Need Guidance: Dealer Installed Extended Tow Hitch

[yabsquatch]

Need some guidance from those who are smarter than me.

When I ordered my Bronco I opted to have my dealer install a 4-pin tow hitch after it arrived in lieu of ordering the 7-pin from the factory. I just picked it up and the dealer has installed an extended tow hitch instead of the factory style one which is relatively flush with the bumper. They said "this is what everyone wants" and that people are having to buy extensions anyways.

However, this is going to reduce my departure angle and, frankly, I am not pleased with the aesthetic. I plan to off-road in the Appalachians at least couple times a year, and dream of a western US trip for some proper rock crawling. I will tow very infrequently and can't imagine a scenario in which I'd use a cargo extension since it blocks my ability to open the rear gate.

That being said - what are the pros/cons of keeping this extended hitch that I am not aware of? Besides having clearance from the spare tire... is there any other reason I should keep this instead of taking it back to the dealer to swap out for a regular length hitch?

Photos for reference:

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[RunNGunArk]

i have flush hitch and have to use an extender to tow anything. When i put my bike rack on the hitch, i use a extender/drop.
If you think you'll very rarely tow, and have some steep off-roading, yes, you'll have a clearance issue at some point.
You can get an extension for around $30.

 

[LCW]

This is why I opted to get one with the factory hitch and 7pin pre-installed from the factory.

 

[Aonarch]

It is just happy to see you. Personally I'd want the regular OEM hitch.

 

[BlueBronco]

That being said - what are the pros/cons of keeping this extended hitch that I am not aware of? Besides having clearance from the spare tire... is there any other reason I should keep this instead of taking it back to the dealer to swap out for a regular length hitch?

Con, It looks like ass. I could see it being a pro if you were hooking up a trailer on a daily basis but for most of us who only use it maybe once a month or a few times a year, then no way I would accept that.

It is a greater inconvenience than it is a convenience.

 

[yabsquatch]

Con, It looks like ass. I could see it being a pro if you were hooking up a trailer on a daily basis but for most of us who only use it maybe once a month or a few times a year, then no way I would accept that.

It is a greater inconvenience than it is a convenience.

I think this is where I'm at with it, too. It does look like ass.

An additional inconvenience I just discovered... its quite easy to bash your knee/shin on when accessing the cargo area. Ask me how I figured that out.

Quite disappointed the dealer thought this was a good idea and didn't even ask me beforehand.

 

[Aonarch]

I think this is where I'm at with it, too. It does look like ass.

An additional inconvenience I just discovered... its quite easy to bash your knee/shin on when accessing the cargo area. Ask me how I figured that out.

Quite disappointed the dealer thought this was a good idea and didn't even ask me beforehand.

I assume it is aftermarket?

 

[yabsquatch]

I assume it is aftermarket?

Correct. Went that route because I didn't need the 7-pin, and was advised to drop Tow Hitch from the order to help speed up its delivery. Waited well over 500 days...

 

[Aonarch]

Correct. Went that route because I didn't need the 7-pin, and was advised to drop Tow Hitch from the order to help speed up its delivery. Waited well over 500 days...

I hear you... I just bought an OBX off the lot this week.

Waited for an eternity for my 2dr Badsqautch in Eruption Green, never got it.

 

[swami37]

I would make dealership install a OEM style receiver
that thing is lame

 

[jonwithanelcamino]

I have an extension I leave on my defender to clear the tire.
I have to buy one for the bronco too. I’m lazy and will leave it on vs taking it on and off all the time. Unless I’m going into the sticks to off road

 

[Tacanta14]

Need some guidance from those who are smarter than me.

When I ordered my Bronco I opted to have my dealer install a 4-pin tow hitch after it arrived in lieu of ordering the 7-pin from the factory. I just picked it up and the dealer has installed an extended tow hitch instead of the factory style one which is relatively flush with the bumper. They said "this is what everyone wants" and that people are having to buy extensions anyways.

However, this is going to reduce my departure angle and, frankly, I am not pleased with the aesthetic. I plan to off-road in the Appalachians at least couple times a year, and dream of a western US trip for some proper rock crawling. I will tow very infrequently and can't imagine a scenario in which I'd use a cargo extension since it blocks my ability to open the rear gate.

That being said - what are the pros/cons of keeping this extended hitch that I am not aware of? Besides having clearance from the spare tire... is there any other reason I should keep this instead of taking it back to the dealer to swap out for a regular length hitch?

Photos for reference:

Using an extender cuts in half your towing capacity (and tongue weight, I believe), which is why I have a long towbar to clear the spare.

 

[Searchdawg]

I opted for the factory flush mount hitch. I didn’t want a receiver extension, but opted for a longer ball hitch that supposedly maintains factory tow rating.

 

[NVCowboy]

I would’ve refused that hitch. I don’t know if they’ll help you out by installing a real hitch, now that you got blood and half a kneecap on it. Words like “that’s nothing like the OEM hitch. I thought I was buying an oem hitch” might get you somewhere. When the service manager try’s to tell you how it’s better than an oem hitch, “cool, straight across trade for the OEM hitch that’s on the dealership owner’s Bronco should make me happy.” Deliver it with a smile, you might still have to spend another $80 of your own money, but you can have fun frustrating the crap outa them in the process. The hitch is literally a 30 minute job to do it yourself.

 

[dogtag114]

I read somewhere that the factory hitch is rated to 3500 lbs but an aftermarket would only be rated to 1000 lbs due to some other structural change that do at the facts.

any truth to this? I can’t find where I saw that.

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