Recommendations For Flat-Towing A 2014 Ford Focus With Manual Transmission
Question:
If it is a standard transmission does the battery have to be disconnected?
asked by: A. A
Expert Reply:
I did some research and according to the owner's manual for your 2014 Ford Focus, it appears you do not have to disconnect the battery when towing if it has a manual transmission. The only reference I was able to find said to release the parking brake, and place the vehicle in neutral. It also states not to tow above 70 mph.
There are 5 items you need when considering flat-towing your Focus. You need base plates, a tow bar, safety chains, wiring to provide lights for your towed vehicle, and most states now require a supplemental brake system. I have attached a link to a helpful article about flat-towing you can check out.
If your Focus is an ST model, or has the Adaptive Cruise Control installed on the front of the vehicle, we do not have any base plates that will work.
If you do not have an ST model and do not have the Adaptive Cruise Control, the base plates I recommend are the Roadmaster Base Plates, part # RM-524430-5.
The tow bar I recommend is the RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520.
The safety cables I recommend are part # RM-643.
For wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring, part # RM-155.
For a supplemental brake system I recommend the Roadmaster Tow Bar Braking System, part # RM-9400.
You will also need part # RM-751454. This kit allows your RV's monitoring system to alert you whenever the brake pedal of your towed car is being applied,and wires directly into the vehicle fuse box. An additional item needed is the 12-volt outlet kit, part # RM-9332.
When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. this keeps dirt and moisture out of the connections and helps prevent corrosion.
I have attached some links to videos and helpful articles that explains flat-towing and the components needed you can check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
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 Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit - Ford
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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on Tow Bar
