Forum Discussion

Kookla's avatar
Kookla
Explorer
Aug 05, 2015

Ford Fiesta or Focus 2012

Hi, we would like to purchase either an automatic 2012 Ford Fiesta or Focus.

Problem is, in the owner's manual of the Fiesta it is stated that it should not be towed on all 4 wheels more than 20 miles and at the speed of 20mph.

I called a Ford dealer in Quebec, as this is where I live, and he told me that they do not recommend towing the vehicle on all 4 wheels.

According to the 2012 Guide to Dinghy Towing, put out by Motorhome, it is marked as it can be towed on all 4 wheels down, for up to 70mph and no restriction on distance.

Now I am really confused, can someone tell me where and how Motorhome get the information concerning each vehicles in that list.

Who should I believe? Motorhome or the dealer?

Has any of you in this forum ever towed an automatic Fiesta or Focus all wheels down???:?
Tow Vehicles

6 Replies

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  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2015
    philh wrote:
    Owners manual rules here. If it says don't tow 4 wheels down than don't.

    Here's the problem. If components are absolutely dependent on transmission oil pump running, and there are no provisions from oil to splash or bathed in oil, then you could starve bearings of oil and destroy them. Suddenly you have loose shafts and miscellaneous s**** metal floating around causing even more damage.

    {edit} srsly, language filtered the word scr_ap?

    I just went through that searching for a Toad. Owners manual for the toad rules, read it yourself before believing that 2015 toad site. I actually used that site for towing 4 down and it seemed to be spot on but I wanted to be certain with the GM manual and the salesman. Lots of steps to make it tow 4 down but it worked for us on the maiden voyage of about 200 miles. Another 200 miles driven after the tow.
  • philh's avatar
    philh
    Explorer II
    Aug 09, 2015
    Owners manual rules here. If it says don't tow 4 wheels down than don't.

    Here's the problem. If components are absolutely dependent on transmission oil pump running, and there are no provisions from oil to splash or bathed in oil, then you could starve bearings of oil and destroy them. Suddenly you have loose shafts and miscellaneous s**** metal floating around causing even more damage.

    {edit} srsly, language filtered the word scr_ap?
  • Lessmore's avatar
    Lessmore
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2015
    wing_zealot wrote:
    The dealer and FOMOCO both say don't tow it 4 wheels down. Why would you believe anyone else?


    X 2. ONLY go with what the manufacturer, in this case Ford, says.

    They designed, tested and made the product. Ford's statement on the matter is the only worthwhile statement. Note that I say statement, not opinion.

    Whatever anyone else, other than Ford, says on this Ford related matter, is just an opinion.
  • wing_zealot's avatar
    wing_zealot
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    The dealer and FOMOCO both say don't tow it 4 wheels down. Why would you believe anyone else? Go ahead tow, it 4 down, won't cost me anything if it breaks.
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    I would go with the owners manual. Why would you do anything otherwise? Would you ignore other requirements in the owners manual.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    Maybe look at a newer Fiesta? They are 4-down towable. Also, you may be able to ask a different dealer if the 1st year Fiesta can be re-flashed to be towable.

    My Fiesta is a 2015, and it most definitely is 4-down towable. I actually bought it with that in mind, but the cost of the tow bar is setup is holding me back.

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