How to Tow a 2016 Ford Focus Behind a Motorhome

Question:

Looking for an estimation for installing and hardware to flat tow 2016 ford focus

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

For starters, what engine and transmission do you have in your 2016 Ford Focus? If you have the 1.0L I3 engine then the vehicle must be towed on a dolly with the front two wheels off of the ground. If you have the 2.0L I4 engine then the vehicle can be flat-towed with all four wheels on the ground. I will provide options for both engine options below but you need to check the owner's manual for your particular vehicle to see if there are any other flat-towing or dolly towing procedures you need to follow. The cost of installing a flat-tow setup can vary drastically so you would need to call a service center near you in order to get an accurate estimate.

In order to dolly tow the models with 1.0L I3 engines I recommend the Roadmaster Tow Dolly part # RM-2050-1. This tow dolly has electric brakes for safety, and all of the required lighting. The only thing you will need to use this dolly is a trailer connector like part # PK12706 and a brake controller like part # 90195.

In order to flat-tow the models with 2.0L I4 engines you are going to need a tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, tail light wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. There may also be a few other smaller components that are needed depending on the options the vehicle is equipped with.

For a tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar part # RM-676. The Nighthawk is one of the best tow bars we offer. It has a non-binding and self-aligning design which makes for an extremely easy hookup. It also comes with safety cables and a wiring extension. This towbar is then compatible with the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit part # RM-524443-5. The EZ5 Base Plate Kit is a custom fit for your Focus and will provide you with removable arms which makes for a clean look while not in tow.

Then for a flat-tow wiring harness I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267. This kit is very popular and works well on many different vehicles.

For a supplemental braking system, I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251. I like this system because it is a one time setup and everything will be hidden once installed. In order for this system to operate properly on a Focus with an automatic transmission you will need to use the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751454. The Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect part # RM-766 is also required on a Focus with an automatic transmission.

Finally, you may or may not need to use a high-low adapter. In order to determine if there is a need to use one measure from the ground to the center of the base plate kit on the vehicle and compare that distance to the measurement from the ground to the center of the hitch pin hole on your trailer hitch on the motorhome. If this distance is not within 3" of one another then you want to use a high-low adapter which I have attached a list of for you in addition to several other review videos on the above products.