Ok guy I think I have ask this question before but cant remember to be honest the old heads not what it used to be lol! 

I have a focus 2009 1.6 zetec and I'm in desperate need of a small trailer for the summer. The type of jobs I will be using it for is carrying the lawnmower (push petrol one)/strimmer and grass cuttings, Taking old rubbish to local recycling centre, Moving the odd washing machine or furniture for family, Picking up fencing panels/ posts for DIY projects around the garden from local timber yard or B &Q ect. 

I love the car to bits and a tow bar would set it off nicely for me. Now I need a detachable one as I think it would be handy to take it off when I don't need it but does anyone have my model of focus with tower bar and how does or would it handle towing a small trailer (ie 6x3, 6x4) for the jobs I have mentioned above.? I think the last time I ask this I got told it would be 100% for this but just thought Id check again before I go ahead.

 

Also whats is the maximum towing weight of the focus and how do I work out if I'm over or under when I have a trailer fitted?

if you guys can recommend a good detachable tower bar that would be great. I'm looking to fit it myself and wire it myself as I'm trying to keep the cost down as much as possible.

 

Thanks

 

Looking forward to your input.

 

 

 

Hi mate I have the focus Zetec s model which has been a pain in the back side to find a tow bar that fits my rear diffuser without any cutting. 

Myself im after a detachable one as I will only be using it once or twice a year. So don't want it to be seen when not in use. 

Ive found a company that makes a tow bar especially for my rear diffuser and fit it. In all it's costing me £360.00 however the tow bar on its own is £180.00.

The brand of tow bar they're using on my car is called a Tow Trust Tow bar. 

If yours is the same Zetec S model I can get you information on the tow bar tomorrow but if it's a normal Zetec I'm sure you will have no trouble finding a detachable tow bar. 

Regarding the towing weight. All depends on your trailer capacity. Some can hold more than others. But I'm not 100% sure what the weight limit the focus is allowed to pull. But I'm sure the things ur pulling will be fine.

Just done a quick search on EBay for a normal focus Zetec detachable tow bar and this one popped up. 

No cutting is required either :)

 

Hi Mike

 

Thanks for the info there. Mine is the normal Zetec version not the Zetec-s, I did come across that one you linked me to and was wondering if it was going to be a direct fit or if cutting was needed but like you say it should fit straight on. 

I myself will only be using the tow bar a few times in the year and for the odd job, that's the reason I want a detachable one so I think that one will do the trick. I'm planning on a few little mods this summer and adding a tow bar is one of them lol!

 

Thanks again, Please do post a bit if you get one fitted, it be interesting to see what the tow bar looks like on and then detached  but I think when its off it should be well hidden from view as that's the idea lol!

No problem at all mate. Ye I'll get some pics up of mine when it's done. Should be next week hopefully! 

 

I fitted a tow bar on my car myself I know I have the mk1 but it was so easy  and no cutting at all  I wish I had done a guide now  I think it was 6xplastic screws and 2x10mm nuts behind the carpet in inner wheel arch and the bumper was off (don't forget to disconnect your lights though) take off the strenghtener and the tow bar just slid into the chassis and all the bolt holes are already there 'simples'   like I say I have the mk1 but I can't see much difference give it a go   overall it took me about 3 hrs but there was a few cups of tea in there and some cleaning in areas that never get it

I fitted a towbar to my car - Mk2.5 Focus

No cutting required!

Rear bumper off, remove the crash bar, slot the towbar in and bolt it in place.

Feed the wires through the reverse light grommet (use something like a screwdriver to help feed the wires through).

Tap the wires to the light (usually find a permanent 12v live on the offside, that and the OS indicator and fog light wires...run these under the boot lip).

A relay is cheap as chips and really easy to fit

Oh yeah...refit bumper lol

No cutting required

35 minutes ago, SeanW said:

I fitted a towbar to my car - Mk2.5 Focus

No cutting required!

Rear bumper off, remove the crash bar, slot the towbar in and bolt it in place.

Feed the wires through the reverse light grommet (use something like a screwdriver to help feed the wires through).

Tap the wires to the light (usually find a permanent 12v live on the offside, that and the OS indicator and fog light wires...run these under the boot lip).

A relay is cheap as chips and really easy to fit

Oh yeah...refit bumper lol

No cutting required

have you any pics sean?

Unfortunately not - didn't think about it until I'd finished lol

I'm in the market for something to carry bikes as well, but I'm also eager to install a zetec s bumper which is the problem, not sure I can justify spending 3x as much just for it to have a slightly different clearance. :/

I was looking at getting a detachable tow bar, but it is simply to costly for me right now. Instead I picked up a Saris Bones for £40 off gumtree last week. Bought some Hatch Huggers that do away with the horrible metal clips that touch the paint work. 

It works a treat! (Tape was simply to stop the end of the straps coming out the middle tube bit while I was driving)

 

Be aware that you will need a lightboard for that as the lights & plate are obscured

also no good on the 2.5 :( although I'm not completely sure why, perhaps because the window is much more sloped? or maybe the spoiler...

 

Arwen Nice job there but as Darren said I dont think that will fit the mk2. I also am looking for something to carry the kids bikes around for the summer on day trips so with this in mind and my trailer needs (lol!) I think for me at least the detachable one is the way to go.

Darren I was thinking of a small trailer to carry the bikes as well but if you come across any of those bike holders that attach to the towbar direct let me know I might give them a look and weigh up the odds of them and a small trailer.

15 minutes ago, sonic113 said:

  bike holders that attach to the towbar direct ...............

like this ?

 

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/towvoyage-rapid-3-towbar-cycle-carrier-3-bikes-id_8337822.html?pup=r&gclid=Cj0KEQjwwMi7BRDGptbvwOCDj8oBEiQAIALyDH63ztqT6Flu432hBskQWNdAXS1wQ2aD8FtNq4hKLAUaAvI28P8HAQ

 

built in lighting board as well......

;-)

I have a detachable towbar on my mk2.5. It is brillant but only downside is that it doesnt seem hidden like i wanted it to be. Was so easy fit and took about half a day as wiring took a bit of time.

18 hours ago, blue crush said:

I have a detachable towbar on my mk2.5. It is brillant but only downside is that it doesnt seem hidden like i wanted it to be. Was so easy fit and took about half a day as wiring took a bit of time.

David what make of towbar did you get? also do you have a picture it on and then detached?, It would be nice to see what it looks like on a mk2,5.

 

Thanks

I brought a towsure brand as it was cheapest. I will try and get a pic to show you. Does the job but looks wise it is rather annoying that it is on show.

Sonic I got mine done today! 

He stuck by his word with my Zetec S rear bumper that he wouldn't have to cut it.

Without it attached it just looks like before I had a tow bar fitted. You can't see anything! 

Then when its attached it's solid and the smart thing is you can pull the electric port down that's also hidden away when in use. I have not took pics yet, the weather is rubbish but once it's clear enough I'll get some pics. 

photos would be good mate, keen in getting something like that but only if it will fit the zetec s bumper

 

Ye mate looks brill on I'll get some decent photos later today. I have found the exact tow bar. he used to put on my car, on eBay too and it's only £180.

So if you have the confidence to fit it yourself you won't have to pay £360+ like I did. I'm just not confident with electrics so didn't want to attempt it myself.

Also when you take the rear bumper off make sure you secure it. As the numpty that took mine off left it on the grass infront of my car. Then the wind decides to come out of no where and drag it along the car park which has now left stone chips on it :( 

Managed to get some pictures done after a quick clean of the car at my mates house.

Can only really see a silver bolt when camera was at the floor. That's the bolt for the electrics that pull down.

 

 

Great job Mike

 

photo look really good and the way that the electrics hide is fantastic, what make of tow bar is it or do you have the link you spotted online? I think I will go with that brand of it fits my standard bumper as that is exactly what I'm looking for,

 

Car looks well with it fitted and even better with it hidden. also do you have the 1.6 petrol model and if so how do you find it for towing bits and bobs around?

The tow bar I have is called Tow Trust Tow Bar. Here is the ebay item no. 141968047961 for it. but I can get model numbers for it, If need be.

Yes I have the 1.6 petrol model. But not towed anything yet as only got it done yesterday. But can let you know the 29th of this month as I've just booked a camping trip! Hoping to tow some motorbikes and quads in the future so will let you know on that too. But can't see it being a problem to be honest as I see smaller engine cars pulling big camper trailers.