From the Ford towing guide that lists years from 2002 to 2012 the Focus isn't mentioned. Ever for your 2002 Focus.
So the Ford dealer that put on the receiver for the 2002 was in the wrong according to Ford.
Quote: WARNING: Never tow a trailer with this vehicle. Your vehicle is
not equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through
an authorized dealer.
The exact same line is in the 2012 owner's manual.
Page 199 of the 2002 owner's manual indicates that the 2002 model is, in fact, rated to tow a trailer not to exceed 1000lbs.
Even if a hitch is available for a newer Focus, I would not recommend towing anything with it. Throwing a couple bikes on a carrier, maybe, but not towing.
Just because you CAN hook it up and make it move doesn't make it a good idea...
Put a smaller set of brakes on the trailer, if one can find them small enough, then I would do it, "IF" a hitch could be attached in a safe and sane manner.
I've found, if pulling a trailer over the payload ability,/gvw of the tow rig, having brakes is a must, even if it is not required per "state" law if you will. So if the focus has say 750 lbs total payload, trailer is 1000 lbs, put brakes on the trailer. If the trailer is 500 lbs, one person in the Focus, no big. This is my personal view, yours may vary.
marty
05 Chev CC D/A LS Dooley
92 Navistar dump truck, 7.3L 7 sp, 4.33 gears with a Detroit no spin
00 Chev C2500, V5700, 4L80E, 4.10, base truck, no options!
92 Red-e-haul 12K equipment trailer
3 Single axle utility trailers
Thanks for all of the advise, so far. Any other ideas out there on the ability to pull my teardrop. My 2009 Focus has passed the warranty mileage, so that is no longer a factor.
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