How-to Tow a TAXA Cricket Trailer Without Factory Tow Package -- on Base Standard Transmission

[adventureTime]

Hello fellow Bronco6G owners,

Sharing here the process for us to be able to tow a camper trailer as first timers without a factory tow package on our Base Bronco Standard Transmission 2.3L Engine.

We are lovers of the great outdoors and decided to get the Bronco with the intention of using it as a tow vehicle to a camper trailer for a year of travel at some point. These are the top campers we're considering but want to rent first:

1. A-Liner
2. Casita
3. Scamp
4. TAXA Cricket

We rented a TAXA Cricket from Outdoorsy last weekend. Before we were ready to tow, we completed the following on the Bronco:

1. Installed a tow hitch - we got one from Amazon that is made of Alloy Steel and has a placement for the 7/4 pin that is similar to the factory package (https://a.co/d/aGQ6KcT $75)
2. Installed the 7/4 pin connector - used the curt 4-pin harness (https://a.co/d/dOZvpyR $75) for Ford Bronco and purchased a separate 4-7 pin converter (https://a.co/d/b2gacz9 $20) and the connector (https://a.co/d/0lwc6ph $28). The remaining 3 wires after the conversion are not connected to anything, i do have plans to connect the 12V AUX pin to ignition. That way the only time power is shared between the Bronco and what it will be towing is when the engine is running.
3. Since we opted for a wireless brake controller (Curt Echo $95 bought used ), the blue wire from the 7-pin was not used. Also, we didn't use this with the Cricket because it has one built-in.
4. ReCurve R3 WDH ($225 bought in the box from FB marketplace) which we didn't end up using fully with the spring bars on the Cricket due to the placement of the propane tanks. But we were able to use just the shank with the hitch ball. We had to ask help from an off roading shop locally to assemble the WDH, as it required 260 ft-lb of torque which we didn't think we can pull off. Paid $75 for the labor.

Driving on a smooth road, it's barely noticeable that we're towing the Cricket. Starting from an incline, we could definitely feel the trailer, and on bumpy roads as well. We get 20MPG normally, and we got 17 towing the Cricket.

Overall, the Bronco felt capable and we are very excited to do more towing with it.

Let us know if you have any questions on our set-up!

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