Flat Towing Accessories for 2001 Ford Focus

Question:

what do I need to have it towed behind my RV class A MH I bought a tow dolly to tow..its cumbersome and alot of work just attaching or rigging it up for travel.

asked by: Pu

Expert Reply:

In my research, I found that manual transmission-equipped Focus models are capable of being flat towed without modification. I was not able to find any information about automatic transmission models, however.

If your Focus has an automatic transmission, please check with your owners manual or with Ford for more information.

If you should confirm that your vehicle is indeed capable of being flat towed, you will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring solution so that the taillights of the Focus operate in tandem with those of your motor home and in most states, a supplemental braking system.

The Roadmaster Base Plate Kit, part # 52491-1 would provide an attachment point between the vehicle and the tow bar. The base plate kit features removable draw bars that can be detached from the vehicle when they are not needed.

I would not recommend the Tow Ready Tow Bar you mentioned, part # 63180 because the tow bar is only rated for speeds up to but NOT exceeding 45 mph. The non-adjustable arms of the tow bar can also make hitching the vehicle to the motorhome a chore, as the vehicle will need to be lined up at the perfect distance and angle to the motorhome before the tow bar could be attached. A towbar with telescoping arms like the Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520 would be much easier to use and would make flat towing a much more pleasant experience. I would also recommend the # RM-645 safety cables.

There are several different alternatives available to wire your Focus for flat towing. Take a look at the FAQ article I have linked to, which lists and explains the various options and their advantages and disadvantages.

The Roadmaster Even Brake, part # RM-9400 is a popular braking system. It can be easily installed and removed, and its wireless operation makes it very convenient. I will also link you to a Supplemental Braking FAQ article.

Once again, I would strongly urge you to confirm that your particular model Focus is capable of being flat towed.