Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2012 Ford Focus Behind a Motor Home
Question:
what do I need to tow my 2012 ford focus behind my motorhome using roadmaster towbar
asked by: Ron
Expert Reply:
There are 5 components needed to flat tow your 2012 Ford Focus and those are a tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, tow bar wiring and a supplemental braking system.
The base plate for your vehicle is the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit, # RM-524430-5. You will also need safety cables, # RM-645, as they are required by law when flat towing a vehicle. You should not have a problem, but check your tow bar and make sure it is compatible with EZ5 style base plates. If it is not compatible, then I would recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, # RM-520.
We have two options for wiring/lights. You can use a diode wiring kit like part # RM-154. This kit wires diodes into your existing wiring in your vehicle and will use the vehicle lights when towing. I have added a link to a video of this kit being installed on a 2006 Jeep Liberty below. You could also use the tail light wiring kit with bulbs, # RM-155. This will require you to drill into your tail light assembly on your vehicle to install the bulb socket.
If you do not feel comfortable with wiring or do not want to splice into the wiring on your vehicle, you can use a temporary light system like part # RM-2120.
You will also want to check with the laws in your state regarding a supplemental braking systems. Some states require a supplemental braking system when flat towing vehicles. I would recommend the Roadmaster InvisiBrake, # RM-8700. I have attached a help article and demonstration videos for you to check out.
Finally you should check your owners manual as there are specific steps that must be taken with your specific vehicle to flat tow safely.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - 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
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 64" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables - 8,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Straight Cables
- 64 Inch Long
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Q&A: Does a 2012 Ford Focus Need to be Placed Into Neutral for Flat Towing
- Shop: Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Shop: Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Q&A: Which Models of a 2017 Ford Edge are Flat Towable
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Replacement 5 Leaf Slipper Spring for a Tandem Axle Dump Trailer with Two 6K Axles
- Search Results: 44649
- Video: Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring - Splices into Vehicle Wiring - RM-15267 Review
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 68149
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Video: Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimit
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: base plates
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 25580