If you're planning a road trip in your Ford Focus, you might be wondering how much weight it can carry. How many people are allowed to travel and when is there a lot of luggage? These are useful things to know as you can damage your car by overloading it with too much weight. But it can be difficult to find an answer. Total weight, trailer weight, payload weight, curb weight. What does all this mean and how much weight can a Ford Focus carry? We've put together everything you need to know.
A Ford Focus can carry around 1000 pounds. This is the payload weight or how much weight the car can handle. This number includes passengers, luggage or anything else you can carry in the car. You can find your exact registration number on the sticker on the driver's door. The gross weight (maximum vehicle weight) minus the curb weight (the weight of the vehicle itself - frame, fuel tank, etc.) gives the payload weight.
But what happens if you ignore payload weight? Can you put a lot of weight on the car? And what happens then? We'll cover all of that, plus other helpful travel tips. For example, do car seats fit in a Ford Focus? Do the rear seats fold down and how big is the trunk? Read on to find out!
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What is the payload weight?
Payload weight, or tonnage, is essentially the amount of "stuff" the car can carry. It's the weight of luggage, passengers, and anything else you pack in the car.
This load weight may vary between different Ford Focus models. This is mainly due to the change in curb weight. Tare is how much the empty car weighs. For example, a Focus hatchback weighs differently than a sedan.
Even some of the optional add-ons can change the tare. For example, a car with a sunroof has a higher curb weight. The higher the curb weight, the lower the payload weight. These numbers are directly inverted - when one goes up, the other goes down. And the two numbers add up to the total permissible weight of the car.
As every car is a little different, especially with the options that may or may not be fitted, it is best to look at your specific car. Check the sticker on the driver's door. This sticker tells you everything you need to know about your car and is a wealth of information. In particular, you should provide the gross weight, curb weight and sometimes even the payload of your car. If not, just do the math yourself.
What happens when you put too much weight on a car?
In mild cases, overloading the vehicle will overload the engine. It also reduces overall fuel consumption. And when you're pushing the maximum weight on your car, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires that are overworked when carrying loads are more likely to burst. This mistake can be dangerous or even fatal, so keep an eye on your tires.
The more you push the car's limit, the more dangerous it becomes. The car is less stable and harder to stop. Steering is more difficult. When you hit a bump or pothole, there's a greater chance of doing serious damage to your already worn shocks and frame.Safelite Automotive SpecialistsNote that an overweight car will damage the brakes, suspension and even the exhaust system.
Since an overweight car can be dangerous for other drivers, it can also be a problem for the authorities. We have already established that worn tires and brakes can be dangerous.
Additionally, the driver may experience impaired response or steering, or reduced visibility if there is too much "stuff" in the way. A crowded car may have too many people and not enough seat belts. Because of this, in most states, if your car exceeds the maximum weight limit, you can be fined by the police. In some states the fine increases - the heavier the weight, the higher the fee.
How many passengers does the Ford Focus hold?
The Ford Focus offers space for 5 people in total. There are 2 front seats and 3 rear seats.
Do car seats fit in the Ford Focus?
Ford Focus rear seats offer 2 sets of lower anchors and 3 cable anchors. This allows you to place a car seat in one of the 3 rear seating positions. Although there are only 2 lower anchors, they can be used for middle or side seating.
If you really need to put 3 car seats in the back row whatcar accident detectivelooked at it. Specifically Graco Size4Me 65 and Graco Contender fit 3. They have been tested to work with both hatchback and sedan Ford Focus from 2011 to 2017.
How big is the trunk of a Ford Focus?
ÖFord Focus LimousineIn the trunk it is a bit small even for a compact. At just 13.2 cubic feet, it can be difficult to find enough space to fit all of your belongings. The hatchback version is slightly larger. Behind the rear seats is 23.3 cubic feet, almost doubling the sedan's trunk space.
Do the rear seats fold down in the Ford Focus?
Consult your owner's manual for details, but most Ford Focus variants have rear seats that fold down. However, this is a fact that many people do not know. Even some Focus reviews complain about the need to fold the seats - funny considering the reviewer must have overlooked that as an available feature!
If you've had a Focus for a while and never knew the seats were folding, don't feel bad. You are clearly not alone. This video demonstrates this and can help you figure out the process for your own car:
How many suitcases fit in a Ford Focus?
Of course, the size of your bags will change how many you can fit. But in the trunk of a Ford Focus you can assume that 3 large suitcases and a few small items will fit. And now that we've covered how to fold down the rear seats for more space, you can find even more space. That means, of course, if you don't have to use every seat.
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The Ford Focus can carry around 1000 pounds. This includes passengers, luggage and anything else you can carry in your car or trunk. This allows you to transport 5 people in the Focus, including space for 3 car seats on the back seats if required. The sedan's trunk can fit at least 3 large suitcases and is 13 cubic feet. The hatchback is slightly roomier at 23.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
If necessary, the seats can be folded down in almost all versions of the Focus. Just make sure you don't add more than the maximum payload weight. This can stress and damage the brake, exhaust or suspension system. It can also cause tire damage, is potentially dangerous, and can even result in a police ticket in most states.
To read more try the following:
8 Best Hybrid Travel Trailers for 2021
21 Types of Ford Cars [And That's Without Trucks!]
FAQs
How much weight can a Ford Focus handle? ›
If you want to know how much you can haul with your Focus you need to look at the Payload capacity, which is only 1042 lbs.
Is there a weight limit for a car? ›Automakers typically include the weight limit in at least two places. It's listed in the owner's manual, as well as on a sticker inside the door on the driver's side. The maximum weight might be lower than you think. Some small sports cars are rated to carry less than 450 pounds.
How much weight can a 2012 Ford Focus carry? › Can I fit 4 suitcases in a Ford Focus? ›The Ford Focus ranks among the best in its class when it comes to luggage capacity. The 362 liters of space available in the trunk makes it possible to pack up to 3 large suitcases and a few smaller bags and loose items.
How much weight can a 2013 Ford Focus carry? › Is a Ford Focus big enough for a family of 5? ›Four passengers can travel in comfort – and there's an adequate amount of space on the rear bench for a fifth. Leg-room and shoulder-room in the back is generous, with enough width for an average-sized adult in the middle seat. There's more space here than in a Volkswagen Golf, for example.
Can my car carry 1000 pounds? ›(a) The gross weight on any one axle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds, and the gross weight upon any one wheel, or wheels, supporting one end of an axle, shall not exceed 10,500 pounds.
What happens if you carry too much weight in your car? ›The tires can wear out quickly as well as overheat. This leads to expensive tire failure and the possibility of a dangerous blowout. Extra strain means the engine is also working harder to make the vehicle move. Engine damage is extremely costly and can leave you with a broke down vehicle on the side of the road.
How many suitcases can a Ford Focus hold? ›The Ford Focus ranks among the best in its class when it comes to luggage capacity. The 362 liters of space available in the trunk makes it possible to pack up to 3 large suitcases and a few smaller bags and loose items. The rear seats also fold down, doubling the available storage space.
How much can a Ford Focus haul? ›...
Ford Focus braked* towing capacity.
| Year | Braked capacity from | Braked capacity to |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1200kg | 1400kg |
| 2020 | 1000kg | 1400kg |
| 2019 | 0kg | 1400kg |
| 2018 | 0kg | 1200kg |
What is the life expectancy of a 2012 Ford Focus? ›
A properly cared for 2012 Ford Focus will last about 150,000 miles, which is shorter than the competitors. The regular annual maintenance costs are much more expensive than other compact cars.
How much luggage can a midsize car hold? ›You can expect to comfortably fit 3-4 medium-sized bags or suitcases in a mid-size rental car.
How much luggage fits in a full size car? ›| Car Group | Passengers | Luggage Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Size | 5 | 2-3 Big bags 2 Small bags |
| Estate | 5 | 3 Big bags 2 Small bags |
| Minivans | 7-9 | 4-5 Big Bags 3 Small bags |
| SUV | 5 | 3 Big bags 2 Small bags |
...
Ford Focus dimensions: interior.
| Ford Focus dimensions: interior | Compared to similar cars | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear legroom | 849mm | Below average |
A properly maintained 2013 Ford Focus should last over 200,000 miles, which is average for a compact car. Regular maintenance costs are significantly more expensive than the competition.
What year did Ford Focus have transmission problems? ›Ford's DSP6 PowerShift transmission, first installed in 2012–2016 Ford Focus and 2011–2016 Ford Fiesta cars, had numerous engineering flaws and defects that its resulting problems caused several lawsuits and a federal investigation.
Can a Ford Focus have a roof rack? ›A Ford Focus roof rack can really do wonders for the car's versatility, especially if you like to go camping or take bulky items like surfboards. You'll find the perfect roof rack for Ford Focus models of many sizes and ages on eBay, where you'll find a wide selection of new and used models at affordable prices.
What car can fit 5 adults? ›- 2023 Cadillac Escalade.
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43.
- 2023 Acura RDX.
- 2023 Genesis G90.
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580.
- 2023 Audi RS 3.
- 2023 INFINITI QX60.
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600.
- Hyundai Tucson: Best Compact SUV for Families.
- Chevrolet Suburban: Best Large SUV for Families.
- Honda Passport: Best 2-Row SUV for Families.
- Kia Telluride: Best 3-Row SUV for Families.
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Best Hybrid or Electric SUV for Families.
Ford Focus models 2010, 2011 and 2018 are highly rated for their reliability and durability. Unfortunately, the models released from 2012 to 2013 fell short on their ratings.
Can heavy weight damage your car? ›
Exceeding the Weight Limit Does Damage
If you're tempted to overload your car, truck, or SUV because you're moving or for some other reason, rethink your strategy. Overloading the vehicle so much so that it exceeds its maximum weight capacity will unnecessarily stress and damage your vehicle.
Almost all modern car crushers use a hydraulic press to crush the cars. A large motor powers a pump that pushes hydraulic fluid to drive large cylinders. Using principles of force-multiplication, a hydraulic system can generate over 2,000 psi and impart more than 150 tons of crushing force onto a pile of scrap cars.
How much does a car have to weight to right it off? ›The 6,000-pound vehicle tax deduction is a rule under the federal tax code that allows people to deduct up to $25,000 of a vehicle's purchasing price on their tax return. The vehicle purchased must weigh over 6,000 pounds, according to the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), but no more than 14,000 pounds.
How do I know how much weight my car can hold? ›The best way to find out how much weight your vehicle can carry is to subtract the net weight of the vehicle from the GVWR (located on the driver's door post). The number remaining is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry.
What car weight is considered heavy? ›Heavy-Duty Vehicle 4: 14,001 – 16,000 lbs. Heavy-Duty Vehicle 5: 16,001 – 19,500 lbs. Heavy-Duty Vehicle 6: 19,501 – 26,000 lbs. Heavy-Duty Vehicle 7: 26,001 – 33,000 lbs.
How much weight is too much carrying? ›A loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. (If you weigh 150 pounds, your pack should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.
How much does weight matter on a car? ›A bigger, heavier vehicle provides better crash protection than a smaller, lighter one, assuming no other differences. The part of the vehicle between the front bumper and the occupant compartment absorbs energy from crashes by crumpling.
Can a car run on fat? ›Can cars run on used chip oil? Incredibly it is possible to run a car using fat that's been used for cooking chips. Although it's a little bit more complicated than it sounds. It's all to do with vegetable oil.
Are Ford Focus good for road trips? ›Ford Focus – The perfect compact car
It has enough power to make a smooth sailing up steep hills and is well-grounded. As a result, it's easy to cruise around the countryside no matter what country you visit.
...
Boot space.
| Boot space comparison | |
|---|---|
| Model | Boot space |
| Ford Focus hatchback | 375 litres |
| Ford Focus estate | 575 litres |
| Volkswagen Golf hatchback | 381 litres |
Can you fit two suitcases in a Ford Fiesta? ›
Ford Fiesta Luggage Capacity
With 275 liters of space in the trunk, travelers are sure to be able to fit what they need. That's enough space for 2 large or 3 medium suitcases, and then there's still room for a few small personal bags.
27, 2022 – The all-new 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty offers best in class performance right where customers need it with 1,200 lb. -ft. of torque*** available, 40,000 pounds maximum towing*, and 8,000 pounds of maximum payload**.
What is the lifespan of a Ford Focus? ›With proper maintenance, the Ford Focus will drive for 200,000 miles without needing any expensive replacements. This means that a new Ford Focus has a life expectancy of about thirteen to sixteen years if you drive an average of 15,000 miles a year.
Does Ford make a heavy half ton truck? ›Best Half-Ton Truck Towing
For 2021 Ford has recaptured the half-ton towing crown with a maximum trailer weight of 14,000 pounds. And this isn't with a stripped-down truck, either. Two-wheel drive F-150's fitted with the 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 and either SuperCab or SuperCrew can be configured to hit this max weight.
- Engine Misfire. Problem: ...
- Engine Cuts Out. Problem: ...
- Air-bag problems. Problem: ...
- Brake hose problems. Problem: ...
- Oil filler cap problemOil filler cap problem. Problem: ...
- Door latch problem. Problem: ...
- Alternator problem. Problem: ...
- Key Stuck in Ignition. Problem:
| Ford Model | Cambelt Change Intervals |
|---|---|
| Ford Focus Cambelt Change | Every 144,000 miles or 10 years |
| Ford Focus RS Cambelt Change | Every 125,000 miles or 10 years |
| Ford Focus Vignale Cambelt Change | Every 144,000 miles or 10 years |
| Ford KA+ Cambelt Change | Every 150,000 miles or 10 years |
What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
What happens if my luggage is over 50 pounds? ›That means that if your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds, your airline will charge you a set fee on top of their standard baggage rate. Most airlines also have a weight limit, usually 70-80 pounds, after which they don't accept bags, even for an extra fee.
What is considered overweight for luggage? ›Overweight Baggage on International Flights
On flights within the United States, Canada (including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico), bags exceeding 100 lbs. (45.36 kg) are not allowed. On flights between North/South/Central America and Europe/North Africa, bags exceeding 70 lbs. (31.75 kg) are not allowed.
The reason for the rule is simple. It takes fuel to move pounds. If you're allowed to take one bag with 70 pounds you'll cause the airline to use more fuel than one with 50 pounds.
How much weight can you pack in a car? ›
Smaller cars and sedans have a weight limit of 400-500 pounds. Of course, this limit depends on the type and size of vehicle you have. Some higher-seating capacity vehicles will reach their limit if every seat is occupied.
Which car is best for luggage? ›| Car | Boot Space | Petrol price |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Baleno | 339 litres | Rs 5.35 – 8.40 lakh |
| Hyundai i20 | 295 litres | Rs 5.40 – 7.96 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | 268 litres | Rs 4.99 – 7.29 lakh |
| Hyundai Grand i10 | 256 litres | Rs 4.73 – 6.97 lakh |
According to EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) data, the average weight of an automobile in 2022 was around 4,094 pounds, which is only a slight increase compared to 2018's 4,000 pounds.
How much weight can a Ford Focus hold? ›A Ford Focus can support roughly 1000 pounds.
Is Ford Focus a durable car? ›The Ford Focus is a reliable vehicle that can, with proper maintenance, last up to 200,000 miles. They offer competitive fuel efficiency with an average of 30 MPG for city driving and 40 MPG for highway driving.
Are Ford Focuses safe cars? ›As per RepairPal, the Ford Focus has a reliability score of 4 out of 5, ranking 27th out of 36 compact vehicles across all brands.
What is the life expectancy of a Ford Focus? ›With proper maintenance, the Ford Focus will drive for 200,000 miles without needing any expensive replacements. This means that a new Ford Focus has a life expectancy of about thirteen to sixteen years if you drive an average of 15,000 miles a year.
Why did Ford stop selling the Focus? ›Due to the increasing focus on SUVs and electric vehicles, Ford will be phasing out the Focus gradually from the Chinese, Australian, and other remaining markets by 2025. Ford is not developing any replacement for the current-generation Focus, thus marking the end of the road for the Ford Focus in 2025.
Why did Ford stop making the Focus? ›The final factory that is producing the Focus, the Saarlouis plant in Germany, will stop making the fourth-generation Focus come 2025. With declining sales due to the shift towards SUVs, the Focus will cease production.
Is the Ford Focus good for a road trip? ›The Ford Focus is one of the best cars for saving you money at the pump while out on a weekend road trip. It gets an estimated EPA of 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
What is the most safest Ford? ›
- Small SUVs. Top Safety Pick+ 2021-22 Ford Bronco Sport 4-door SUV. 2021 Ford Escape 4-door SUV. with specific headlights.
- Midsize SUVs. Top Safety Pick. 2021-22 Ford Edge 4-door SUV. with specific headlights. ...
- Large pickups. Top Safety Pick. 2021 Ford F-150 Crew cab pickup. with specific headlights.
Fuel system, gasoline
Recall no. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735.
Is the Ford Focus being discontinued? Ford has announced that the Ford Focus as we know it will be discontinued in 2025. It'll be replaced by an all-electric model.
Is it expensive to fix a Ford Focus? ›They are reliable cars that are suited to city life for pretty much anyone, from students to executives. Ford Focus repair costs can range between $180 and $5,000 as parts and labor costs for repairs can vary widely based on the part damaged and the extent of the damage.
What years did Ford Focus have transmission problems? ›Ford's DSP6 PowerShift transmission, first installed in 2012–2016 Ford Focus and 2011–2016 Ford Fiesta cars, had numerous engineering flaws and defects that its resulting problems caused several lawsuits and a federal investigation.
What is the best engine in a Ford Focus? ›Ultimate performance
There's no RS version of the fourth-gen Focus (just yet, anyway), so your best bet will be the 2.3-litre EcoBoost-powered ST variant.