Focus TDCI and towing

[ptwhite2003]

Cheers all,

A few times a year I have to tow a trailer full of books for a thousand kilometre round trip. The trailer and its load weigh about 1/2 tonne which is around the top end of the unbraked towing capacity of most small/medium cars. Currently I have a Subaru Forester which handles it okay, but due to lack of get-up-and-go overtaking is something you really have to plan before executing - you don't want to get caught out there in the overtaking lane with a 1/2 load waving around on the towball, should there be an emergency. Also, it chews the juice mercilessly.

So my question is, does the extra torque of a Focus TDCI (320Nm vs the Forester's 220Nm) automatically equate to a smoother towing experience? Will that extra torque be really useful when overtaking on the open road?

Something I haven't found out yet is what is the maximum towball downforce for the TDCI Focus?

I can't make an argument for buying a Focus TDCI based on economy alone (I only do about 12,000klm per year) but the towing aspect could be a clincher.

What should I expect to pay for one drive-away with the safety pack in Qld?

Thanks for any advice you guys have.

[barra240t]

Originally Posted by ptwhite2003

Cheers all,

A few times a year I have to tow a trailer full of books for a thousand kilometre round trip. The trailer and its load weigh about 1/2 tonne which is around the top end of the unbraked towing capacity of most small/medium cars. Currently I have a Subaru Forester which handles it okay, but due to lack of get-up-and-go overtaking is something you really have to plan before executing - you don't want to get caught out there in the overtaking lane with a 1/2 load waving around on the towball, should there be an emergency. Also, it chews the juice mercilessly.

So my question is, does the extra torque of a Focus TDCI (320Nm vs the Forester's 220Nm) automatically equate to a smoother towing experience? Will that extra torque be really useful when overtaking on the open road?

Something I haven't found out yet is what is the maximum towball downforce for the TDCI Focus?

I can't make an argument for buying a Focus TDCI based on economy alone (I only do about 12,000klm per year) but the towing aspect could be a clincher.

What should I expect to pay for one drive-away with the safety pack in Qld?

Thanks for any advice you guys have.

hey pt,

I just checked for you with our tow bar supplier and they would provide us with a hayman/reese bolt on tongue that will tow 900kg braked and 90kg downforce which is pretty typical at 10% I haven't really towed with a TDCi before, but as you say the torque is massive in the TDCi and I think it will make it easier when you want to tow. I think your best bet is to drive a TDCi and see for yourself. They really do get up and go and are fun to drive. If you want I can get a price for you? Our dealership is currently advertising them if you want to check out Pacific Ford in the "sponsors" section. If you have any more questions just ask me.

Nathan.

[auslander]

OK, this straight out of the focus brochure from Ford.

Towpack Standard 1,000kg rated(Manual) for the TDCi.

I paid $28,000 drive away with all the safety packs. Had to do a bit of haggling but thats par for the course. That was from Bremer Ford in Ipswich. I had to shop around and that dealer isn't all that close to me. But i go where the deal is best.

Id say it's a pretty safe bet that a diesel towing anything is going to do a better job than an equivalent sized petrol motor. The torque alone is a good indicator.

I personally wouldn't use a 4 cyl to tow anything, except for the shortest trip to the tip etc. But if i had to, i'd go a diesel for sure.

[ptwhite2003]

Originally Posted by auslander

I personally wouldn't use a 4 cyl to tow anything, except for the shortest trip to the tip etc. But if i had to, i'd go a diesel for sure.

I would rather something more powerful for the job too, but for 99% of the year I only need something smaller, hence I thought I could kill two birds with one stone by getting the TDCI which is compact and economical around town yet hearty enough to tow the trailer a few times a year.

[XR Martin]

With the diesel id doubt you'd notice the weight of the trailer.

[ptwhite2003]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

With the diesel id doubt you'd notice the weight of the trailer.

That's what I like to hear!

[jweb]

You would not have a problem what-so-ever.TDCI has A great spread of Torque and a huge amount as well,also The relative mass of the vehicle in comparison to the trailer means stopping will not be an issue,no problem at all.Also there is more then enough ground clearence and suspension travel to compensate for the extra load inccured whilst towing.

[ptwhite2003]

Test drove one today - what a buzz from 2nd gear onwards!

It feels like it would have no problem with my towing requirements.

I find it doesn't seem as well put together as some Japanese (even Korean?) cars, and some plastics seemed a little flimsy for the job. How have you all found your Focus stands up to wear and tear? What's likely to break?

Cheers

ptwhite2003

[Turbodiesel]

Yes they are very ballsy. The build quality isn't the best, you might find a rattle or two but it's nothing that can't be fixed.

I've only had a few cosmetic issues with my car, nothing too seriously. Mechanically it has been solid, I've done 21,000km in mine now and it's nice and run in.

[davocol]

I am not to sure how many ks the one you drove had on it but they free up even more over time, Mine has done 13000 now, I have only had two problems, loose scuff plate and my lower storage compartment clip has broken. Some of the plastics dont line up correctly but all in all the car is great. As turbodiesel said there are a few rattles here and there but nothing I really notice. The car is definitely worth the money and will tow without a problem in the world.

[wizamc]

Hi

The manual does say that you can tow, but you shouldn't go past 4th gear when towing. In my experience that sounds about right considering the gear ratio's of 5th and 6th, but then its each to their own, but you won't have any problem overtaking under load.

I've just put my car in for it's 30,000 service (its got 32,000...bugger), and I haven't had any problems that I hadn't caused (I won't go into that now) except for a rattle from the exhaust/heat plate.

[barra240t]

Originally Posted by ptwhite2003

Test drove one today - what a buzz from 2nd gear onwards!

It feels like it would have no problem with my towing requirements.

I find it doesn't seem as well put together as some Japanese (even Korean?) cars, and some plastics seemed a little flimsy for the job. How have you all found your Focus stands up to wear and tear? What's likely to break?

Cheers

ptwhite2003

Hey pt,

Check out our thread in the "sponsors" section. We are doing TDCi at silly prices!

[ptwhite2003]

Originally Posted by barra240t

Hey pt,

Check out our thread in the "sponsors" section. We are doing TDCi at silly prices!

Wow, that's cheaper than last week. I reckon if I wait until Christmas you'll give it to me for nothing!

Seriously, it's seems a great deal, but I still have to unload my Forester, which should be in the next week or two.

[barra240t]

Originally Posted by ptwhite2003

Wow, that's cheaper than last week. I reckon if I wait until Christmas you'll give it to me for nothing!

Seriously, it's seems a great deal, but I still have to unload my Forester, which should be in the next week or two.

No pressure mate, just letting you know Who knows what they will be at Christmas!

[ptwhite2003]

Originally Posted by barra240t

No pressure mate, just letting you know Who knows what they will be at Christmas!

Hi Barra - I didn't feel any pressure. In fact, I appreciate being kept in the loop.

Cheers