Recommendations When Flat-Towing 2014 Ford Focus With Automatic Transmission

Question

Question:

The focus owners manual states that to flat tow the negative cable must be removed from the battery. Are all the recomended tow-related parts powered indipendently, thus not needing the focus battery? \\

asked by: Steve S

0

Expert Reply:

There are 5 main items you need when you are planning on flat-towing your 2014 Ford Focus. You will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting on the vehicle, and most states now require supplemental brake systems.

For your Focus I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plates, part # RM-524430-5. When you are not towing your Focus and you remove the front arms, the system is nearly invisible.

The tow bar I recommend is the RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. This tow bar has a 6,000 lb towing capacity.

The safety cables I recommend are the RoadMaster Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, part # Rm-643. These cable feature a spring hook on one end and a quick-link on the other.

For lighting I recommend the Optronics Tow Light Kit, part # TLL21RK. These bypass your Focus wiring and have magnetic bases that hold firmly to any metal surface.

Another wiring option you may want to take a look at is the Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring, part # RM-155. This lets you bypass your vehicle wiring, and uses plugs and sockets inside the tail lights.

The supplemental brake system I recommend for your Focus is the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, part # RM-9400. The supplemental brake system does require a 12 volt power source. Since you have to disconnect your battery per the owner's manual, you will have to use a couple of items that will run off the battery when it is disconnected. I recommend part # RM-9332. You would connect this to the battery, and this will give you the 12 volt power needed for the supplemental brake system.

I also recommend part # DW05312. This is a battery disconnect that attaches to the battery post. You can connect this to the positive post on the battery and it will cut off the power to the vehicle while it is being towed.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.

I have attached several helpful articles and videos you can check out that will explain flat-towing.