Ford focus as a tow vehicle

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by Ramblin

+1 It takes some getting used to. One thing that took me by surprise, is that it will not hold position on a hill for more than a few seconds. I mean, if you stop on a hill, and take your foot off the brake, it'll hold for a few seconds then all of a sudden release with no warning and you're rolling down the hill backwards! Not a problem now that I know, but had there been someone on my bumper when it happened the first time, I'd have rolled into them. Much different than automatic transmissions I have driven in the past.

That is called HSA (hill start assist). Most Ford vehicles have that now. We used to get a lot of complaints about that when the Fiesta and Focus was released because it was not explained to them during purchase. It is in the owners manual but not a lot of people read that. However, it is nice but you have to be aware of it. As a warning about HSA, if you are parked on a hill with your foot on the brake and turn off the ignition, HSA will remain active. When you release the brake and get out of the car, it can move backwards a few inch's. Hopefully engineering has updated the calibration to prevent this but I do not know if they have at this time. Just be aware.

[Ramblin]

Originally Posted by jamesrxx951

That is called HSA (hill start assist). Most Ford vehicles have that now. We used to get a lot of complaints about that when the Fiesta and Focus was released because it was not explained to them during purchase. It is in the owners manual but not a lot of people read that. However, it is nice but you have to be aware of it. As a warning about HSA, if you are parked on a hill with your foot on the brake and turn off the ignition, HSA will remain active. When you release the brake and get out of the car, it can move backwards a few inch's. Hopefully engineering has updated the calibration to prevent this but I do not know if they have at this time. Just be aware.

Thanks for the info, now I'll go read about HSA.

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by Ramblin

Thanks for the info, now I'll go read about HSA.

no problem. I should have been more clear though. HSA remains active as long as the brakes are applied and the vehicle is on an incline 1.5 degrees or more. Once the brakes are released (even if ignition was just turned off), HSA remains active for about 3 seconds and then releases the brakes. This is where the sudden roll back in park is noticed.

[Razzman]

Originally Posted by hanko

isnt it just easier toget one a manual tranny and not have to go through alll this.

[/LEFT]

I too am looking for a towed vehicle at this time too, and yes the Focus is one of my choices too. Not everyone can drive a manual anymore. After breaking both knees years ago in the service, driving a manual aggravates my knees so my answer would be; No it's not easier.

[hanko]

Originally Posted by Razzman

I too am looking for a towed vehicle at this time too, and yes the Focus is one of my choices too. Not everyone can drive a manual anymore. After breaking both knees years ago in the service, driving a manual aggravates my knees so my answer would be; No it's not easier.

I wasnt including people with medical issues, so please give me a little credit. My point was not having to pull fuses, disconect batteries, a manual for me anyway is a good choice.

[Razzman]

Originally Posted by hanko

I wasnt including people with medical issues, so please give me a little credit. My point was not having to pull fuses, disconect batteries, a manual for me anyway is a good choice.

As you hadn't excluded anyone I was pointing that out, no worries if I could still drive one I would. Even with most new manual trans vehicles you'd still need to pull fuses and disconnect, those chores aren't trans specific. They're system specific due to electronics drain and such.

[frankdamp]

Dennis and James:

The first time I heard the phrase "Straight from the horse's mouth", a friend added "rather than from the other end of the horse, where most people seem to get their information".

Incidentally, the Focus is regarded by authorities in the UK as being capable of towing caravans (a.k.a. travel trailers) up to 3000 pounds maximum weight.

[Solask]

Originally Posted by frankdamp

Dennis and James:

The first time I heard the phrase "Straight from the horse's mouth", a friend added "rather than from the other end of the horse, where most people seem to get their information".

Incidentally, the Focus is regarded by authorities in the UK as being capable of towing caravans (a.k.a. travel trailers) up to 3000 pounds maximum weight.

Authorities. as in people with badges?

[rlott2k]

Originally Posted by Razzman

As you hadn't excluded anyone I was pointing that out, no worries if I could still drive one I would. Even with most new manual trans vehicles you'd still need to pull fuses and disconnect, those chores aren't trans specific. They're system specific due to electronics drain and such.

I guess the "pull fuse" thing is dependant on the brake system. My Invisibrake is "plug and play". No fuse pulling, no dead batteries, no lugging a unit in and out of the drivers footwell.

Whatever Toad you do get, get an Invisibrake brake unit.

[BFlinn181]

Instead of pulling the fuse you could use one post in a 6 or 7 pin hook up for a dedicated 12 v (+) connecting RV battery to toad battery. Just include a couple of auto reseting circuit breakers near each battery to protect the wiring and you'll be good to go. RV will continue to keep toad battery charged just as it does for chassis batteries. The 20 or 30 amp auto reset CB keeps toad battery from trying to provide starting current for RV engine.

[hanko]

Mine is set up with a hot wire from the moho. It can charge the focus battery, and it also has a plug under the dash for the brake device. One thing that surprised me is the car doesnt have a steering collum lock. so I can go with key in my pocket.

[mrt_1111]

Originally Posted by hanko

Mine is set up with a hot wire from the moho. It can charge the focus battery, and it also has a plug under the dash for the brake device. One thing that surprised me is the car doesnt have a steering collum lock. so I can go with key in my pocket.

Just wondering about the key in the pocket. My key will not come out if the transmission is in neutral, also the owner manual does not anything about removing the key.

[radd226]

What brand of base plate is best for the 2012 Focus. Also how do you attach the safety chains as the bottom is covered?

[hanko]

Originally Posted by radd226

What brand of base plate is best for the 2012 Focus. Also how do you attach the safety chains as the bottom is covered?

Blue Ox