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Pros and cons of factory hitch vs. aftermarket?

Brockdog12

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I'll probably go aftermarket on the hitch and get the Ford oem wiring harness.
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Mr. Green

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Four bolt install. The issue will be if you need trailer braking which will be more involved if not OE. If you just need for a rack, four bolts, drawbar, done. No need for trailer brakes then flat 4 pin for turn, stop, and marker lights? Still have to figure out if you can tap into existing wiring with a kit or if that is going to cause problems with factory lighting. We've seen a few cases where trailer lights were tapped into factory rear lights and it caused lighting control module problems due to the additional load. Most of the stuff anymore is controlled by modules that get a signal from a switch or sensor to activate whatever. These circuits are closely monitored for loads, resistance and shorts to power or ground.

It will get figured out pretty quickly by the aftermarket but for the sake of the question, I would try to get an OEM hitch if possible due to the simplicity of it as well as carrying a part warranty. Make sure you use the OEM hardware too.

Can you imagine if you took the bronco apart that far only to install a tow hitch...lol
 

flip

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One other thing worth noting hitch related....

The Raptor hitch does have "tongue" that sticks out below the 7/4 pin connector, presumably for additional protection on high angle obstacles. The OE and OE accessory does not have this.

Ford Bronco Pros and cons of factory hitch vs. aftermarket? 1660042385832
 

JT58Bronc

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For the light tow rating of the Bronco, I'd go aftermarket hitch with a 4 pin in line. If I needed to tow something that needed trailer brakes I'd opt for a pick up or something with a much larger tow rating.

I have towed so may boats and small landscape and utility trailers without trailer brakes on small trucks and medium SUV's with light tow ratings and never had any issues. I did a lot of towing with Jeep TJ's- very short wheel base- no issues at all. Light loads like 1500-3000 LBS.
 

mpeugeot

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The question really is, will the factory tow delay your order in an unacceptable way. If yes, go aftermarket, if not, factory has some advantages that makes it worth considering.

Unfortunately, Ford isn't going to say - Hey, we can build your order today, if you drop the hitch.

That would make it easy.
 

mcinfantry

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The question really is, will the factory tow delay your order in an unacceptable way. If yes, go aftermarket, if not, factory has some advantages that makes it worth considering.

Unfortunately, Ford isn't going to say - Hey, we can build your order today, if you drop the hitch.

That would make it easy.
I added tow back on Saturday the 13th of august to push mine to a 23
Instead I got previewed and scheduled for a build
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