Flat tow equipment needed to flat tow the 2021 Bronco?

[Ranbronc]

If I were to do it over for the Mod bumper,I would order the Rock hard 4x4 tow bar adapters ( replaces the tow hooks ) and the lod brackets for the break away Cables, cost would be minimal this way.

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[mini4mw]

I read a few posts where the brackets were too narrow on the Bronco, but they took them off and increased the width to match the Roadmaster adapters themselves or at a machine shop for less than $50. If you install the LOD brackets, you need to take them off anyway. Should be pretty easy for a machine shop.

 

[Yikes!]

If I were to do it over for the Mod bumper,I would order the Rock hard 4x4 tow bar adapters ( replaces the tow hooks ) and the lod brackets for the break away Cables, cost would be minimal this way.

I have the LOD tile brackets and Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar. Am I missing something? It looks like the Rock Hard 4x4 adapters only fit Rock Hard Bumpers.

I read a few posts where the brackets were too narrow on the Bronco, but they took them off and increased the width to match the Roadmaster adapters themselves or at a machine shop for less than $50. If you install the LOD brackets, you need to take them off anyway. Should be pretty easy for a machine shop.

I considered the option to machine the modular bumper tow hooks but wondering how much it weakens them to machine them down to just below 1 inch to allow for re-powder coating. Removing material from what should be an engineered solution worries me a bit. Why Ford did not make them a standard 1 inch like every other aftermarket bumper? SMH. Nothing is ever easy. It looks like everyone is avoiding making a properly fitting adapter for the Bronco so they can sell you a bumper or base plates. I just want to drag the ole Bronco to some good wheeling and be able to recover it when I get it stuck.

 

[Ranbronc]

I have the LOD tile brackets and Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar. Am I missing something? It looks like the Rock Hard 4x4 adapters only fit Rock Hard Bumpers.



I considered the option to machine the modular bumper tow hooks but wondering how much it weakens them to machine them down to just below 1 inch to allow for re-powder coating. Removing material from what should be an engineered solution worries me a bit. Why Ford did not make them a standard 1 inch like every other aftermarket bumper? SMH. Nothing is ever easy. It looks like everyone is avoiding making a properly fitting adapter for the Bronco so they can sell you a bumper or base plates. I just want to drag the ole Bronco to some good wheeling and be able to recover it when I get it stuck.

rock hard 4x4 makes tabs to match the tow bar, that replace the Mod bumper tow hooks
down fall is you lose the tow hook, with their bumper they have a new tow hook on the bumper


link to roadmaster tow tab
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-8002-rm.htm

 

[Yikes!]

I made a few calls to Roadmaster to see if they had an intention of making a properly fitting adapter for the Bronco Modular Bumper recovery points. They informed me that have no plans at this time because FORD has not officially cleared the recovery points for flat towing. Until then, they will not be producing an adapter. It seems some are having success with the 035-1 adapters and some are not fitting. The only plausible explanation that we could come up with is manufacturing tolerances with the recovery points and the o35-1 adapters and possibly how many mils of power coating each part has. I am going to order a set of 035-1 adapters or two and hope for the best. Thanks again Ford. It could have been easy and quick but NOOOooooo......

 

[EN2DIRT]

Has there been a change in the modular bumper hooks? I have seen that the Roadmaster 035-1 seems to work for some but others are saying they are a bit too narrow to fit. I measured mine and I am certain that they will not fit. Mine are 1-1/16+. I have not put the calipers to it yet but definitely bigger that the 1 inch. I would much prefer a proper adapter but would entertain switching out the modular hooks for something that is 1" wide or another solution. Really trying not to buy another bumper. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I purchased the Roadmaster 035-1 D-Ring adapters and they are barely too small to go over the mounts. Some have had no issues so the width is not consistent. I may just take a grinder to the adapters to see if I can widen a little bit. I don't want to get a new bumper or add any additional brackets.

 

[goatman2]

Jcr winch mount, Airforce one, made my own diode kit for lighting & charge wire 6 pin and offroad adapters for blue ox tow bar on BRaptor

Exactly where we mounted my Air Force One control box.

 

[goatman2]

Much appreciate the help. Thanks folks, for not executing me for not finding it with a search! I was sure I read this whole 40 page thread. This is so full of valuable information, it needs an index! We are hoping to hit the Mighty 5 in Utah in May. Got a lot of adds to make to the bronco before then.

We did that trip in May year before last. Great trip. We also went to Mesa Verde NP and to Durango CO. We took five weeks.

 

[Yikes!]

I purchased the Roadmaster 035-1 D-Ring adapters and they are barely too small to go over the mounts. Some have had no issues so the width is not consistent. I may just take a grinder to the adapters to see if I can widen a little bit. I don't want to get a new bumper or add any additional brackets.

I'm a bit nervous about grinding or milling out the adapters themselves since I am no engineer and those small pieces seem to take a lot of load. The Roadmaster folks said the same. My approach was going to be to remove the factory hooks and have them machined down a bit to fit and then re powder coat them.

 

[EN2DIRT]

I'm a bit nervous about grinding or milling out the adapters themselves since I am no engineer and those small pieces seem to take a lot of load. The Roadmaster folks said the same. My approach was going to be to remove the factory hooks and have them machined down a bit to fit and then re powder coat them.

I hear you, but Ford won't even provide specs on the factory hooks to say they are adequate for using as tow points. So, I guess it's a risk either way.

 

[Yikes!]

I hear you, but Ford won't even provide specs on the factory hooks to say they are adequate for using as tow points. So, I guess it's a risk either way.

I could not agree more. My head went with the fact that the hooks have more material to give from than the adapter but both seem risky to me.

 

[EN2DIRT]

I could not agree more. My head went with the fact that the hooks have more material to give from than the adapter but both seem risky to me.

It just barely too tight so not much would have to be grinded off. I guess we can both come back later to give an update on how each way worked for us.

 

[AZ Rider]

This is my first post and I have to tell you that I love this forum. This is the gear that I purchased to equip my 2022 OBX with modular bumper for flat towing behind my Class C RV. I know that there are several options for doing this, but this is what I used. I also included the proper and current procedure for putting the Bronco in NUTRUAL and attaching the auxiliary brake system. I printed and laminated both of them and keep them with the tow gear. I hope that this will help anyone else that is looking to flat tow their Bronco.

I currently use a 2010 Jeep Liberty as my TOAD so I already had my tow bar, aux brake and wire cable to connect to my RV. I’ve been using it since 2017.

So, when equipping my new Bronco, I was going to need a base plate, break away switch, 6 pin connector, and a light wiring harness.

I’m going to list ALL the gear you’ll need to properly equip your Bronco for flat towing.



TOW BAR $790

The tow bar connects your RV to the towed vehicle. I decided to use a Blue Ox brand. I choose the BX7365 ALPHA. 6500lb tow bar. My Jeep is 4200lbs and the Bronco is 6100lbs so I decided to continue to us my current two bar. $790

Amazon.com: Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha 6,500lb Tow Bar : Automotive

BASE PLATE $592.90

The base plate is attached to your TOAD and connects to your tow bar. Again, I went with Blue Ox BX2688 for the Ford Bronco WITH a modular bumper. $592.90

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09NX43X4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I did the install on my Jeep and the Bronco was much easier than the Jeep was to install. There is some cutting and modification that needs to be done.

ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM $1081.84

An electric brake system is an auxiliary brake system and is required in many states in a towed vehicle. I choose to stick with Blue Ox and selected the Patriot II. The Patriot comes with the breakaway switch, which will activate the electronic break system in the event the towed vehicle should come unhooked from the RV. If you look at the picture, I placed it on the left side of the base plate that way I could put the 6-pin connector on the right side, closer to the RV harness. Since I’ve had my brake since 2017 a new Patriot 3 is now available. $1081.84

Amazon.com: Blue Ox BRK2019 Patriot 3 Brake System : Automotive

BREAKAWAY SWITCH $79.93

Since I was now going to use my Bronco, I could use the Patriot II but I would need a new breakaway switch since I was going to leave the original one supplied with the break on the Jeep. BRK2505 $79.93

Amazon.com: Blue Ox BRK2505 Patriot Breakaway Switch Patriot Breakaway Switch : Automotive

COILED CABLE $70.31

The coiled cable is used to connect the RV 7-pin connector to the towed vehicle. I went again with Blue Ox BX88206. $70.31

Amazon.com: Blue Ox BX88206 Coiled Cable with Female Receptor : Electronics

WIRING HARNESS $120.99

The wiring harness is used to connect the RV lighting system to the towed vehicle. I did look at several options include the diode and splicing and plug and play. I decided to go with the plug and play because I didn’t want to cut the original wiring harness. I choose the Curt 58992. If you read the review it talks about not working with LED lights, which I have. They stated that the amber light would illuminate when the brakes were depressed. They have corrected the issue, at lease with the one I received. Google on removing the rear lights. It is a time-consuming install, but again not difficult or cheap. $120.99

Amazon.com: CURT 58992 Custom Towed-Vehicle RV Wiring Harness for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Ford Bronco, Black : Automotive

6-PIN ROUND TRAILER SOCKET $5.81

This socket connects the 7-pin RV connector to the towed vehicle. The above mentioned Curt wiring harness does come with a 4-wire connector with an extension cable, since I was going to use my prior coiled cable I decided to add a 6-pin connector via the 4-wire connector (see pic). That way I could unplug the 6-pin and use the 4-wire extension to another 4-wire plug if I needed or wanted. Curt 58130. $5.81

Amazon.com: CURT 58130 Vehicle-Side 6-Pin Round Trailer Wiring Harness Socket : Automotive

PUTTING YOUR BRONCO IN NUTURAL



Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle.

Note: Failure to put the transfer case in its neutral position can damage vehicle components.

Note: You can check the towing status at any time by opening the driver door or turning the ignition to the accessory or on position. Neutral Tow Enabled Leave Transmission in Neutral appears in the instrument cluster display to confirm you can recreationally tow your vehicle.

Note: If your vehicle has an anti-theft alarm, make sure you switch perimeter sensing on when towing.

Note: A tone could sound for up to 30 minutes if you recreationally tow with the doors removed.

Note: Electronic brake booster deactivates when neutral tow is enabled. Braking light does not respond when the feature is enabled.

Switching Neutral Tow On

1. Switch your vehicle to accessory mode by pressing the push button ignition switch without pressing any pedals.

1. Press the 2H button on the four-wheel drive mode control.

1. Fully press and hold the brake pedal and shift the transmission to neutral (N).

1. Using the instrument cluster controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.

1. Select Neutral Tow.

1. Press and hold the OK button until a confirmation message appears in the information display.

Note: If completed successfully, the information display shows Neutral Tow Enabled Leave Transmission in Neutral. This indicates that your vehicle is safe to tow with all wheels on the ground.

Note: If you do not see a confirmation message in the instrument cluster display, perform the procedure again from the beginning.

Note: You may hear noise as the transfer case shifts into its neutral position. This is normal.

1. Release the brake pedal and leave the transmission in neutral (N).

1. Switch your vehicle off by pressing the push button ignition switch once without pressing any pedals.

Switching Neutral Tow Off

1. With your vehicle properly secured to the tow vehicle, switch your vehicle to accessory mode by pressing the push button ignition switch without pressing any pedals.

1. Starting with the brake pedal released and the transmission in neutral (N), fully press and hold the brake pedal for approximately seven seconds and shift the transmission to park (P).Continue holding the brake pedal until the instrument cluster display shows 2H and Neutral Tow Disabled.

Note: If completed successfully, the instrument cluster displays 2H and Neutral Tow Disabled.

Note: Perform the switching neutral tow on and switching neutral tow off procedures again from the beginning if the indicator light and message do not display.

Note: You could hear a noise as the transfer case shifts out of its neutral position. This is normal.

1. Release the brake pedal.

1. Apply the parking brake, then disconnect your vehicle from the tow vehicle.

1. Release the parking brake, start your vehicle, and shift into either drive (D) or reverse (R) to make sure the transfer case is out of the neutral tow position.

1. If the transfer case did not successfully shift out of its neutral position, set the parking brake. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Resolving the Shift Delayed Drive Forward Message

1. Fully press and hold the brake pedal.

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

1. With the vehicle running, shift into drive (D). Let the vehicle roll forward up to 3 ft (1 m).

Note: You could hear a noise as the transfer case shifts out of its neutral position. This is normal.

1. Make sure the instrument cluster displays Neutral Tow Disabled.

PREPARING BRONCO FOR ELECTRONIC BRAKE



Procedure For Entering Neutral Tow Mode

1. Place the vehicle into neutral tow mode by following the instructions located in the vehicle’s Digital Owner’s Manual by using the center touch screen and selecting Features > Owner’s Manual > Driving and Operating > Towing Your Vehicle > Recreational Towing Your Vehicle - Automatic Transmission.

CAUTION: Follow all safety precautions and notes during the procedure. Once Neutral Tow mode has been activated turn off the vehicle. Do not continue this procedure until the vehicle successfully enters Neutral Tow mode.

2. Open the hood to gain access to the engine compartment.

3. Close all passenger doors and wait 5 minutes to allow the vehicle to enter sleep mode.

4. Locate the under hood fuse box and remove the top plastic cover by disengaging the three push tabs.



5. Locate both 60-amp fuses 28 and 29 located in the under hood fuse box and carefully remove them using needle nose pliers. Once removed, store both fuses in a safe place for later reinstallation.



6. Reinstall the top plastic cover onto the under hood fuse box.

7. Close the hood.

8. Install the supplemental braking system on the vehicle following the instructions provided by the manufacturer

Procedure For Exiting Neutral Tow Mode

NOTE: Be sure that the vehicle is safely secured to the towing vehicle before proceeding.

1. Remove the supplemental braking system from the vehicle following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

2. Make sure the vehicle is still OFF then open the hood to gain access to the engine compartment.

3. Close all passenger doors and wait 5 minutes to allow the vehicle to enter sleep mode.

4. Locate the under hood fuse box and remove the top plastic cover.

5. Use needle nose pliers to carefully install fuses 28 and 29 into their proper locations within the under hood fuse box.

6. Reinstall the top plastic cover onto the under hood fuse box.

7. Close the hood.

8. Remove the vehicle from neutral tow mode by following the instructions located in the vehicle’s Digital Owner’s Manual by using the center touch screen and selecting Features > Owner’s Manual > Driving and Operating > Towing Your Vehicle > Recreational Towing Your Vehicle - Automatic Transmission.

NOTE: If the vehicle is turned ON while fuses 28 and 29 are removed, warnings may display within the instrument panel cluster (IPC). These warnings may continue to show on the first 1-2 key cycles after the fuses have been installed. If this happens, allow the vehicle to enter sleep mode by letting it sit in the OFF position with the hood and doors closed for at least 5 minutes. If faults continue to occur, all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) must be cleared using Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS).

 

[Yikes!]

@Huntingbigun, I have finally come around to your solution as the only reasonable solution for Mod bumper without losing your recovery hooks. I am going with the JCR winch plate. You said it required oilite bushings for the winch plate recovery points to get them to 1 inch for the tow bar adapters. Any chance you give me the easy button for the bushings? What size, part # and installation efforts? I am researched out for the moment and time (to travel) is getting short. I would be grateful.

 

[Huntingbigun]

@Huntingbigun, I have finally come around to your solution as the only reasonable solution for Mod bumper without losing your recovery hooks. I am going with the JCR winch plate. You said it required oilite bushings for the winch plate recovery points to get them to 1 inch for the tow bar adapters. Any chance you give me the easy button for the bushings? What size, part # and installation efforts? I am researched out for the moment and time (to travel) is getting short. I would be grateful.

Mcmasters out Atlanta
Oil-Embedded Bronze Sleeve Bearing, for 1" Shaft Diameter, for 1-1/8" Housing ID, 3/4" Long

https://www.mcmaster.com/6391K723

I also took a dermel tool and small wheel got the elongated hole cleaned up, maybe yours will not be that way

happy trails

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