Anyone got a towbar for their LS focus?

owens · 06-11-2006, 11:19 AM

I think I might like to get one but I'm just wondering what the best way is. I imagine getting it through ford would cost an arm and a leg.

Also, are there different types of towbars? I want to be able to tow a trailor as well as maybe a small boat trailor eventually.

(I'm a bit clueless at the moment, so forgive my dumbness)

Any comments welcome.

Cheers,
Owen.

06-11-2006, 02:01 PM

From Ford:

Towpack

* Maximum carrying capacity of 900kg (manual) or 750kg (automatic)^
* Rigorously tested to meet stringent Ford engineering standards and Australian Design Rules
* Components included in towpack:
o Towbar - durable and reliable to make towing a breeze
o Towball - triple chrome plated to help prevent corrosion
o Trailer Wiring Kit - allows the use of lights on the trailer
* Not suitable for vehicles fitted with Reverse Sensing System or on Focus XR5 Turbo

RRP Fitted*: $497.00

Please consult your authorised Ford Dealer for applicable part information.

^ Subject to state and territory regulations.

You'd want to replace your gearbox oil before and after towing.

kuans · 06-11-2006, 02:41 PM

Hi BlackLS

I have had factory reverse sensors fitted & I was thinking of getting the towpack fitted as well but I've also read that Ford has conditioned that it's not suitable. Any ideas as to why they consider it unsuitable? Reverse sensors are electrical and should not interfere with the hardware towball fittings. I have not yest asked Ford for an explanation.

Just Curious.

photn · 06-11-2006, 02:52 PM

its because the Towball itself would interfere with the sensor system...it would detect that there is an object 2 close and hence the sensor would go off.....therefore giving you a false reading and also not letting you reverse as close as you woudl ilke..

Piotr · 06-11-2006, 03:56 PM

The reversing sensors would pickup the trailer. So every time you engaged reverse the things would be beeping like crazy.

You can still do it but reversing will be annoying.

owens · 06-11-2006, 05:33 PM

Would you guys recommend getting Ford to do it, or a third party effort?

Also, why the need to change engine oil before & after?

Thanks for the help guys.

pertuan · 06-11-2006, 07:30 PM

I got myself a Hayman Reese. $350 installed. Same rating as the factory one. I havent towed anything yet though. Mind you, I only got it so that if someone ran up my clacker, they would be worse off. :P

Nah, just kidding. I was wanting to installa Thule bike carrier but since my bike got stolen 2 weeks ago, I really have no use for it anymore.

This year has not been good to me. :(

06-11-2006, 07:37 PM

Get a relay installed, so that when there is a trailer connected, it turns off the reversing system. Or a switch to the dash and install a switch on the blank panels next to the demister switches.

Yellow_Festiva · 07-11-2006, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owens

Also, why the need to change engine oil before & after?

Who told you that the oil needs to be changed??? do they also install a transmission oil cooler if its an auto???

seems odd????

Uni · 08-11-2006, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Who told you that the oil needs to be changed??? do they also install a transmission oil cooler if its an auto???

seems odd????

you're not too bright, are you? he was joking, pointing out that in a small car like the focus, towing anything tends to munch gearboxes and fill the oil with small chunks of metal...

towing in a focus is probably not such a hot idea, but as long as its not much more than a box trailer i suspect you'll probably be OK.. a small boat may be pushing it though ;)

Uni/.

owens · 08-11-2006, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Who told you that the oil needs to be changed??? do they also install a transmission oil cooler if its an auto???

seems odd????

BlackLS did in the second post down.

THe boat would only be like one of those small catamaran things you get to use on the resorts.... I love those

- I don't think they'd be very heavy.

photn · 08-11-2006, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owens

BlackLS did in the second post down.

THe boat would only be like one of those small catamaran things you get to use on the resorts.... I love those

- I don't think they'd be very heavy.

so basically one of those small sailing boats that you see children on in the lake sometimes in summer lol.....

yer this forum has some weird ppl lol....theres alot of sarcasm and sometimes its hard to distinguish between it all...

owens · 08-11-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photn

so basically one of those small sailing boats that you see children on in the lake sometimes in summer lol.....

Yup - they're awesome fun

'except I'll be taking into the big blue & windy ocean.

Steve D · 08-11-2006, 11:56 AM

One point about compatibility about towbars and reverse sensors...

I have both on the Magna and put up with the sensors going berserk when the trailer is attached (maybe I'll get around to putting an isolation switch in the boot someday), but there is potentially another problem.

I have found that even putting a tow-ball cover or a rubber shin protector on the towbar is enough for the sensors to detect it, even without a trailer attached.

Perhaps the Focus' sensors will also detect the towbar as if it is a nearby object and always go off when reversing (unless you always remove the tongue of course).