I posted some time ago I was leaning towards the Ford Focus. Since then we have been trying to find one we could tow. We thought we finally found one and before I purchased it I made sure to double check the owners manual. I was extremely upset to find out that am e 1.0 Ecoboost engine could not be towed 4 down. The manual clearly states under the Towing section "Your vehicle is not approved for recreational pulling with all 4 wheels on the ground". I have been using the Dinghy Guide and the Ford RV Trailer and Towing guide, both say "all" models can be towed other than the Electric and ST models. It seems that is not the case. Unfortunately all the vehicles available in the area only have the Ecoboost engine, or are the sports models. I have only found one Titanium within 100 miles of here, this model seems to be the only one with the 2.0 liter engine.Now I have to wait for the 2017 models to be on the lot, I am not going to order until I see in writing it can be towed. The manuals aren't available on the internet, and the sales people aren't real informative.

I think you will find 2014 was the last year the Focus was towable with all 4 down. That is why we bought a used one. I doubt any newer models other than maybe manuals will be since they changed the driveline. We got caught in the same trap. The 2015 Honda CR-V that we had was not towable but the 2014 was. The new continuously variable transmissions are the problem.

We tow a 2015 Ford Focus Titanium 4 down with the 2.0L engine. The transmission functions like an automatic but it is actually a manual transmission that is controlled by electronic clutches. It has a keyless ignition system. To tow I (1) push the ignition button, (2)push the brake peddle and (3) shift the transmission selector to Neutral, the display tells me the transmission is ready, (4) push the ignition button again. The last step is to (5) disconnect the negative battery cable. I put a battery switch on the negative cable to make the disconnect easy.

the2sharps wrote:We tow a 2015 Ford Focus Titanium 4 down with the 2.0L engine. The transmission functions like an automatic but it is actually a manual transmission that is controlled by electronic clutches. It has a keyless ignition system. To tow I (1) push the ignition button, (2)push the brake peddle and (3) shift the transmission selector to Neutral, the display tells me the transmission is ready, (4) push the ignition button again. The last step is to (5) disconnect the negative battery cable. I put a battery switch on the negative cable to make the disconnect easy.Wow, I stand corrected! I remember now, we just did not want to spend the $$ and we were told by the dealer that 2014 was it and so I never looked into it any further. I do know about the Honda though. Too bad, year by year fewer choices are available.

My husband is worried about putting a disconnect cable on the battery because of warranty. he is afraid it will void the warranty.

bayoubelle wrote:My husband is worried about putting a disconnect cable on the battery because of warranty. he is afraid it will void the warranty.When we bought ours the dealer installed a battery disconnect as part of the sale. We are still in the factory warranty period and the dealer just recently changed major transmission parts at no cost to us, all paid by Ford.

2016 Ford Focus | Good Sam Community

carringb
Explorer
Nov 08, 2016
Fifty4F100 wrote:
I don't remember where I heard the Focus had a CVT, but driving one your answer makes sense. I did feel shifts that I didn't think I would feel with a CVT. Our Smart has this kind of transmission. The Smart feels more like the car is driving a manual than the Focus. But I've read about some problems with the Focus shuttering with this transmission.

The Smart has an automated-single-clutch transmission. The Dual Clutch transmission eliminates the power lag by "swapping" gear shafts by engaging one clutch as the other disengages. Sometimes, it can shudder when the computer doesn't get the timing just right. Also, if the transmission has been abused, clutch chatter can happen. "Abuse" includes using the transmission to hold back the car on a hill, or riding the brakes a bunch when creeping. This is all ok for a toque converter transmission, but just like a standard manual, it creates extra heat. Part of the problem is the programmers allowing that behavior to make it feel more like a regular torque converter auto. But drive it like its meant to be (decisively) and its actually really nice. It doesn't rob power like a regular auto, and shifts are very quick.

PS - The automatic behind the 1.0L turbo motor is a regular torque-converter automatic, and Ford did not include flat-towing provisions for that combo.
Fifty4F100
Explorer
Nov 08, 2016
I don't remember where I heard the Focus had a CVT, but driving one your answer makes sense. I did feel shifts that I didn't think I would feel with a CVT. Our Smart has this kind of transmission. The Smart feels more like the car is driving a manual than the Focus. But I've read about some problems with the Focus shuttering with this transmission.
Snowman9000
Explorer
Nov 08, 2016
It's not a CVT, it's a manual trans that is clutched and shifted electronically.

bayoubelle, there is a must-read thread in the dinghy forum at IRV2.com about the battery disconnect for the Focus. In the thread there are a couple of good ways shown to make it easy and foolproof. Read it to the end, because some of the early posts show solutions that aren't good. No, it won't void the warranty.

When you see how hard it is to disconnect the negative at the battery post, you'll know why people add paraphernalia to make it easier.
Fifty4F100
Explorer
Nov 03, 2016
I've read where a lot of the Focus' with the CVT (can be towed) that have a lot of shuttering trouble. Anyone have this?
georgelesley
Explorer
Sep 22, 2016
bayoubelle wrote:
I hope the transmission issue wasn't related to towing it. But good to know, I will see if the dealer will do that for us. That makes us feel much better about adding the easy disconnect.

No, without getting too technical, it was the clutch pack. These "automatic" transmissions are actually manual clutch trannies with a computer actually doing the shifting for you. You need to know this because it has been a huge problem for Ford because people do not allow the clutch plates to "wear in" by driving gently the first 1000 miles. Ours was a rental car and obviously the users did not care how they drove it

Ford fixed ours and they are fixing many even out of warranty. Don't misunderstand, we now love the car and it is now our only car. Just be gentle with it when it is new and you will be fine. Good luck!
bayoubelle
Explorer
Sep 22, 2016
I hope the transmission issue wasn't related to towing it. But good to know, I will see if the dealer will do that for us. That makes us feel much better about adding the easy disconnect.
georgelesley
Explorer
Sep 22, 2016
bayoubelle wrote:
My husband is worried about putting a disconnect cable on the battery because of warranty. he is afraid it will void the warranty.

When we bought ours the dealer installed a battery disconnect as part of the sale. We are still in the factory warranty period and the dealer just recently changed major transmission parts at no cost to us, all paid by Ford.
bayoubelle
Explorer
Sep 22, 2016
My husband is worried about putting a disconnect cable on the battery because of warranty. he is afraid it will void the warranty.
georgelesley
Explorer
Sep 22, 2016
the2sharps wrote:
We tow a 2015 Ford Focus Titanium 4 down with the 2.0L engine. The transmission functions like an automatic but it is actually a manual transmission that is controlled by electronic clutches. It has a keyless ignition system. To tow I (1) push the ignition button, (2)push the brake peddle and (3) shift the transmission selector to Neutral, the display tells me the transmission is ready, (4) push the ignition button again. The last step is to (5) disconnect the negative battery cable. I put a battery switch on the negative cable to make the disconnect easy.

Wow, I stand corrected! I remember now, we just did not want to spend the $$ and we were told by the dealer that 2014 was it and so I never looked into it any further. I do know about the Honda though. Too bad, year by year fewer choices are available.
the2sharps
Explorer
Sep 22, 2016
We tow a 2015 Ford Focus Titanium 4 down with the 2.0L engine. The transmission functions like an automatic but it is actually a manual transmission that is controlled by electronic clutches. It has a keyless ignition system. To tow I (1) push the ignition button, (2)push the brake peddle and (3) shift the transmission selector to Neutral, the display tells me the transmission is ready, (4) push the ignition button again. The last step is to (5) disconnect the negative battery cable. I put a battery switch on the negative cable to make the disconnect easy.

Forum Discussion

2016 Ford Focus

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

2016 F450

Who's Towing a 2016 Ford Escape

2016 Ford F-53 Steering stabilizer

2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab LWB Dually 6.7 Mileage

2011 thru 2016 Ford F250/F350 SRW Spring Rates