New Toad - Ford Focus

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Chance

I have to admit that the video shows that loading and securing a car on dolly is more involved and takes more work than I expected. On the other hand a trailer probably isn't that much easier if it requires ramps and securing car down to trailer anyway. Not really all that different in the end -- except trailer can be backed up, but takes up more space and weighs a little more.

Yes. By far the easiest method is to tow 4 down (as far as load/unload is concerned).

Using a dolly may be slightly more complicated than towing on a trailer simply because you have to fiddle with the car's electronics/ignition a bit (steering unlocked (at least the Acme dolly), car in neutral). On a trailer you just pull up, park it, and tie it down.

The main advantages of a dolly are size and cost (vs a full trailer). It is far cheaper than a full sized trailer (especially an aluminum one) and easier to store (either at a campground, or at home). At both campgrounds and our storage lot I simply back up the camper over the tongue of the dolly--it really minimizes the space required for it.

[ronheb454]

I have been towing a 2014 Ford Focus, automatic with four down. I have a Blue Ox base plate, blue ox tow bar and installed the blue ox light kit, everything works great. The owner's manual has very basic instructions that include removing the battery ground. Hope that helps.

[Fred g]

The wider dolly is something to consider. I will have to make a couple of phone calls to manufacturers.

Thanks,

Fred

[Chance]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Yes. By far the easiest method is to tow 4 down (as far as load/unload is concerned).

....cut....

Either that, or not tow at all if you have a motorhome that lends itself to substituting for the car when needed. Then you'd have to compare required time between breaking camp and setting up again versus disconnecting and reconnecting the toad.

With 4 down you still have to disconnect tow bar and brake controller. I honestly don't know how long that would normally take, but would guess at least 10 minutes each way (connect and disconnect).

On flip side it's nice to have a toad in case one person wants to go somewhere and the other stay in motorhome. That's only happened to us once but can see it more often in future.

[Fred g]

Motorhome is way to big to take it sightseeing. I have flat towed a Chevy Tahoe and the biggest reason why I am thinking about the dolly is not to mess up the front of the Focus and deal with taking off the negative battery cable. I don't think anyone would argue that it is easier to flat tow but it is also much more expensive.

Fred

[ocalarose]

I have two friends in local RV club who are towing the Focus (2013 & 2015). Absolutely no problem IF you use the prescribed procedure in the owners manual WITH EMPHASIS the negative battery lead must be disconnected. Once disconnected, the lead must be protected against inadvertent grounding. The best solution is a rotary marine disconnect switch which makes this fool proof.

Two recent cases in our area with 2015 Fiesta and Focus where the grounding lead APPARENTLY made contact with the chassis. In both cases the clutches in the transmissions were totally destroyed. After haggling with Ford district the trannys were replaced under warranty. However, the likelihood is that the ground lead contacted the chassis and the transmission control module reconnected the tranny clutches thus destroying the transmissions.

As for brakes, run a totally isolated circuit from the motorhome to the brake controller thru the connector. Assuming you have your tail lights functional with diodes, a seven conductor connector would most likely be required. Alternatively, use magnetic tail lights thru a four conductor connector.

In any case, avoid all the nonsense above about dollies. Tow it four down and you will be happy.

[ocalarose]

PS: When the dolly tire blows out, you will find that the total damage repair (dolly and car) far exceeds the cost of a base plate and simple wiring. Note - not IF but WHEN. OEM dolly tires are crapola.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by ocalarose

Note - not IF but WHEN. OEM dolly tires are crapola.

I beg to differ: the tires on the Acme dolly are 10 ply E rated tires; they are some tough tires.

[ACE3263]

We bought a Ford Focus after weeks of searching for a vehicle to tow four wheels down. We had Campers World install the Roadmaster Tow package and they installed a Jack knife switch to disconnect the battery. We follow the directions in the manual for shutdown and it works great. Absolutely no problems on restart.