Best Flat Towing Setup For a 2019 Ford Focus SE Hatchback Manual

Published 11/06/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3186)

$179.96

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4614)

$432.47

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(751)

$898.84

Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 6K GTW, 200 lbs TW

(1572)

$108.51

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

$47.73

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(494)

$1329.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

I have a 2018 Ford Focus hatchback SE manual what is the best flat towing setup

asked by: Nathan

Expert Reply:

To flat tow your 2018 Ford Focus you will need, a base plate, tow bar, tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, safety cables, and possibly a high low adapter.

The best plate for the 2018 Ford Focus Hatchback SE is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX2663 which has removable bracket arms for a discreet, clean look. I have attached an installation video of the base plate for your reference. For the tow bar, I recommend the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar part # BX7420 which is a non-binding design which makes hooking and unhooking the Ford from the motor home much easier. Most tow bars will not release the tension build up unless the setup is aligned perfectly. The Avail allows you to hook up and unhook at an angle if you need to. The Avail also comes with the safety cables so you don't need to worry about purchasing them separately.

The best tow bar wiring for the Ford Focus SE is the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil part # RM-15267 which will give you a 6-way plug on the front of the Focus and includes a 6 to 7-way flexible coiled cord that connects the Ford to the motor home for a clean install. This will allow the vehicle's lights to illuminate when the motor home lights are activated. I have attached an installation video of the wiring on a Ford Focus for your reference.

Almost all states require a supplemental braking system now, the best option is the Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO braking system part # SM99251 which features a small air cylinder that attaches the brake pedal in the Ford Focus and depresses the pedal when the motor home brakes are activated. The Stay-IN-Play is an install it and forget it braking system compared to the other recurring braking setups that require removal from the Ford every time you want to drive it. For that reason the Stay-IN-Play is much more convenient once installed. If your motor home happens to have air brakes you will need the Air Force One part # SM99243 which is the same setup but for air brakes. You will also need a brake-lite relay part # RM-88400 to prevent the Ford's brake signal from overriding your motor home's signal. The automatic transmission models do not need the brake light relay.

Finally you may need a high low adapter like part # RM-076 to the tow the Ford Focus level with the motor home. I have attached a helpful article that explains how to figure out how much rise or drop you may need to tow level along with the selection of high low adapters that we have available.