Folding Travel
 |
Can I tow a travel trailer with my Ford Focus?
I'm planning on buying a folding tent trailer. They weigh about 1400lbs - 1900lbs for the size I want (8ft or 10ft). My Ford Focus can tow 1000lbs accord. to the guide. I was wondering if I might hurt the car if I towed the trailer just a few times to get it to my destination for the summer and then back home (about 3 hours driving hwy). I would drive slow and steady. Would this hurt the car?? I'm getting a bigger car with more towing capacity at the end of the summer but until then I wonder if the Focus can handle it and not cause any damage?
There are a number of important points firstly you must have a license that allows you to tow a trailer above a certain weight / size. The permitted weight is different if the trailer is braked.
The trailer weight must not exceed the kerb weight of the vehicle. You will have seen what occurs when the tail wags the dog the trailer swings the car from the back it can turn the car over in extreme cases.
Finally it does not matter how careful you are you only need a lorry or coach to pass you and the trailer can swing out due to the bow wave. You are only as safe as the worst driver on the road
I good guide is about a trailer maximum is 75% of the vehicles kerb weight.
Regards
Peter
Jacket folding - light travel one-bag packing technique
Tags: bicycle, bike, folding, folding travel bassinet, folding travel chair, folding travel hangers, folding travel potty seat, folding travel trailers, howto, travel,
