What Items Are Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Ford Focus ST Behind a Motorhome

Updated 02/24/2015 | Published 02/23/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(414)

$553.06

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(563)

$1553.56

Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs

(496)

$1079.00

Blue Ox 7-Wire to 6-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord

(745)

$93.12

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(8)

$106.95

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(6)

$72.26

Question:

I hear different things from different sources. What items are required to tow a 2014 Ford Focus ST behind a motorhome? Thank you.

asked by: Sal

Expert Reply:

Flat towing a vehicle behind a motor home requires a number of components: a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring/lighting kit, and base plates and a supplementary braking system for the towed car. Often a wiring extension between the MH and car and a high/low hitch adapter are also needed. The linked article covers each of these in detail and explains the options available.

I recommend using one brand of tow bar and base plate since this will avoid the added cost and complexity of using adapters. Since you like the Blue Ox base plates # BX2640 I suggest their Alpha tow bar # BX7380; this will fit the base plates perfectly and since it includes the required safety cables you save on that expense. For wiring use # HM56008 if you have the hatchback or part # HM56007 if you have the sedan.

For a braking system I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This unit features wireless operation and portability. It is a proportional system so it will slow your towed car in direct proportion to the motorhome's braking action. Installation in a Ford car is shown in the linked video.

For a wiring extension use # BX88206 and for a high/low adapter use the linked page to select one that will allow your tow bar to remain within 3-inches above or below level.