Towing a 2016 Ford Focus

[dramsey1]

Hi everybody, does anyone flat tow a 2016 Ford Focus automatic transmission with Blue OX equipment? I ask because I noticed the owners manual says to switch the ignition back to off before towing. This makes me wonder how the front tires of the vehicle turn to track the motorhome and how the brakes work? Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

[JimM68]

We also run a charge line on our umbilicle. It keeps our toad battery charged no matter what.

[aboeck3]

My RV dealer that installed my Blue Ox equipment also installed a power line that keeps the battery charged and does not require pulling fuses or disconnecting the battery.

[tropical36]

dramsey1 wrote:
I'll be sure to install the proper braking equipment. The motorhome brakes are rated to stop the motorhome at it's full GVW, but not it's GVW plus the weight of a towed vehicle. Thanks again.

Check out the READYBRAKE, if you already have tow bars and if not, the READYBRUTE/ELITE, which includes the tow bars and more. Both are made by NSA and the alum. tow bars are rated for 8K lbs.

[dramsey1]

I'll be sure to install the proper braking equipment. The motorhome brakes are rated to stop the motorhome at it's full GVW, but not it's GVW plus the weight of a towed vehicle. Thanks again.

[Dune_Hauler]

My 2016 tows just fine , remember to disconnect the negative completely, it has a power sensor on the end that needs to be disconnected from negative.

[Bill_Satellite]

The towed vehicle brakes will NOT function if you are towing unless you add a separate braking system. Just because you can tow it does not mean you can stop it! Be certain that you add all the required hardware to safely tow your vehicle.

[Triker33]

With the disconnect. How do you Maintain Computer Settings, Radio, Clock, etc., While Battery is Disconnected?

[dramsey1]

Thanks for the info. I think I saw a switch like that at Auto Zone. I'll see what I can find.

[kjburns]

We tow a 2014 Focus automatic. You do need to disconnect the negative cable. The easiest way is to install a disconnect switch. Ours has a rotary disconnect. Just pop the hood, rotate the knob and drop the hood. It takes a few seconds.

[dramsey1]

Great. Thank you all for your assistance. The manual says the Focus can be flat towed recreationally but I just wanted to hear from some experienced RV'ers. We're new to the RV lifestyle and this really helps.

[Kayteg1]

I think the lock off while key left in the ignition is safety requirement on all vehicles.
I often use the feature when working on front suspension.
Pay the attention as cars can have several key positions and even you might not notice in normal use, some position will leave convenience items on, what will drain the battery in some time.

[wolfe10]

On many new vehicles, as long as the key is in the ignition (even if turned to off), the steering is NOT locked.

If in doubt, test it. Hook it up and tow around a couple of corners (low speed) with someone in the toad in communication by cell phone. This in ADDITION to what the manual says.