Tow Package: difference between factory -installed and dealer-installed?

[mbagne]

A few weeks ago I deleted the factory tow package on my ordered Badlands Sasquatch in hopes it will shorten the wait time, assuming it is still a constraint (I don't need tow capability for the first several months after delivery anyway).

I know it can be added at the dealer later. Does anyone know how the dealer-added version is different from the factory installed tow hitch, if at all? I have heard that it is the same thing while some have said they are different systems. Would like to get a definitive answer if possible.

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[Wolfeman]

Pretty sure you only get the 7-pin with the tow package ordered from the factory.

 

[AZ_Liberty]

Factory tow package has wires pre-run for a brake controller and a 7-pin connector.

Dealer installed, depends on what you ask the dealer to install.

I have never needed either a brake controller nor a 7-pin connector, and honestly, if you want to tow something that heavy you probably should have ordered an F-250.

I'll be putting an aftermarket hitch and 4-pin on mine.

 

[robbob]

A few weeks ago I deleted the factory tow package on my ordered Badlands Sasquatch in hopes it will shorten the wait time, assuming it is still a constraint (I don't need tow capability for the first several months after delivery anyway).

I just did the same thing today on my Black Diamond order. While not making any promises, Hunter at Granger said that "its a much better deal to take off the towing for sure."
At this point I would consider taking off my left nut if it would get my Bronco built and delivered any faster.

 

[andrusoid]

Factory tow package has wires pre-run for a brake controller and a 7-pin connector.

Dealer installed, depends on what you ask the dealer to install.

I have never needed either a brake controller nor a 7-pin connector, and honestly, if you want to tow something that heavy you probably should have ordered an F-250.

I'll be putting an aftermarket hitch and 4-pin on mine.

Not to mention, you don't have to use the dealer. Any yokel can install a hitch and run the wires. One thing to note is that these vehicles are all news to the dealer mechanics as well as everyone else. Found this at a few dealerships.

 

[Alphaconn]

Factory tow package has wires pre-run for a brake controller and a 7-pin connector.

Dealer installed, depends on what you ask the dealer to install.

I have never needed either a brake controller nor a 7-pin connector, and honestly, if you want to tow something that heavy you probably should have ordered an F-250.

I'll be putting an aftermarket hitch and 4-pin on mine.

Hmm. Not sure that’s good advice to someone inexperienced. If your trailer has brakes, and you ever intend to descend a half assed hill, you want a 7pin and controller. There are a plethora of trailers out there within the towing capacity of the Bronco or even F150 that have brakes. You can get after market 7pin and brake controls. Any hitch shop will do it. But if you need it, don’t not have it. Last thing you want is to be stopped half way down a mountain pissing on your brakes to cool them down!

 

[SuperDave150]

Refer to page 17 and 18 of Ford Towing Guide.
Notice the info regarding frontal area, as well as warranty.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...-guides/2022_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf

 

[jjack50]

Hmm. Not sure that’s good advice to someone inexperienced. If your trailer has brakes, and you ever intend to descend a half assed hill, you want a 7pin and controller. There are a plethora of trailers out there within the towing capacity of the Bronco or even F150 that have brakes. You can get after market 7pin and brake controls. Any hitch shop will do it. But if you need it, don’t not have it. Last thing you want is to be stopped half way down a mountain pissing on your brakes to cool them down!

As yet there are NO aftermarket 7-pin wiring solutions for the Bronco.

 

[Alphaconn]

As yet there are NO aftermarket 7-pin wiring solutions for the Bronco.

My apologies, you are correct, what I meant to say was hopefully they will eventually be available, like everything else for the bronco. Including the actual Bronco…

 

[Bemcnamara]

The factory tow package works with all of the safety sensors. There is no aftermarket products that will do that.

 

[gryphon1231]

A few weeks ago I deleted the factory tow package on my ordered Badlands Sasquatch in hopes it will shorten the wait time, assuming it is still a constraint (I don't need tow capability for the first several months after delivery anyway).

I know it can be added at the dealer later. Does anyone know how the dealer-added version is different from the factory installed tow hitch, if at all? I have heard that it is the same thing while some have said they are different systems. Would like to get a definitive answer if possible.

according to Ford Dealer installed is 4-pin and Factory installed is 7-pin connectors. If you need a 7-pin connection, according to Ford you should get the Factory installed tow package. At least that's how the Ford explained it to me.

 

[Lakelife36]

Factory tow package has wires pre-run for a brake controller and a 7-pin connector.

Dealer installed, depends on what you ask the dealer to install.

I have never needed either a brake controller nor a 7-pin connector, and honestly, if you want to tow something that heavy you probably should have ordered an F-250.

I'll be putting an aftermarket hitch and 4-pin on mine.

Seriously you're skipping from Bronco to 3/4-ton on the basis of wanting electric trailer brakes? Really?

 

[AZ_Liberty]

Seriously you're skipping from Bronco to 3/4-ton on the basis of wanting electric trailer brakes? Really?

Yeah, but even when I drove and towed with an F-250, none of the trailers I pulled had brakes.

Small boat trailer - 4-pin
Small (2 horse) horse trailer - 4-pin
Car dolly with an F-150 on it - 4-pin.
Car trailer with a Mustang on it - 4-pin
12-ft cargo trailer - 4-pin

If I am towing something heavy enough to need brakes like a 4-horse trailer or one of those really big ski boats they run on the reservoirs, I'd feel a lot better with an F-250 than a 150. But I have never actually owned a trailer heavy enough to have brakes.

 

[Havoc1]

Yeah, but even when I drove and towed with an F-250, none of the trailers I pulled had brakes.

Small boat trailer - 4-pin
Small (2 horse) horse trailer - 4-pin
Car dolly with an F-150 on it - 4-pin.
Car trailer with a Mustang on it - 4-pin
12-ft cargo trailer - 4-pin

If I am towing something heavy enough to need brakes like a 4-horse trailer or one of those really big ski boats they run on the reservoirs, I'd feel a lot better with an F-250 than a 150. But I have never actually owned a trailer heavy enough to have brakes.

Not to mention the strain it puts on the drivetrain.

 

[JohnnyBronco]

Seriously you're skipping from Bronco to 3/4-ton on the basis of wanting electric trailer brakes? Really?

Depending on state, some require brakes at as little as 2500#, mine the threshold is 3000# and with a rated capacity of 3500 to avail of that full capacity requires trailer brakes. You can use the impulse systems built into the trailer (rent a Uhaul and you will see) or add a controller to your vehicle. In Alaska trailer brakes are not required until 5000#

In any event a brake controller is not included in the factory tow pack, just the hitch and wiring for lights

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