Towing Motorcycles with a 2014 Ford Focus

Updated 02/29/2016 | Published 02/27/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(91)

$171.17

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(43)

$58.25

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2621)

$16.53

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(2621)

$18.47

Question:

Im wondering if my 2014 Ford Focus would be capable of towing a roughly 5x8 trailer with 2 HD motorcycles from Minnesota to Florida and back?

asked by: Pat B

Expert Reply:

I checked your owner's manual and it states the following: WARNING: Never tow a trailer with this vehicle. Your vehicle is not equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through an authorized dealer.

We don't recommend going against what the manufacture says but if you decide to tow your motorcycles anyways here are the parts you will need.

The custom fit hitch for your 2014 Ford Focus is # C11158, in addition to the hitch you will need a ball mount and a ball to tow the trailer and wiring for lights on the trailer to operate correctly. The size ball you will need will depend on the coupler on your trailer but the common sizes for smaller trailers is 1-7/8 inch # 19256 or 2 inch # 19258. The wiring harness for your vehicle is # 118548, this T-One connector plugs directly into your existing wiring.

Since your vehicle isn't supposed to be used for towing there is no way to know the vehicle's actual capacity. The capacity of the hitch is 2,000lbs. to make sure your hitch can handle this you will want to check a few things like the weight of the motorcycles, trailer, and parts that will be in/on the 5 by 8 trailer. You will want to make sure that the Tongue Weight (TW) does not exceed the capacity of the hitch. TW is typically 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer and its contents, so your trailer should not have a tongue weight higher than 200-300lbs. Normally, we default to the vehicle but since your manual states not to tow I'm basing your capacity off the hitch. You may want to check the sticker on the inside of the drivers door to see if there is a weight capacity of the vehicle listed.

I have linked a installation video of the Curt # C11158 being installed on your same vehicle as well as all the parts mentioned above for your convenience.