Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Ford Focus  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The final authority on whether or not a vehicle can be flat-towed and if there is anything special that needs to be done is the vehicle's owners manual or manufacturer.

I did some checking and it looks like on your 2014 Ford Focus with a manual transmission you would be okay to flat-tow as long as you do not exceed 70 miles per hour. It is also recommended that you start the vehicle as often as possible to prevent battery drain.

There are several components needed to flat tow a vehicle, the first being a base plate kit. For that I recommend the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate kit # 524430-1 as long as your vehicle is not an ST model and does not have adaptive cruise control.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow the vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting you can use the bulb and socket kit, # RM-155, and not have to worry about cutting and splicing into the vehicle wiring.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake proportional system, # RM-9400, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the two vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing the vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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