery to deliver operating power to the braking system. Wiring this to the battery allows following the Ford manual instructions "to the letter".

expert reply by: Adam R