Ford Focus as a dinghy

Thank you. Yes, the quotes from an RV shop are rather high for a base plate install job. But I wasn't sure how do-able it was.

RedRollingRoadblock wrote:
I have a 2015 Focus SE with auto transmission that I did my own Blue Ox base plate which I got of Amazon Warehouse Deals. I was going to go with Demco but BO had better, clearer instructions. It was a job but I took my time. I ran it up on blocks to make it a little easier to work on it. Taking the front end off was simple. The baseplate mounting was a little difficult getting lined up with the mounting holes but I think it was tweaked some. Most difficult part was drilling the frame and fishing the nuts onto the mounting bolts. DW helped with that part.


Made up a battery disconnect switch on the negative post so it is just a matter of flipping it and boogie.

I've got a 2014 Focus SE, went with the Blue Ox baseplate also. As said above, the hardest part was drilling though the bumper/frame. Everything else was simple. My 14 year old daughter helped the few times I needed a second set of hands.

It took me about a day and a half, about 14 hours altogether. A local RV shop quoted 8 hours at $180 / hour to do the job.

I have a 2015 Focus SE with auto transmission that I did my own Blue Ox base plate which I got of Amazon Warehouse Deals. I was going to go with Demco but BO had better, clearer instructions. It was a job but I took my time. I ran it up on blocks to make it a little easier to work on it. Taking the front end off was simple. The baseplate mounting was a little difficult getting lined up with the mounting holes but I think it was tweaked some. Most difficult part was drilling the frame and fishing the nuts onto the mounting bolts. DW helped with that part.

I used the ReadyBrute Elite tow bar http://www.readybrake.com/store/p4/ReadyBrute%E2%84%A2_Elite_RV_Tow_Bar.html with ReadyStop Breakaway Kit http://www.readybrake.com/store/p5/ReadyStop%E2%84%A2_Towed_Vehicle_Emergency_Break_Away_Kit.html and an happy with it. The install of the brake cables was time consuming while laying on my back with the car sitting on blocks. Couple of trial and errors but all is fine.

Made up a battery disconnect switch on the negative post so it is just a matter of flipping it and boogie.

For a 2012, be sure to go to a dealer to get re-flashed to add the Neutral indicator. Early Focci didn't have this, and if you turn off the ignition before the Neutral sequence is complete, it grenades the transmission. The is because Park is really just engaging two different gear ratios at the same time, causing the output shaft to bind and hold the car. It doesn't have a traditional Park Pawl, and the clutches need time to fully disengage.

Both the manual trans and auto trans can be flat towed 4 down. Look at your owners manual Pg256 for instructions.

As per the Remco Towing Products website:

2012 Ford Focus ALL FWD I4 2.0L cyl 6-Speed Automatic MPS6(6DCT450)


Notes
•Towable as is with speed and/or distance restrictions. Please see Owner's Manual for confirmation and procedures.
•It is not recommended to tow this vehicle over 70MPH
•Follow prescribed towing procedures outlined in your Owner's Manual.
•On vehicles equipped with auto transmission, remove the black negative cable from the battery before towing. After towing, start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnection. Follow procedures in your owner's manual

If it's a standard like my SE, you can flat tow but I don't think the autoshift can be. Need to check with Ford on that.