Best Flat Towing Setup For a 2019 Ford Focus SE Hatchback Manual

Question

Question:

I have a 2018 Ford Focus hatchback SE manual what is the best flat towing setup

asked by: Nathan

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Expert Reply:

To flat tow your 2018 Ford Focus you will need, a base plate, tow bar, tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, safety cables, and possibly a high low adapter.

The best plate for the 2018 Ford Focus Hatchback SE is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX2663 which has removable bracket arms for a discreet, clean look. I have attached an installation video of the base plate for your reference. For the tow bar, I recommend the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar part # BX7420 which is a non-binding design which makes hooking and unhooking the Ford from the motor home much easier. Most tow bars will not release the tension build up unless the setup is aligned perfectly. The Avail allows you to hook up and unhook at an angle if you need to. The Avail also comes with the safety cables so you don't need to worry about purchasing them separately.

The best tow bar wiring for the Ford Focus SE is the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil part # RM-15267 which will give you a 6-way plug on the front of the Focus and includes a 6 to 7-way flexible coiled cord that connects the Ford to the motor home for a clean install. This will allow the vehicle's lights to illuminate when the motor home lights are activated. I have attached an installation video of the wiring on a Ford Focus for your reference.

Almost all states require a supplemental braking system now, the best option is the Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO braking system part # SM99251 which features a small air cylinder that attaches the brake pedal in the Ford Focus and depresses the pedal when the motor home brakes are activated. The Stay-IN-Play is an install it and forget it braking system compared to the other recurring braking setups that require removal from the Ford every time you want to drive it. For that reason the Stay-IN-Play is much more convenient once installed. If your motor home happens to have air brakes you will need the Air Force One part # SM99243 which is the same setup but for air brakes. You will also need a brake-lite relay part # RM-88400 to prevent the Ford's brake signal from overriding your motor home's signal. The automatic transmission models do not need the brake light relay.

Finally you may need a high low adapter like part # RM-076 to the tow the Ford Focus level with the motor home. I have attached a helpful article that explains how to figure out how much rise or drop you may need to tow level along with the selection of high low adapters that we have available.

expert reply by: Heather A

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Answer 1

Yes, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, #BX2663, a confirmed fit for your 2017 Ford Focus, will work with the Ascent Tow Bar #BX4370. For wiring your indicator lights, I suggest the diode kit, #RM-15267. This will splice into your taillight wiring to…

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Answer 2

The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms, #BX2663, is vehicle specific to make and model; this base plate kit is for the Ford Focus. Please consult your vehicle specific owners manual for concerns with flat towing this vehicle, and note concerns…

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars are great options. But if it was my decision to make I would go with the Blue Ox Avail part #BX7420 as we have found that the Blue Ox tow bars are a little easier to connect and disconnect from. Also this…

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

I would be happy to confirm the parts you referenced fit your 2019 Chevy Colorado and are compatible together. I have listed them below, along with any changes, and attached installation videos. Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar…

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Answer 7

Hey Michael, The Falcon 5250 has direct-connect attachment points that hook onto a crossbar, if you remove the crossbar adapter then you'll be able to go with a direct-connect baseplate like the #RM77ZR (models with tow hooks) or #RM76RR (models…

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Answer 8

Yes, your 2017 Chevrolet Equinox FWD can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. Do understand that you will need to run your Equinox for 5 minutes every time you stop for gas to properly lubricate your transmission and before towing. A better…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

Gladly! The difference between the Blue Ox Patriot 3 Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System BRK2019 and the Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System #BLU37TR is that the Blue Ox Patriot 3 RBRK2019 is older, no longer available, and…

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Answer 11

The instructions for the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit #DM77YV are being added to page but I'll also send them to you separately. In the instructions they only show that the air dam needs a chunk cut out and that the shutters would remain. The…

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Answer 12

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