Base Plates and Other Equipment Needed to Tow 2012 Ford Focus Titanium Behind an RV

Updated 07/16/2016 | Published 07/15/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3331)

$575.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3188)

$175.28

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(656)

$71.03

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(331)

$40.45

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

Need tow bar base plate. I have Falcon 2 hitch etc...just need base plate to attach to... 2012 Ford Focus Titanium nothing indicates SE, but I dont know if SE and Titanium have same frame, etc.. My vehicle does NoT have EcoBosst. My vehicle does NOT have adaptive cruise control, but it DOES have normal non-radar cruise control. Which product is correct baseplate model for my car? Thanks.

asked by: Darrell M

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster # RM-524430-5 Base Plate Kit would work fine for your 2012 Focus Titanium model. The only fit exclusions are the ST model and models with the adaptive radar-based cruise control. Since your Focus is a Titanium with a regular mechanical-type cruise control, the base plate will work great for you.

To complete your Flat towing system, in addition to the Falcon 2 tow bar you already have, you'll need safety cables, a wiring solution for the vehicle, possibly a high-low adapter and a supplemental braking system.

The # RM-643 would be my recommendation for cables. The coiled design keeps the cables up off the ground so they aren't damaged.

For wiring the Focus, go with the Roadmaster Diode Kit, part # RM-15267. This provides the umbilical cable to connect the vehicle's wiring to the RV wiring, a 6 pin plug that installs at the front of the towed vehicle as well as the wire and the diodes that keep anything from feeding back into the RV wiring.

For safety, the tow bar connecting the RV and the Focus needs to be within 3 inches plus or minus of level. When the base plates are installed, they will be right at 17-1/2 inches above the ground (assuming your Focus is at stock ride height with stock sized tires). If the inside top of your receiver opening is between 14-1/2 and 20-1/2 inches above the ground, you won't need an adapter. If it's outside of that range to the high or low side, you'll need an adapter. I'll link you to the ones we offer and to an FAQ article that explains how to determine the height adapter you need.

Finally, you'll need a supplemental braking system. I really like the portable units like the Even Brake, part # RM-9400. The units don't require hours of expensive shop labor to install, they can be installed in just a few minutes. You'll also need an # RM-9332 outlet kit.

According to the owner's manual, your Focus is capable of being flat towed, but there is a very specific procedure that needs to be followed to avoid damaging the transmission, so please read and follow the instructions provided in the 'Recreational Towing' section of your owner's manual.