Towing in 2024 Big Bend

[jgeckeler]

When I ordered my bronco, I did not get the tow package because I didn't think I was going to need it. I have since realized I want it. My truck came with a harness installed. I installed the hitch receiver and got the 4/7 pin connector to hook up to the installed wiring harness. I have both a 4 pin tester and a 7 pin tester. Neither of which register brake lights, turn signal or hazards. My ford dealership service department said since I did not get it with the tow package, I will need a tow module and that I should go to a u-haul to get it and have them install it. U-Haul has no idea what they're talking about. What do I need to be able to tow a trailer legally with brake lights and turn signals? I don't need a big trailer, or a trailer with brakes so I would only use the 4 pin side of the connector. Any help or insight would be appreciated.

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[EastALHijet]

The good news on the 2024s is most of the wiring is done. If you're OK with DIY, there are a few parts to buy and some Forscan work to do: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/2024-trailer-tow-kit-new-ford-accessory-part.88899/

 

[BadBronco23]

This post might help a little, it includes part numbers and install instructions.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...scan-as-built-data-without-error-codes.49906/

 

[WarthogJr]

Why can’t the dealer make the wiring functional?

 

[DaddyLoafn]

When I ordered my bronco, I did not get the tow package because I didn't think I was going to need it. I have since realized I want it. My truck came with a harness installed. I installed the hitch receiver and got the 4/7 pin connector to hook up to the installed wiring harness. I have both a 4 pin tester and a 7 pin tester. Neither of which register brake lights, turn signal or hazards. My ford dealership service department said since I did not get it with the tow package, I will need a tow module and that I should go to a u-haul to get it and have them install it. U-Haul has no idea what they're talking about. What do I need to be able to tow a trailer legally with brake lights and turn signals? I don't need a big trailer, or a trailer with brakes so I would only use the 4 pin side of the connector. Any help or insight would be appreciated.

I just got a 24 black diamond and had the dealer put a tow package on after the fact and I to am not getting brake lights and turn signals but I do get the running lights when I turn the head lights on. Is that happening on yours as well?

 

[jgeckeler]

Why can’t the dealer make the wiring functional?

I wish i knew... i was so pissed off they told me to go to u-haul, i just walked out.

 

[jgeckeler]

I just got a 24 black diamond and had the dealer put a tow package on after the fact and I to am not getting brake lights and turn signals but I do get the running lights when I turn the head lights on. Is that happening on yours as well?

yes. same thing with mine.

 

[DaddyLoafn]

yes. same thing with mine.

alright. I Bought mine sight unseen a couple hundred miles away from me so I'm working with the dealer I bought it from / had tow package installed at and my local dealer to figure it out. I'll let you know what I find out unless you beat me to it. But it seems like its the trailer module and the update with forscan.

 

[EastALHijet]

So there are really two components needed on the 2024s to make the already-installed trailer wiring fully functional - one is you do have to install the Trailer Module, which fits under the back left interior panel - that doesn't come with the car, but comes with the kit: https://www.ford.com/product/trailer-tow-kit-by-lumen-p2971214187. And then there is some FRDS (for dealers) or Forscan (for DIYers) electronic changes that will enable everything.

 

[ejaffe]

For what it's worth I bought the Ford receiver and wiring kit. Then I heard there is a plug and play wiring kit and used that instead. The receiver took about 20 minutes to put in and the wire harness took another 30. Say an hour for the whole job and I would rate it a 1 on a scale of difficulty. In other words, super easy. I'm not sure of all the other stuff and trailer module that is being discussed but I tow an 18' boat no problem with this.

https://www.amazon.com/Bronco-Custo...d+bronco+trailer+wiring&qid=1730307137&sr=8-5

 

[cvhookem63]

I ordered the Tow Package for my '24 Outer Banks through a local dealer. Service was scheduled for yesterday. They called me to tell me it was done. When I got back, they had installed just the hitch receiver and unclipped the wiring harness from under the bumper and left it hanging there. Evidently I only ordered the trailer hitch assembly (MB3Z19D520K) and not the full Trailer Tow kit (VP2DZ15A416B). They then quoted me $135 for parts and $300+ labor to order the remaining parts and run wiring. They told me the Broncos didn't come pre-wired for towing. I walked them out and showed them the wiring harness hanging there. They then told me it didn't need the module - just the 4pin/7pin connector. After a lot of back and forth (and me pulling up threads here for reference), they agreed to order the full 24 Trailer Tow Kit (receiver, module, 4pin/7pin), install the whole thing, and just charge me the ~$90 difference with no additional labor. Moral of the story: make sure you order the right parts, but also make sure the service group knows what is expected.

 

[TX-Dennis]

For what it's worth I bought the Ford receiver and wiring kit. Then I heard there is a plug and play wiring kit and used that instead. The receiver took about 20 minutes to put in and the wire harness took another 30. Say an hour for the whole job and I would rate it a 1 on a scale of difficulty. In other words, super easy. I'm not sure of all the other stuff and trailer module that is being discussed but I tow an 18' boat no problem with this.

https://www.amazon.com/Bronco-Custo...d+bronco+trailer+wiring&qid=1730307137&sr=8-5

Just keep in mind if you do this (and I did) that this kit only gives you a 4 flat connector. That's all I need, so it definitely works for me. It's a relatively easy install. Just make sure you order the right kit. There are different kits based on your tail lights - halogen or LED. Plug it into your tail lights, ground it to the frame or body, run the power wire to your battery, and Bob's your uncle.

 

[RagnarKon]

You need to install/program the Trailer Tow Module. That module is what controls the lighting. If you did not install it, then obviously the lighting will not be fully functional.

It gets installed in the cargo area on the driver's side behind the trim pieces. The module itself is included with the the Trailer Tow Kit for 2024 Broncos, or the wiring kit for 2021-2024 Broncos.

 

[ejaffe]

That controller comes with the kit I included in my link. The harness I installed is fully functional for a 4 pin system. Brakes, lights and turn signals. I can't see why you would need a 7 pin system with a vehicle that can only tow 3500lbs unless maybe you want reverse lights. You don't need it for electric brakes since the load is so small.

 

[BjornBeserker]

This sounds almost like my story, but more confusing. From my understanding and the fact that I now have a functioning tow package, here are the parts you need for a 2024 (other years are different):

1) Ford Tow Kit: includes a bolt-on receiver, 4/7 pin connector, and the tow module (which controls the lights and anti-sway)
2) If you need brakes (optional subject to local laws - here for example requires any trailer over 2000 lbs gross to have brakes): Ford Brake Controller

That is it. They are all Ford parts and may be installed by the dealer. It is a plug and play affair however you do need to be comfortable removing the rear bumper for enough clearance for the bolts. The module plugs directly into the harness behind the left side rear inside panel (bracket already there) and the connector plugs into the harness hanging behind the bumper. All the harness was factory installed. It took my Ford tech about 40 minutes. No FORScan required. The 2024 automatically initialize the module.

If you need trailer brakes, the brake controller mounts under the dash again plug and play. The only troublesome issue is removing all the dash panels and centre console to run the wiring and mount the brake sensitivity dial (beside the window switches). Again, nothing challenging, but time consuming. No ForScan required.

Of course, if you don’t want to use Ford parts and have it all “plug and play” convenience, you may buy a collection of parts from Hidden/Reese/U-haul/Drawtite/ETC and a collection of conversion wires. You may then have to start cutting and splicing your Bronco’s wire harness (depending on the brand of parts purchased). You can only guess what that will do to your warranty down the line if something goes wrong. Oh, then you have to fiddle with ForScan which may or may not like your choice of parts. Hmmmm, no contest for me.

Price wise, here in Canada, the Ford parts and install run around $1200. The aftermarket parts run around $500 plus $400-500 labour. DIY obviously reduces the cost significantly.

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