Flat Towing Package for 2016-2018 Ford Focus With Adaptive Cruise Control  

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The parts to flat tow a 2016-2018 Ford Focus with adaptive cruise control are different than the parts needed to flat tow a 2016-2018 Ford Focus without adaptive cruise control. To flat tow a 2016-2018 Ford Focus with adaptive cruise control you'll need a base plate, a tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, supplemental braking system and possibly a high low adapter to tow level.

For the base plate I recommend Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX2663 because of its removable bracket arms which gives it a nice clean look once installed. I have attached an installation video of the Blue Ox Base Plate on a 2018 Ford Focus for your reference.

Next is the tow bar, I recommend Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar part # BX7420 because of its non-binding and self-aligning arm design. Often times tension can build up in the bars while flat towing which makes it difficult to take the pin out to unhook the tow vehicle but this tow bar is designed with latches that release the tension to avoid binding. The arms also move independently to make hooking up the Focus much easier even if the towing setup is not perfectly level. The self-aligning feature allows the arms to automatically lock in place when you drive the motor home forward for a fast and easy setup. This tow bar also comes with safety cables so there is no need to worry about purchasing them separately.

You may also consider the Blue Ox KarGard Towed Vehicle Protector part # BX8870 which attaches to the Blue Ox Acclaim tow bar to protect your Ford Focus from flying debris and rock chips.

I recommend Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil wiring kit part # RM-15267 for the tow bar wiring because it provides you with a 6-way plug at the front of the Ford Focus and a coiled cord that connects the Focus to the motor home's 7-way plug for a nice clean install. This kit allows the Focus to accept the motor home's tail, brake, and turn signals while flat towing. I have attached an installation video on a 2018 Ford Focus for your reference.

Almost all states require a supplemental braking system in the Focus so that the tow vehicle's brakes activate when the motor home's brakes are activated. I recommend the Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251 because once installed it requires the least maintenance. The system is designed with a small actuating air cylinder that depresses the brake pedal when activated by the main unit under the vehicle's hood. The cylinder stays attached to the brake pedal and out of the way when it's time to drive the Focus once you reach your destination. It is an install it and forget it braking system compared to the other recurring portable brake in a box options that sit on the floor board that need to be removed when it's time to drive the tow vehicle. There is an installation video attached on a 2017 Ford Focus. You will also need a stop light switch kit part # RM-751454 to monitor when the motor home is activating the Ford's brakes.

If you happen to have air brakes in the motor home you'll need the Demco Air Force One Supplemental Braking System part # SM99243 which is designed for air brakes.

If the 2016-2018 Ford Focus with adaptive cruise control has an automatic transmission disconnecting the positive side of the Ford's battery is required to avoid draining the battery during flat tow. I recommend to add the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System part # RM-766 so you can easily disconnect the battery with the flip of a switch. I have attached an installation video for this part as well.

Finally you may need a high low adapter to tow the vehicle level with the motor home. In order to know how much rise or drop it will require to tow level some measuring is required. I have attached a helpful article that helps you figure out which high low adapter may be needed and our selection of high low adapters.

expert reply by: Heather A

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