Subject: Focus Automatic Author: Graham J Date: July 05, 2010 at 15:31
I have a 2008 Focus 1.6 automatic. I would like to tow a small folding/low profile caravan (possibly Eriba) with an "all up" weight of 900kG. The advice from Ford is 800kG maximum for this model with the auto gearbox. Any comments or experience appreciated.
Replies:
Author: Paul Date: July 05, 2010 at 20:32
Hi Graham.
Your absolutely right, the 1.6 auto is shown with a towing limit of 800kgs, hoever interestingly the 1.6 Zetec has a 1000kgs limit and the 1.6 Zetec in the estate has a 1200kgs limit.
I've seen a reduction in towing limits with auto's before (Bert might be able to explain why, something to do with hunting for gears under high torque I think, plus heat).
Unfortunately, if your car has an 800kgs limit, that's what you've got to work with. It's obviously been imposed by Ford for specific reasons and as it's the maximum plated for the car, it will be the weight to which VoSA would refer to, should you be unfortunate enough to be stopped.
Author: Bert Date: July 06, 2010 at 00:22
Indeed, the 800 kg is not an advice from Ford but a legal limit. As far as I know all the 1.6 auto Focus models (Mk II and III, wagon / saloon) have this limit, obviously due to the limitations of its oldfashioned automatic with only 4 long gear ratios. Overheating with a weight on the back is what Ford expects.
For example: with allowed train weight of 2536 kg (caravan 800 kg + payload car around 500 kg) driving on a steep hill of 17% - the hill test of the CC TCoY election) is the exact maximum at 25 mph = 4000 rpm. without any torque converter slippage. Pedal to the metal... This is theoretical, any slight speed change or lower rpm will result in slip in the fluid of the torque converter. Thus overheating within minutes. Driving off on these inclines isn't the problem, it is the driving without slippage. Yes, an oil cooler will help, but just a few more minutes extra.
So, it is not impossible to tow an Eriba alike low/narrow caravan with this Focus, we give the (above) combination 3 stars out of 5, but you've got to know what you are doiing on British countrylanes... ;-)
