How much weight can a 2017 Ford Focus tow?
The 2017 Ford Focus can tow up to 1,000 pounds with a braked trailer and about 200 pounds with an unbraked trailer. The exact figure depends on the car’s configuration and any installed towing equipment, so always check your owner’s manual or Ford’s official towing guide for your specific vehicle.
Understanding these limits requires noting the difference between braked and unbraked trailers, as well as factors like tongue weight and payload. The Focus is a compact car, so its towing capacity is modest compared with larger vehicles designed specifically for towing.
Official towing ratings for the 2017 Focus
Below is a quick reference to the primary numbers Ford lists for common 2017 Focus configurations when equipped with a factory hitch. Real-world results can vary with options and condition.
- Braked trailer capacity: up to 1,000 pounds (about 450 kg).
- Unbraked trailer capacity: up to 200 pounds (approximately 90 kg).
- Typical tongue weight: about 100 pounds (roughly 10% of the trailer weight).
These figures define the safe envelope for typical towing with a factory hitch. Always confirm with the owner’s manual and Ford’s official towing guide for your exact configuration.
Practical towing considerations
Before you hitch up a trailer, there are practical factors to consider beyond the raw numbers. These notes help you stay within safe limits and design a sensible towing setup.
- Hitch rating and hardware: Use a hitch that supports at least 1,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 100 pounds tongue weight, and ensure a proper wiring harness. For braked trailers, a trailer brake controller may be required.
- Vehicle payload: Passengers and cargo reduce the available towing capacity. Always calculate combined weight to avoid exceeding the vehicle’s limits.
- Driving and braking: Allow extra stopping distance, monitor trailer sway, and avoid prolonged climbs with heavy loads. Check tires and cooling, especially on longer pulls.
In practice, towing with a Focus is practical for small, light trailers, but it is not designed for heavy hauling. If you regularly tow near or above 1,000 pounds, consider a vehicle with higher towing capacity.
Looking for more towing capacity?
For heavier towing needs, consider a larger Ford model such as the Escape or a dedicated tow vehicle. These options typically offer higher braked-tow ratings (and often better payload and braking capabilities). Always verify the exact figures in Ford’s official towing guides for the specific trim and year you’re considering.
Summary
In summary, the 2017 Ford Focus is typically rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds on braked trailers and around 200 pounds on unbraked trailers, with tongue weight around 100 pounds for a 1,000-pound trailer. Real-world towing depends on configuration, payload, and equipment, so owners should consult the manual and Ford’s official guides and adjust loading accordingly. For heavier towing tasks, a different model with greater capacity is recommended.
Can a Ford Focus tow a trailer?
The towing capacity of the Ford Focus supports up to 1400kg.
Is a Ford Focus any good for towing?
If you're in the market for a great all-rounder, then the Ford Focus doubles up as a great tow vehicle and as a car for family duties. The fourth generation Focus is on display here, and offers a braked towing capacity of 1,500kg when you opt for the 1.5-litre petrol engine offered on some models.
What is the 80% rule for towing?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
How much can a 2017 Ford Focus tow?
2000 lbs.
Tow Capacity: 2000 lbs.
