Pros and cons of factory hitch vs. aftermarket?

[EL in NH]

I still can't believe the trailer hitch isn't welded to the frame. My 2002 Trailblazer had a trailer hitch from the factory welded into the frame - in fact all Trailblazer/Envoys did back then. I kind of expected that to happen with the Bronco.

Can't believe it is held in by 4 measly bolts...

No need to worry..they look pretty substantial..most likely galvanized grade 5 bolts .. besides you trust that single hitch pin to hold your trailer ..right?

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[FunForAll]

Because the tow package seems so simple but yet is a constrained commodity item, I suspect there's something else baked into the suspension, frame, drivetrain or electronics that hasn't been revealed yet. So, I'm keeping it on my order.

 

[reidski29]

No need to worry..they look pretty substantial..most likely galvanized grade 5 bolts .. besides you trust that single hitch pin to hold your trailer ..right?

Well of course

But don't get me started on that 3,500 lb towing capacity....

 

[Rivers90]

I just use my hitch as a recovery point to pull stuck vehicles out or to carry a bike rack .

Aftermarket would be fine for me. But if you will tow a trailer then factory would be best.

There are some nice aftermarket bumpers with built-in tow hitches. This would be my plan.

 

[ZackDanger]

add a "not" after the third word of the second paragraph and you have it all right here. For further discussion read the other threads on this exact topic in the towing forum.

Thank you for catching that.

 

[Tricky Dick]

I still can't believe the trailer hitch isn't welded to the frame. My 2002 Trailblazer had a trailer hitch from the factory welded into the frame - in fact all Trailblazer/Envoys did back then. I kind of expected that to happen with the Bronco.

Can't believe it is held in by 4 measly bolts...

Welding comes with it's own can of worms too. 4th gen Explorers could be had with a welded 1-1/4" hitch which was the bane of many owners, some of whom choose to have it cut out and a 2" welded in it's place. It would be just our luck for them to pull that stunt again.

 

[reidski29]

Welding comes with it's own can of worms too. 4th gen Explorers could be had with a welded 1-1/4" hitch which was the bane of many owners, some of whom choose to have it cut out and a 2" welded in it's place. It would be just our luck for them to pull that stunt again.

I could see Explorer people not enjoying that, the thing was the TB came with a 2" welded in to begin with.

 

[Lakelife36]

I still can't believe the trailer hitch isn't welded to the frame. My 2002 Trailblazer had a trailer hitch from the factory welded into the frame - in fact all Trailblazer/Envoys did back then. I kind of expected that to happen with the Bronco.

Can't believe it is held in by 4 measly bolts...

It's a Class II rated for 350lb TW and 3500lb towing. I suppose that's all it needs.

 

[reidski29]

It's a Class II rated for 350lb TW and 3500lb towing. I suppose that's all it needs.

Yes you are right, at 3,500 that likely is all it needs (FYI I realize you have been heavy into the tow capacity rating from previous posts and agree with your lack of disappoint in the actual value!).

Now back to the regular scheduled program...

 

[604Bronco]

Although I never pull anything and technically don’t need a hitch, I usually opt to get a vehicle with one.

I’ve seen people add a hitch aftermarket, and it never seems to look as clean/“factory fitting.” Plus like others have said, you don’t have the wiring or you need to wire in something yourself, which adds to my comment on cleanliness.

I like to have a hitch for the ability to add a bike hitch down the road or if I need to pull a small trailer for whatever reason. I also usually install a shackle on my tow hitch, in the event I need it to help pull someone out of a situation.

And lastly, on one of my first vehicles I was actually rear-ended by someone who wasn’t paying attention. When I was hit, it felt like the car would have been destroyed at the back it was that powerful. I remember getting out of the car, expecting the worst… Only to realize my car had a slight crack in the rear bumper, but the guy who hit me had a giant hole ripped into his. Thankfully everyone was ok as well. But I attribute my vehicle being spared (for the most part) by having that hitch.

 

[Gotdesl]

My plan is a factory hitch and wiring installed after purchase. I don't have an immediate need for it, it is typically a fair bit less expensive if you shop around dealers, and the wiring is designed by the factory to integrate with the vehicle. I prefer doing my own work on my vehicles anyway, so I don't see my time and labor as a negative.

 

[Neps]

I'm not sure I understand the statements about waiting for aftermarket development of the trailer hitch or the appearance of a non-factory installed hitch. An aftermarket offering is not the only option for those wishing to self install.

The hitch and harness is available in the Ford Accessory Catalog.

Once the production units start to be delivered we'll know the configurations of the factory installed trailer wiring harness, until then Ford has been silent of the specific configuration (AFAIK). Many have speculated that the factory installed unit will include the trailer brake controller connection, but that seems to be conjecture at this point.

 

[timhood]

Is there any reason to do factory hitch vs. aftermarket? Pros/cons?

I'm guessing the primary reason you're asking this question is that the hitch is an item that could delay delivery of your Bronco. I'm in that same boat.

I always get the factory tow package because I think it's a better integration and often a better value. On the F150 (admittedly quite a long time ago), the $595 (IIRC) price included the hitch, wiring and additional oil coolers for the transmission at least. Now way I felt comfortable letting some kid cutting into my electrical and oil lines installing the equivalent aftermarket, if I thought I could save any money at all.

The Bronco's hitch doesn't seem to include as much, but I'm not sure if I'll actually tow anything other than using it as a carrier. I think I will need to have a discussion about whether we want to keep it if it will significantly delay delivery.

So for me: con is delayed delivery, pro is not having to wait for just-the-right aftermarket solution that doesn't reduce departure angle because I'm not going to replace the rear bumper.

 

[da_jokker]

I'm opting for the factory Tow to get the wiring, plus since I can't get a roof rack, I need the means to carry "stuff" from day 1.

My plan is to replace the actual factory hitch with an aftermarket rear bumper that has a hitch built in.

Be happy to sell you my factory one afterwards

 

[da_jokker]

Because the tow package seems so simple but yet is a constrained commodity item, I suspect there's something else baked into the suspension, frame, drivetrain or electronics that hasn't been revealed yet. So, I'm keeping it on my order.

I'm thinking it's the wiring....possible same for the Top..both come with extra wiring harnesses and are sins.... But then again there is the Fog lights and their extra wire harness and have not heard they are a sin... it's all fubar

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