Tow package hitch and plugs pics (2021 Bronco)

[ZackDanger]

Really the question we all want answered is a YouTube installation video of an aftermarket hitch/plugs to see how easy it would be to DIY this thing and save $500.

If it doesn’t fit or you have to have a special tool or make cuts/drill then the $600 seems like it might not be as outrageous.

If it’s just bolt it on and a few wire nuts then let’s see it.

No aftermarket company has a Bronco right now to design something. Even if they had the engineering plans to build it in a computer, they don’t have a Bronco to install it in and film.

The closest we’re going to get to this for a while is the Ranger.

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[Shawn4]

DOes anyone have a rough measurement for the hitch height? obviously will depend on model

 

[Dads_bronze_bronco]

You do realize a truck a few decades ago towed 3500 on the bumper attached to the frame with bolts. It’s fine.

I don’t know - that thing looks pretty thin and iffy for a small trailer in off-road conditions. I guess the frame itself is thinner, but it is a bigger box section too.

 

[NC_Pinz]

Just make sure that you can put in your key to unlock before you lock it up. Looking at it, I thought the same thing for the one I use, but then realized I wouldn't be able to put the key in the lock once installed.

 

[Bigkansas]

Anybody else concerned about a reciever mounted winch??

 

[Fireman Dave]

I don’t know - that thing looks pretty thin and iffy for a small trailer in off-road conditions. I guess the frame itself is thinner, but it is a bigger box section too.

Off Road/On Road, Towing capacity doesn't change. I am confident that the construction of the hitch meets the requirements of the stated towing capacity. Even if you made the hitch twice as strong it wouldn't change your towing capacity. The Jeep guys always complain about towing capacity as well. These vehicles are primarily made to be nimble off road, go anywhere kind of machines. How many people are going to be dragging a 5000 pound trailer in those conditions?
If you want something that you can pull a heavy trailer with buy and F Series pick up. If you want to pull a small off road camper or haul some firewood or your quads around on your utility trailer this will work just fine.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Anybody else concerned about a reciever mounted winch??

You should be. The weight of the vehicle exceeds the weight rating of the hitch. Wouldn't be a viable option for me.

 

[ZackDanger]

Off Road/On Road, Towing capacity doesn't change. I am confident that the construction of the hitch meets the requirements of the stated towing capacity. Even if you made the hitch twice as strong it wouldn't change your towing capacity. The Jeep guys always complain about towing capacity as well. These vehicles are primarily made to be nimble off road, go anywhere kind of machines. How many people are going to be dragging a 5000 pound trailer in those conditions?
If you want something that you can pull a heavy trailer with buy and F Series pick up. If you want to pull a small off road camper or haul some firewood or your quads around on your utility trailer this will work just fine.

This point makes the logical fallacy that everyone who buys a Bronco wants optimum off roading ability. (Or we’re towing while we’re off roading)

The truth is that some people aren’t just willing, but would actually prefer trading off road ability, for increased tow capacity.

It’s no different than being able to spec a max tow package on a pickup or SUV that trades tow rating for ride comfort. (Stiffer springs, higher tire rating, etc).

My Bronco will be my daily, and we literally don’t have capacity for a second vehicle just to tow. If the 4-door Bronco could have been pushed to 5000lbs, it would make a *huge* difference for our lifestyle. It would have allowed us to tow an enclosed trailer with our race bikes and sleeping quarters... but at 3500 (like with our current Wrangler) we’re limited to an open trailer for the bikes and sleeping in a tent or the back of the Jeep.

But allllll that said: I get why Ford prioritized what they did. I’m disappointed a max tow isn’t offered, but I understand why it isn’t.

 

[Bigkansas]

You should be. The weight of the vehicle exceeds the weight rating of the hitch. Wouldn't be a viable option for me.

Right. Its what i Wanted to do so i didnt have it attached at all times. Definitely going a different route now!

 

[Scott1911]

MANY of the lightweight campers (sub 2000 lb dry weight) these days have electric brakes. An effective trailer braking system, electric or surge) is even more important on a tow vehicle with limited capacity.

Plus 1 on this comment. Does the 2020 Ranger come with a factory plug above the brake pedal for adding a brake controller? IF so, does anyone know a good Curt or Tkonsha part number for the mating plug?

 

[BigFootie]

Problem solved, add an aftermarket bumper with hitch. This was on my F150. Could pull a house down. Might have a small effect on departure angle though! Also, will not affect what the Bronco is rated for! However, this one won’t hold a bike rack but those looking for substance........

Kidding btw

 

[Dads_bronze_bronco]

But allllll that said: I get why Ford prioritized what they did. I’m disappointed a max tow isn’t offered, but I understand why it isn’t.

Exactly said - would have been nice to have the capacity of the FJ or 4Runner on some models and reduced capacity on the Badlands and Sasquatch.

I would have a dilemma in that instance but would have figured out the optimal answer eventually.

 

[BigFootie]

eTrailer will have one probably by the time most of us have our Bronco. The one for the Wrangler looks just like this minus the connector section. Mounts exactly the same for $60. Wiring will be there but may not be connected completely up front. That’s how my Escape was. eTrailer will offer a plug and play harness from the rear lights. Those boxes tend to fail but they are also around $50 so are easily replaced. The rating will not get bigger in any case.

 

[drive21bronco]

Hoping that the vehicles without tow package from the factory have the appropriate plug on the Bronco chassis so this can be added after delivery easier... Or the FE 4dr really can have the tow hitch from the factory.. It would also be interesting to know if the reverse lights/charge lead on the 7 pin are wired in. That is how I plan on triggering my reverse light additions.

I have seen on other Ford vehicles that the plug on the harness for the 7/4 pin connector is still there even with out the tow pkg. Cheaper for Ford to make one harness for every trim level then to make individual ones of different options ie. Fog Lamps, Tow Lights, Aux switches. I plan on getting an aftermarket hitch and splicing a 4 pin into the factory harness at that point. That set up looks just like the wrangler hitch which can be bought cheap aftermarket and very easy to install.

 

[KH_59]

eTrailer will have one probably by the time most of us have our Bronco. The one for the Wrangler looks just like this minus the connector section. Mounts exactly the same for $60. Wiring will be there but may not be connected completely up front. That’s how my Escape was. eTrailer will offer a plug and play harness from the rear lights. Those boxes tend to fail but they are also around $50 so are easily replaced. The rating will not get bigger in any case.

Yeah, this Wrangler kit (with wiring) makes the Ford option seem pretty lame.

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