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10-29-2017, 05:31 PM
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#183
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 81
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I just leased a 2017 Ford Focus. Is it worth the trouble of flat tow with this or just get a tow dolly since the option is to return the car after 3 years?
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10-29-2017, 05:38 PM
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#184
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: E. Wenatchee, WA
Posts: 407
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gc241
I just leased a 2017 Ford Focus. Is it worth the trouble of flat tow with this or just get a tow dolly since the option is to return the car after 3 years?
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It will cost you a bundle for the tow bar, brace assy under the bumper and then tack on the braking system. Around 3K or so.
__________________
Pat, Becky & Katie (our Silky Terrier)
E. Wenatchee, WA
2016 Allegro Red 33AA
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10-29-2017, 07:52 PM
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#185
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: FT on the Road
Posts: 3,839
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gc241
I just leased a 2017 Ford Focus. Is it worth the trouble of flat tow with this or just get a tow dolly since the option is to return the car after 3 years?
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I would check the lease docs. I would think you are not allowed to modify it by installing it. You might have to return it I. The same condition less just wear and tear.
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10-29-2017, 08:18 PM
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#186
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,209
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Quote:
Originally Posted by computerguy
I would check the lease docs. I would think you are not allowed to modify it by installing it. You might have to return it I. The same condition less just wear and tear.
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If it is a pure bolt on you probably can do it. Just unbolt and disconnect everything before turning in at end of lease. The lease may explicitely installing a tow bar or towing though.
If you buy it at lease end a moot point.
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10-29-2017, 08:53 PM
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#187
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: FT on the Road
Posts: 3,839
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Quote:
Originally Posted by awol50
If it is a pure bolt on you probably can do it. Just unbolt and disconnect everything before turning in at end of lease. The lease may explicitely installing a tow bar or towing though.
If you buy it at lease end a moot point.
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The install on a Focus is invasive. Cut holes in the frame, use red loktite on the bolts and cut the nose in a few spots.
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10-29-2017, 10:45 PM
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#188
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 81
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The MGR say's if it's not a huge hole,no problem. I tend to doubt that. I would think it's better on a dolly.
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10-30-2017, 05:44 AM
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#189
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Senior Member
Jayco Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 288
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I would think definitely a no-no. Cutting the holes in the frame and putting nuts on with permanent locktite will definitely make it difficult to return. The removing part of the grill would require replacing it before return.
If the Mgr. said it was okay have him put it in writing in the contract. Given the expense of the purchase and installation and removal as well as the the chance the mods would be not approved at turn in time. I would not do it.
__________________
2015 Newmar Bay Star 3215 Motorhome
Accompanied by a 2019 Chevy Equinox LT 2.0L or a 2016 Ducati Scrambler or 2006 BMW R1200RT Sidecar Rig
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10-30-2017, 08:22 AM
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#190
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 91
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 99dart
It will cost you a bundle for the tow bar, brace assy under the bumper and then tack on the braking system. Around 3K or so.
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I tend to agree with 99dart and would add wiring the tail lights, battery disconnect switch, battery charger, etc. I bought the best of everything and went a little over $3,000. And this was doing all the work myself.
You can get a Roadmaster Universal Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes for a little more than half that. Additionally, you can use the Universal Tow Dolly with the next vehicle after 3 years (with the Focus) for no additional investment.
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2014 Forest River Sunseeker 2650S
2015 Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback DCT auto
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10-31-2017, 09:41 AM
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#191
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 81
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What would be the best lighting setup so as not to damage the paint on the rear? Also, I would assume that a dolly with trailer brakes would be better?
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10-31-2017, 05:07 PM
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#192
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Senior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Clinton On
Posts: 205
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Why would you tow a leased vehicle with all the road rash etc.I would think that
would be not be legal on a lease. A saleman will tell you anything you want to
hear!
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2013 Georgetown 335 DS
2016 Ford Focus SE
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11-01-2017, 06:07 AM
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#193
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 91
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gc241
What would be the best lighting setup so as not to damage the paint on the rear? Also, I would assume that a dolly with trailer brakes would be better?
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Brakes are required in most if not all states. There are many sites that list this information, here is one:
State and Province Towing Laws
They have magnetic mounted rear lights, but I have no experience with them if they would scratch the paint. Possibly a thin cloth between magnetic mount and trunk. Also, you could possibly Velcro them inside the rear window.
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2014 Forest River Sunseeker 2650S
2015 Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback DCT auto
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11-02-2017, 09:38 PM
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#194
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,209
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeCar
Brakes are required in most if not all states. There are many sites that list this information, here is one:
State and Province Towing Laws
They have magnetic mounted rear lights, but I have no experience with them if they would scratch the paint. Possibly a thin cloth between magnetic mount and trunk. Also, you could possibly Velcro them inside the rear window. |
Think it depends mostly on weight if brakes are required by law. Majority of states it is 3000 lbs for toad. A few less.
The law aside, all other things equal you almost always will stop shorter in a panic stop.
My toad is around 2700 lbs and a 24000 lb class A pulling it. Don't use toad brakes and feel comfortable not doing so. There are downsides to toad brakes from excessive braking, battery drain among others. So you need to make sure it is installed right and tested for proper use.
The lighter and smaller your RV, the more you should consider toad brakes even if legally you don't have to.
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