Can a 2004 Ford Focus ZX5 with Automatic Transmission be Flat Towed Behind a Motor Home

Updated 11/01/2021 | Published 01/19/2015

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Question:

hi im looking to purchase a 2004 ford focus zx5 but im needing to know if it is ok to tow behind my rv on all four tires with a tow bar. please any information will be a help. thanks

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

I checked the owners manual online for a 2004 Ford Focus. Ford says that for front wheel drive models that have the automatic transaxle (transmission) you cannot flat tow it with all 4 wheels on the ground. The drive wheels (front wheels) have to be on a tow dolly, # RM-2050-1 as an example, or the car has to be on a car hauler trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H

Terry R.

10/28/2021

Close but not the same question. I am looking at a 2004 Ford Focus ZX3 with Manual Transmission. So because of the manual transmission will this make it flat towable on 4 wheels with tow bar?

Les D.

10/29/2021

You should take a look at p. 126 in your owners manual. I interpret that to say that if you have a manual transaxle, then you can flat tow. It does not specify any speed limit. However they say this in regard to a roadside emergency. I would verify this with your Ford dealership.

Terry R.

10/29/2021

The seller did not have an owners manual and I've been researching tow vehicles for awhile and thought that manual transmission vehicles would be a good choice, in general. Saw the other question and thought i would run my question by you so appreciate your input. Will contact dealership about getting a replacement manual. Thanks again for input.

Les D.

11/1/2021

You can find the owners manual on the Internet.

Terry R.

10/29/2021

Can you recommend tow bar/wiring setup between 2006 Itasca 30 ft Motor Home and this 2004 Ford Focus ZX3. That ifo would be appreciated too!

Les D.

11/1/2021

The owners manual for the 2004 Focus ZX3 is kind of vague about whether you can flat tow with a manual transmission full time. If your dealership says OK then you can use the # 52491-1 base plates In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267 Finally, you will need a supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.