Ford Trailer Hitch & 4 Pin Wiring Harness - Badlands Installation Help?

MIGeezer

I was told the issue is with the 7/4 pin connector. I don't understand the hitch issue. They, the hitch, are available on the web. Are there that many Broncos that need a hitch?

You'd be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't) of how many people added the hitch at time of order just for bike racks. Which annoyed me (because it was a commodity constraint) since all those people needed was a hitch, easily done aftermarket without wiring.

Of course having a Base I had no option for the hitch, but my other reservation (given to brother in law), Big Bend did have the hitch. Luckily that build got picked same day as mine.

EvlNvrDys

You'd be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't) of how many people added the hitch at time of order just for bike racks. Which annoyed me (because it was a commodity constraint) since all those people needed was a hitch, easily done aftermarket without wiring.

Oh my gosh… this was annoying. Part of the reason why I wrote this post.

I think I remember reading that 93% of the orders added the tow package if it was available and I would bet good money that the vast majority of those that ordered it will never tow anything with their Bronco. Most people are getting it “just in case” they end up doing something in the future. Another chunk of people are getting it for their bike/ski racks and that’s it.

For someone like me who was planning on towing and lives next to (and regularly travels in) one of the states that has the most restrictive trailer towing laws (New York)... it was frustrating watching it become a constraint knowing that most people who ordered it didn’t need it and probably wouldn’t even use it.

RagnarKon

Oh my gosh… this was annoying. Part of the reason why I wrote this post.

I think I remember reading that 93% of the orders added the tow package if it was available and I would bet good money that the vast majority of those that ordered it will never tow anything with their Bronco. Most people are getting it “just in case” they end up doing something in the future. Another chunk of people are getting it for their bike/ski racks and that’s it.

For someone like me who was planning on towing and lives next to (and regularly travels in) one of the states that has the most restrictive trailer towing laws (New York)... it was frustrating watching it become a constraint knowing that most people who ordered it didn’t need it and probably wouldn’t even use it.

Exactly took mine off as soon as I knew it was a constraint. Will have no need for 7 pin, just 4 for boat trailer and small trailer, so figured I’d save time/ money and do it myself.

Bschurr

Yup - Curt wiring harness 56468

For those looking at the Curt solution, this is a link to a solid install video for Curt aftermarket hitch and wiring harness

thgdfathr

armo2K

I also dropped the factory Tow Package to accelerate delivery. I should have ordered the Curt hitch...may mistake. The Ford Accessory install is not easy....proven by the fact that the dealer wants ~$800 to install it!

I may try to sell my Ford hitch and wiring harness and just go with the Curt.

Curious, what makes the ford one different than the Curt one? I thought it was just four wires you have to run essentially.

The Ford one has a four flat and a seven round

thgdfathr

For those interested…
I went with the Rough Country hitch, which doesn’t have a slot for the wire plug in to sit in. I’m going to buy this and install it on the rear bumper somewhere to give it a clean look whenever I get around to buying the wire harness.

4-way Flat Trailer Connector with Snap Self-Closing Lid Cover Heavy-Duty 12V 4-pin Trailer Tow Wire Harness Socket Kit with 7.8" Wires Road Tough WeatherLock https://a.co/d/0b01GAx

This is the exact route I’m going-now if my Bronco would just get here so I can do the install

Does anyone have the installation instructions that they can share with me? I ordered the Ford trailer tow wiring kit, could only find the curt video online, so idisconnected my battery and have the rear trim panels off (except the bottom plastic screw on both sides will NOT back out at all andthey are now stripped). Problems arr, the Ford kit does not have connectors spliced in, the label outside of the box tells me to go to fmcdealer.com to get the installation sheet, and the first thing that site prompts you for is a dealer login information. I'm stuck here sitting on my cooler in the driveway because I don't know how I'm supposed to wire this thing or use the other foam and tube pieces

thgdfathr

Exactly took mine off as soon as I knew it was a constraint. Will have no need for 7 pin, just 4 for boat trailer and small trailer, so figured I’d save time/ money and do it myself.

My single axle boat trailer needs a 7 pin as many do.
Anyone that removed anything from their order thinking it was a constraint item was only selling themselves short. My 2dr Sasquatch had just about every so called constraint on the list. It was built long before most.
These forums are full of nightmare aftermarket hitch installs. The factory hitch was a extremely clean and flexible package. Well worth it.
Now that the hitch is a dealer installed option you have to wonder. At least it’s a bit cheaper now.

armo2K

Anyone successfully install the Ford accessory trailer hitch and wiring harness on a Badlands? The Ford instructions have a lot to be desired and wiring requires soldering versus pin connectors. The IAG Performance Install Video was well done but doesn't include wiring info and the bumper cover removal does not match the bumper cover fastening scheme on my Badlands. Any suggestions?

I should have purchased an aftermarket hitch.... doesn't require bumper cover removal and the wiring is much simpler.

Part Number	Part Name
FT1Z-15A416-A	Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness - 4-Pin
MB3Z-19D520-A	Trailer Hitch Assembly

I can only tell you of what I have done so far, I did install an aftermarket receiver but not the wiring harness so far.
My instructions said that I had to remove the rear bumper, because the bolts go in through the back of the cross member, (bolts would be horizontal going into the cross member, not going in from the bottom…
Looking underneath at my rear bumper, all I did was remove the 3 bolts on each side of the bumper, 6 bolts total, then all I had to do was push up on the bumper to have access to the 4 bolt holes and pushed the bolts in and tightened them.
One of the bolts was just missing from going in but I pushed a little harder upward on the bumper and it went in.
The only issue I had was I couldn’t use a socket wrench, (no room) I had to use an open end wrench to tighten the bolts, then I replaced the 6 bolts back into the bumper, and it was done…
Took me about an hour to complete, most of the time was spending on tightening the 4 bolts with the open end wrench with a 1/4 turn each pull of the wrench, just not enough room…..but it worked!!!
Good luck to you!

GaryB2220

Does anyone have the installation instructions that they can share with me? I ordered the Ford trailer tow wiring kit, could only find the curt video online, so idisconnected my battery and have the rear trim panels off (except the bottom plastic screw on both sides will NOT back out at all andthey are now stripped). Problems arr, the Ford kit does not have connectors spliced in, the label outside of the box tells me to go to fmcdealer.com to get the installation sheet, and the first thing that site prompts you for is a dealer login information. I'm stuck here sitting on my cooler in the driveway because I don't know how I'm supposed to wire this thing or use the other foam and tube pieces

Go here. This guy has uploaded the instructions.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...nstallation-instructions-ft1z15a416a-l.48272/