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Does a Ford Focus (2014) do well as a dinghy toad?

susanka
Explorer
Explorer
We have a 1999 Fleetwood Southwind Storm, maximum towing ability 3500 pounds. We've found a Ford Focus that's about 2900. Have any of you folks anything to say about a Ford Focus as a toad? Our possibilities seem quite limited with this 3500-pound requirement. We are quite new to RV'ing.

Only other thing left to do seems to be to sell our MH and buy a new truck and fifth wheel, but that seems like a whole new can of worms and we're a bit daunted by the many possibilities.

Thanks for any help you can offer.
9 REPLIES 9

Bumpyroad
Explorer
Explorer
I guess my answer to the thread title is "No I wouldn't do it myself".
bumpy

littlemo
Explorer
Explorer
We have a focus but BEWARE we just got letter that warns our transmission WILL need replacing and they are extending warranty.

travelzoo
Explorer
Explorer
rjstractor wrote:
travelzoo wrote:
You will find the manual states to disconnect the negative battery terminal which is a pain. Much easier to disconnect the positive terminal. But that's not what the manual states.


I'd imagine the instructions to disconnect the negative have to do with safety. It can be pretty sketchy and dangerous to disconnect the positive with the negative still hooked up. If it were my car I'd install a simple disconnect switch.


And don't take the lazy mans way out and disconnect the negative cable at the firewall. You will be looking for problems as at the negative battery post there are 2 small wires that do not disconnect all power when the firewall cable is taken off.

hilldude
Explorer
Explorer
I tow a 2013 Focus,follow instructions disconnect battery cable at battery. Very good car very comfortable to drive.

rjstractor
Nomad
Nomad
travelzoo wrote:
You will find the manual states to disconnect the negative battery terminal which is a pain. Much easier to disconnect the positive terminal. But that's not what the manual states.


I'd imagine the instructions to disconnect the negative have to do with safety. It can be pretty sketchy and dangerous to disconnect the positive with the negative still hooked up. If it were my car I'd install a simple disconnect switch.
2017 VW Golf Alltrack
2000 Ford F250 7.3

travelzoo
Explorer
Explorer
We've been towing a 2014 for just about a year now, no problems. Once you get the sequence of ready to tow in your mind, it becomes very easy. I keep a small card with the steps wrote on it just in case of a brain freeze. Do as the manual tells you not as someone on a forum will tell you they do and have no problems. You will find the manual states to disconnect the negative battery terminal which is a pain. Much easier to disconnect the positive terminal. But that's not what the manual states. Do a search for Focus towing and you will find several other forums with more info.

wbwood
Explorer
Explorer
There are plenty of cars that can be towed that are under the 3900 weight limit. Just gotta look. My Toyota Yaris is in the 2000 lb range. And costs less than the focus. And I would put it's dependability over the ford focus. And I do like Fords.
Brian
2013 Thor Chateau 31L

Bumpyroad
Explorer
Explorer
some folks here tout the smart car as a light weight toad.
bumpy

Grandpere
Explorer
Explorer
Here is a link to an article that I think will answer your question.

http://www.etrailer.com/question-67349.html
Berniece & Russell Johnson
Lil'Bit, a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
1987 Southwind
1995 Ford F150 Supercab

Life in the fast lane? No thanks, we will stop and smell the flowers at every opportuity