RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles with manual transmissions:
If
your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, shifting the
transmission into neutral (N) permits “flat-towing” (all wheels on the
ground) for pulling behind a motorhome.
Before you tow your vehicle:
•
Release the parking brake.
•
Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
•
Turn the key in the ignition to the off position.
•
The maximum recommended speed is 70 mph (113 km/h).
•
The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
•
The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transmission components.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided
by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing equipment, if provided.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see
Wrecker
towing
in the
Roadside Emergencies
chapter.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles with automatic transmissions:
Do not tow the vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground. It is
recommended to tow your vehicle with the front drive wheels on a dolly
or with all four (4) wheels off the ground on a car-hauling trailer.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see
Wrecker
towing
in the
Roadside Emergencies
chapter.
2009 Focus
(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA
(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
163