Flat tow equipment needed to flat tow the 2021 Bronco?

[SRICKEY]

Adam,

I have been towing my Bronco using the MOD bumper with the Roadmaster 035-1 adapters for a year now with no issues. I am about to order the Rough Country winch mount so I can keep using the mod bumper shackle mounts for my towbar. Just another option...here's the link:

Winch Mount | Fits OE Modular Bumpers | Ford Bronco 4WD (2021-2023) | Rough Country

Jim

Jim,
Wondering how the RC winch mount worked out. Any issues with fit of your tow bar to the MOD bumper shackle mounts with it installed? Do you have any pics of how it turned out?

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[Bronco4]

Got an OTA update yesterday - I think this fixes the EBB issue

Any Update???

 

[lni]

Any Update???

I got that same update last week. Honestly, unless I see something from Ford telling me that a speicifc update corrected the fuse pulling issue, I'm not risking flat towing without pulling fuses.

 

[Vezfly]

I got that same update last week. Honestly, unless I see something from Ford telling me that a speicifc update corrected the fuse pulling issue, I'm not risking flat towing without pulling fuses.

havent been able to tell if it has done anything- called ford marketing /tech line . They don’t know either ..

 

[broncoli]

I wanted to mention something i didn't really see talked about before as most people have the mod/standard bumper.


I ordered the blue ox base plates for the capable bumper (w/ d-rings) and it definitely wasn't cheap by any means. I later came to see someone in this thread use the Ford Tow Hooks to replace the fatcory D-ring hook ups on the capable bumper. The price comparison isn't even close and you basically get mod bumper tow hooks and can use the same techniques described elsewhere in this current thread for the mod bumper.

I don't know if anything special was required to get it installed, but I highly doubt it. Could save some a few hundred bucks and I personally plan on eventually moving to the tow hooks as they can then double as recovery points whilst thats not really possible with the base plates install w/ something like this: (not my bronco btw)

My only question to everyone else is why would you choose this expensive base plate setup over the factory tow hooks other than the lack of Ford to claim load capacities on those points ? It seems like a no brainer to keep the recovery points while also having the ability to flat tow. Am I way off base ? lol

 

[Bronco4]

I wanted to mention something i didn't really see talked about before as most people have the mod/standard bumper.


I ordered the blue ox base plates for the capable bumper (w/ d-rings) and it definitely wasn't cheap by any means. I later came to see someone in this thread use the Ford Tow Hooks to replace the fatcory D-ring hook ups on the capable bumper. The price comparison isn't even close and you basically get mod bumper tow hooks and can use the same techniques described elsewhere in this current thread for the mod bumper.

I don't know if anything special was required to get it installed, but I highly doubt it. Could save some a few hundred bucks and I personally plan on eventually moving to the tow hooks as they can then double as recovery points whilst thats not really possible with the base plates install w/ something like this: (not my bronco btw)

My only question to everyone else is why would you choose this expensive base plate setup over the factory tow hooks other than the lack of Ford to claim load capacities on those points ? It seems like a no brainer to keep the recovery points while also having the ability to flat tow. Am I way off base ? lol

I wouldn't.

 

[broncoli]

@Bronco4 that’s fair. I got my base plates installed and that was a fun time (not really).

Here is what I will say about the base plates that are different, at least, from the factory installed D-rings on the capable bumper.

Positives
- Overall the quality of welds seem much better on the blue ox base plates
- The baseplates have a square frame that extends into the rails of the bronco frame. Then there are two 1/2 inch bolts that go into each base plate/rail. This gives me more confidence in this never failing.
- There are convienent chain recievers
- safety cables included
- other than my dumb mistake of slightly cross threading one of the baseplates the install was fairly easy (subjective I know)

Negatives:
- Expensive
- mine didn’t come with all the hardware (missing the 2 1/2 inch bolts)
- cutting steel involved, not every DIYers realm
- looks straight ugly
- not really any ideal recovery points once installed
- extra hardware to maintain (baseplate attachment tabs)

My overall consensus is that if you have the capable bumper with d rings, and you plan on doing most of the install yourself, then go with the ford factory tow hooks. I say that mainly due to the price and capability of the tow hooks as recovery points as well. The main reason I didn’t go that route is because I had already purchased the blue ox plates and I have a very large trip planned and it’s already coming up tomorrow. But I do want plan on checking out the ford tow hooks.

 

[2ndgenirish]

It looks like I finally will get my Badlands with Mod Bumper and a trailer hitch. I just read that I am scheduled for production April 10. Wa-hoo!

Okay, time for me to get busy with flat tow preparations.

Currently I am towing my 2016 Ford Edge Sport using a Blue Ox Ascent bar with Air Force One braking.

I want to reinstall that same equipment onto my Bronco. I have located the Demco re-install kit for Air Force One.

I have found LODoffroad. Com Tow adapter JTB0720 and Bracket BFT2101 to connect with the Ascent tow bar.

Brake light wiring looks easy by using the T-Connector (56468) by CURT. 4-wire.

I’d appreciate any comments.

 

[yourbudjim]

Jim,
Wondering how the RC winch mount worked out. Any issues with fit of your tow bar to the MOD bumper shackle mounts with it installed? Do you have any pics of how it turned out?

I was hoping my wife would get it for my birthday, but she got me something else. I'll post pics whenever I decide to pull the trigger on it.

 

[Bill K]

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.
2. Press the 2H button on the four-wheel drive mode control.
3. Fully press and hold the brake pedal and shift the transmission to neutral (N).
4. Using the instrument cluster controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.
5. Select Neutral Tow.
6. 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).
2. 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.
2. 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.
2. Apply the parking brake, then disconnect your vehicle from the tow vehicle.
3. 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.
4. 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.
2. Press the push button ignition switch.
3. 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).

Thanks for the post Larry. Just ordered many of the same parts and plan to install shortly. I also copied your instructions for printing and lamination - great idea!

 

[2ndgenirish]

FYI, regarding the installation of a Demco Air Force One into a 2.7l Bronco. The issue involves hookup for the vacuum lines: there are none in the 2.7L which has electrically augmented brakes.

I submitted an inquiry to Demco to confirm that no vacuum hookup is needed, meaning plug the vacuum port on the AF! Controller. There is a second (Exhaust). port s well.

Here is today’s reply from Demco:


With Ford’s newest update from approx. 2 weeks ago, we understand that you would plug both ports. The brake pedal does get hard under those circumstances. We are currently looking for a Bronco we can test it on ourselves
I would be sure that you have Ford’s newest update installed, and you could always test this yourself to be 100% sure.

Thank you,

Michael Keninger
Sales/Customer Service
RV, SBS, & Rental

4010 320th Street • Boyden, IA 51234
712-725-3361 • 800-543-3626
www.demco-products.com

 

[AZ Rider]

@Bill K your welcome. Glad I could help. You do lose the recovery hooks (D rings) but you could in an emergency use the base plate chain break away hooks if need be. Others have decided to use the recover hooks as a tow bar connector, but I don’t know where they would put the break away chains. Besides I already had the Jeep setup and I could now use either car as a toad. Safe travels.

 

[Bill K]

@Bill K your welcome. Glad I could help. You do lose the recovery hooks (D rings) but you could in an emergency use the base plate chain break away hooks if need be. Others have decided to use the recover hooks as a tow bar connector, but I don’t know where they would put the break away chains. Besides I already had the Jeep setup and I could now use either car as a toad. Safe travels.

Saw that others are using the recovery hooks Larry. Ford doesn't recommend, so I went with the Blue Ox stuff - no worries there. Covered the whole thread and have all the Blue Ox instructions. Like you, am towing with a Class C. Wish me luck on the install.

 

[jlauer]

I went to the Ford dealer today and they updated the Bronco from their computer with what they said will fix the flat tow issue. I should no longer have to pull fuses and do that awful 5 minute "go to sleep" wait process before pulling them. This is a copy of their notice that just came out this morning for this update.

I will say they weren't 100% certain it fixes the flat tow issue, but the tech felt pretty good that it would solve it. I'm a bit hesitant still. Have others heard the same?

 

[Vezfly]

I went to the Ford dealer today and they updated the Bronco from their computer with what they said will fix the flat tow issue. I should no longer have to pull fuses and do that awful 5 minute "go to sleep" wait process before pulling them. This is a copy of their notice that just came out this morning for this update.

I will say they weren't 100% certain it fixes the flat tow issue, but the tech felt pretty good that it would solve it. I'm a bit hesitant still. Have others heard the same?

So if this is accomplished , with Air Force one supplemental brake do we cap exhaust side (along with vacuum side ) for full force ?

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