Recommended Parts Needed For Flat-Towing 2012 Ford Focus With Automatic Transmission

Question:

I already have a tow bar. It is a Roadmaster Black Hawk rated to tow 8,000 lbs. I would like to use it to tow a 2012 Ford Focus with a automatic transmission. What base plate would you recommend and would I need to make any changes to the base plate to use my tow bar?

asked by: Michael H

Expert Reply:

The base plates I recommend for your 2012 Ford Focus are part # RM-524430-5. These are only able to be used on models that are NOT STs and that DO NOT have adaptive cruise control. Adaptive Cruise Control systems use a radar or laser sensor mounted in the front of vehicle that automatically adjusts cruise control to slow down when it detects a vehicle ahead and accelerate again to preset speed when traffic allows.

These feature the EZ Twistlock system that make the brackets nearly invisible when you are not towing. These are designed to work with all Roadmaster tow bars.

I am attaching some helpful articles about flat-towing you can check out.

If you are not familiar with flat-towing, some of the additional items you will need are safety cables, lighting for the towed vehicle, and most states now require a supplemental brake system.

The safety cables I recommend are the RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643.

For lighting, I recommend the Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring, part # RM-155. This lets you use your towed Ford Focus brake, running and signal lights without tapping into its wiring by bypassing the electrical system completely.

Since the battery has to be disconnected before towing, I recommend the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicles w/ Supplemental Braking Systems, part # RM-766.

The supplemental brake system I recommend is the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, part # RM-9400. This requires no splicing into the wiring and has a very simple installation.