It seems odd that the Bronco has the same tow capacity as an Escape...Weight, weight, weight And what Ford has calculated with options, passenger payload, etc by model. Since the 4Dr FE is loaded up they have run into a weight limitation, therefore no hitch.
Same problem applies in regards to the roof rack as well as other options. Ford does have a weight issue with the Bronco that will need to be addressed. I would bet that they are working the issue to be resolved for 22MY. They have their hands full now getting the darn thing into production with whatever issues that they are seeing on the mules and the seemingly endless problems with the roof manufacturer in Germany, WEBASTO. (Covid my butt, there are bigger problems than that IMHO)
Bronco rear suspension is totally different from Ranger and as pointed out is not built to be a tow vehicle, it has a softer/more compliant suspension specifically for on and especially off road use. Look at the very low tongue load capacity, 350 lbs. thats the problem, not brakes, not frame, not engine/trans. 350lb tongue load is so low because of vehicle GVWR, IMO due to rear suspension.
Can the tow rating be higher, the answer is yes, particularly on the 4 dr, its just engineering, 5000 or 6000 is not a stretch, anything higher than that will be unlikely due to w/b. The 2dr will always be limited to the shorter w/b. The most likely needed improvement is rear springs, but also possibly rear spring attach points to frame. Other things such as additional cooling etc as Ford does on other vehicles would probably fall into a real tow package as well. Changing the dynamics of rear suspension will come at a cost, potentially harsher ride and less compliant to off road conditions, can it be done yes, will some things be comprimised doing it, yes.
V8 4Runner tows 7KJeez people look at the suspension design for why it tow rating is limited.
Unless you want to tack an extra $10k on truck cost there’s no way to make a short wheelbase off-roader that travels on bumpy roads smoothly at 65MPH also tow 5k lbs.
If you want articulation and wheel travel you have to make sacrifices.
H3 isn't a valid comparison. Stopped production in 2010, SAE J2807 wasn't the industry standard until 2013MY.V8 4Runner tows 7K
V8 H3 tows 6k
Neither of them will perform well at high speeds on desert roads. It’s a trade off, again I point everyone to look at the rear suspension on the Bronco.
V8 4Runner also stopped in 09, though I think the V6 may be up to 7K now?H3 isn't a valid comparison. Stopped production in 2010, SAE J2807 wasn't the industry standard until 2013MY.
Just checked - the V6 are up to 5K. Which is the next size standard trailer.V8 4Runner also stopped in 09, though I think the V6 may be up to 7K now?
Regardless those standards have more or less caused everything to inflate significantly since they became de facto. Lot of unibody crossovers have ratings way higher than anyone with sense would ever attempt.