Bronco Tow trailer Ford Wiring- If B&P option order delayed; after delivery horror story on Long Island

frankgoss
Feb 14, 2023

Rank V

Feb 14, 2023

@Laura
4/19/22 MY 22 BRONCO arrives and dealer said base has no Tow package get $195 auxiliary switches. We all knew if order tow pac may never see our Bronco.

Ford say just order one of the 200 Bronco accessories. Tow wiring $125 part and $264 labor and buy from Ford Accessories with Ford hitch for $395. Well sounds good, except at $150-$175 shop hourly labor rate no one will do on Long Island for $264. Six local dealers just plainly say no. One qualifies he dont has " resources" ," one says parts dont fit" ( Accessories run vin ok for Bronco).B_!

Large Florida dealer is honest and says FORD BRONCO TRAILER WIRING $125 is generic from F150 and he orders Plug and Play. One third party , for dealer says " LED only".

Plan A all FORD instruction:

FORD has 17 page instructions (attached) 44 steps Halogen( Base) or LED, but left interior of new Bronco has to be dis-assemble, then run 12ga red wire from battery ,thru firewall, under two door sills, behind rear drivers cargo panel, at same time not to break any FORD's clips. Paid FORD $195 Auxiliary for 5 non circuit wiring runs.A-E.

Then dis- assemble two tail lights access panels, remove left tail light (3 bolts) run control and cut into wire harness, connect wires, see below, the test and reassemble. Estimated 3-4 shop time unless you done one. That is @ NY labor $450-600 vs Ford accessory website buy @$264. LI Dealer says T&M WOW!

FLORIDA Major dealer says use Etrailer plug/ play, but LI saw must use approved Ford wire kit. Shop time cut to 1 1/2hs. no splicing, wire testing it works. Bought kit , but Ford say must use their kit.

Plan B: Modified FORD instruction ( maybe reverse some to minimize voltage drop)

Plan B use of $195 Auxiliary switches 3-6 -10A 1.5mm wires connect at firewall, then under glove box to right rear point E ( see below) Only have to gain right rear cargo access. The 16 ga wire holds 13 amp vs trailer light module 6 amp. 6 amp draw @ 15 ft wiring reduces 13 amps to say 5-6 amp@12v , at point E.

The either put module in right cargo wheel well , connect 12ga hot from module to white/ yellow. No futher dis-assemble other than at tail lights. Advantage: if ramping boat, can disconnect lights near boat ramps to prevent engine relay or 15 amp fuse blowing. Some guys just run hotline under chassis, but rocks can damage it. Remember 33 " wading !

Some guys forget FORD instructions, go to etrailer buy plug/ play , but watch separate for Halogen vs LED. Different circuits. Some say Bronco electrical module will give "dashes" or damage that computer.

My opinion is if wired directly to Point @ point E , 10 amps relay should protect the 6amp trailer light module . You dont have to go through left interior side. Next issue electric brake controller. Different topic more wiring not dont by MAP!
BroncOitis, Ditchrunner
Last edited by a moderator: Feb 14, 2023

Rank V

Feb 14, 2023

#1
Second file and basic module to tail light wire connection:
HALOGEN. Wire color from. to
Step # page $ Tail Light Module color Tail light color
29. 15/17 Left. Yellow. White/green
32. 15/17 Left. Brown. Blue/gray
34. 16/17 Right. Green. Gray/ violet
36. 16/17 Left * Blue. * Black ground
* routed thru LH into fender well and with black is ground.

*25 25/17 VIA LH Black. Ground/ ww. *22 11/17 VIA LH Red. Battery/frt
*22 11/17 VIA LH Blue. Ground/ww
*22. 11/17 VIA LH. Green. then across to.RH tail light

The standard 4 wires Should match (Hopkin 41144 ) as follows:

Yellow is Left turn. ( LT ) Green is Right turn ( RT )
Brown is brakes/tails.(TM) White is ground to trailer (GD)

Cut off Male 4 pin and connecting wires to pig tail hidden in rear bumper.

Attachments

Rank V

Feb 14, 2023

#2
Ford instruction not attachin

Attachments

Rank V

Feb 14, 2023

#3
Hopkins wire 7 wire but got 44114 with factory light two door 4/7 pin females Diagram from GM but look same as BRONCO 4 flat wire. $40 vs Fords $55.

Attachments

Rank V

Feb 14, 2023

#4
Lastly: Ford supervisor customer case , who actually return call says Ford Accessories are not covered by Ford Factory 36 month warrantee.
Why? My 9/12/22 dealer RO says tech writes " no action at this time" ( NADA)

However on bottom says ZURICH $100 deductible, but I dont have any extended over factory.
Mistake? It is possible FORD let off risk of warrantee claims with ZURICH and FORD keeps first $100, as Self Insurance Retainer ( SIR in insurance lingo).
Buy way?
Two reason: reduce fraud from dealers, since could be charged " Insurance fraud" ( supervisor let it slip) or FMC financial statements will show insurance expenses (ZURICH) non risk expense vs reserves for warrantee claims (2% big #; say SIR $100 little ones). ZURICH may be acting as third part administrator, like Car Shield, etc. Claim processing only ( say 15% cost of claim, but Ford pays claim, business-health insurance) Go figure!

Bronco Bill

Feb 15, 2023

#5
bought a curt hitch $105.00 ford wiring 110.00 used some points looked it up on internet lots of videos looks like a piece of cake ✌
BroncOitis, Bluestreak57

Rank VI

Feb 15, 2023

#6
Yeah Mr. Goss! Yeah science!

Good catch. We're lucky you're out there, looking out for the rest of us. Thanks, indeedy!
2022 Jeep JLR, manual with even more extra guacamole
Sold - 2021 Jeep JLR, manual w/extra guacamole
14U, Deano Bronc

STRESS FREE !!!

Feb 15, 2023

#7
Curt Hitch and 4 pin wiring harness.. plug and play, its like 250.00... can be done at home with minimum tools and knowledge.
2023 Wildtrak, Iconic Silver, Hard top, ordered 10/5, built 12/13, delivered 1/18
Ditchrunner, 14U

A Zero Forever

Feb 15, 2023

#8
This right here is why I rebuffed my sales guy when he said "we can do it for you!". No way. Second, I don't have the time nor expertise to try and do this right, and for what the Bronco is going to cost once I get it, I am not going to screw things up to try and save a few bucks. Went factory OEM all the way.

Four months from order to build (if no delays) with the factory tow package added.
2023 4-Door Badlands | V6 | Carbonized Gray Metallic + MIC Hardtop | 334A/Lux + Leather | Tow + 33" Shoes w/Optional Wheels + Capable Bumper
Reserved: 08.02.21 | Ordered: 10.29.22 | Build Week: 03.09.23 | Delivered to Dealership: 03.14.23 | Picked-Up: 03.25.23
14U

Friendly Neighborhood Sasquatch

Feb 15, 2023

#9
This sounds awful. Easier to buy a new Bronco with it already there.
Jakob1972, Ditchrunner

Lift your prayers, not your Bronco! “TEAM JEFF”

Feb 15, 2023

#10
@Laura
4/19/22 MY 22 BRONCO arrives and dealer said base has no Tow package get $195 auxiliary switches. We all knew if order tow pac may never see our Bronco.

Ford say just order one of the 200 Bronco accessories. Tow wiring $125 part and $264 labor and buy from Ford Accessories with Ford hitch for $395. Well sounds good, except at $150-$175 shop hourly labor rate no one will do on Long Island for $264. Six local dealers just plainly say no. One qualifies he dont has " resources" ," one says parts dont fit" ( Accessories run vin ok for Bronco).B_!

Large Florida dealer is honest and says FORD BRONCO TRAILER WIRING $125 is generic from F150 and he orders Plug and Play. One third party , for dealer says " LED only".

Plan A all FORD instruction:

FORD has 17 page instructions (attached) 44 steps Halogen( Base) or LED, but left interior of new Bronco has to be dis-assemble, then run 12ga red wire from battery ,thru firewall, under two door sills, behind rear drivers cargo panel, at same time not to break any FORD's clips. Paid FORD $195 Auxiliary for 5 non circuit wiring runs.A-E.

Then dis- assemble two tail lights access panels, remove left tail light (3 bolts) run control and cut into wire harness, connect wires, see below, the test and reassemble. Estimated 3-4 shop time unless you done one. That is @ NY labor $450-600 vs Ford accessory website buy @$264. LI Dealer says T&M WOW!

FLORIDA Major dealer says use Etrailer plug/ play, but LI saw must use approved Ford wire kit. Shop time cut to 1 1/2hs. no splicing, wire testing it works. Bought kit , but Ford say must use their kit.

Plan B: Modified FORD instruction ( maybe reverse some to minimize voltage drop)

Plan B use of $195 Auxiliary switches 3-6 -10A 1.5mm wires connect at firewall, then under glove box to right rear point E ( see below) Only have to gain right rear cargo access. The 16 ga wire holds 13 amp vs trailer light module 6 amp. 6 amp draw @ 15 ft wiring reduces 13 amps to say 5-6 amp@12v , at point E.

The either put module in right cargo wheel well , connect 12ga hot from module to white/ yellow. No futher dis-assemble other than at tail lights. Advantage: if ramping boat, can disconnect lights near boat ramps to prevent engine relay or 15 amp fuse blowing. Some guys just run hotline under chassis, but rocks can damage it. Remember 33 " wading !

Some guys forget FORD instructions, go to etrailer buy plug/ play , but watch separate for Halogen vs LED. Different circuits. Some say Bronco electrical module will give "dashes" or damage that computer.

My opinion is if wired directly to Point @ point E , 10 amps relay should protect the 6amp trailer light module . You dont have to go through left interior side. Next issue electric brake controller. Different topic more wiring not dont by MAP!
Hey Frank!
What I’ve done to my Bronco, and you will see that it will save you money and the hassle of figuring out all the wiring diagrams that you have to use just to hook up some trailer lights.
What I did was use my Auxiliary Switches since they are already pre run through the Bronco.
I have hooked up auxiliary switch 6 since it is on the right side, for my Right hand turn signal and the auxiliary switch on the left, I left that one alone since that is my 30 amp line, so what I did was make the 3rd auxiliary switch from left to right my left hand turn signal, “are you following me so far”?
“Good”
Now for my reverse lights, I made that auxiliary switch #5 just because it makes sense.
Now this is where it gets tricky, for the brake lights, I actually hooked up Auxiliary #1 to #3 and #6 so they would have the most amperage to make the brakes on the trailer turn bright, the only catch is that you have to turn all three switches on at the same time.
You are probably asking about Emergency lights, that’s easy turn auxiliary switch #1 #3and #6 on and off at the same time back and fourth.
I hope this helps in the hook up process of your trailer lights, it just seems to be a lot easier than the diagrams that Ford gives you.
Good Luck to you!
*632* Days to get A 2021 - 2022 -
2023 Big Bend - 2 Door 2.3L Velocity Blue, Squatched, Mid package, Running Boards, Roof Rack, and Engine Block heater.
Bluestreak57, Jakob1972
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Feb 15, 2023

#11
Hey Frank!
What I’ve done to my Bronco, and you will see that it will save you money and the hassle of figuring out all the wiring diagrams that you have to use just to hook up some trailer lights.
What I did was use my Auxiliary Switches since they are already pre run through the Bronco.
I have hooked up auxiliary switch 6 since it is on the right side, for my Right hand turn signal and the auxiliary switch on the left, I left that one alone since that is my 30 amp line, so what I did was make the 3rd auxiliary switch from left to right my left hand turn signal, “are you following me so far”?
“Good”
Now for my reverse lights, I made that auxiliary switch #5 just because it makes sense.
Now this is where it gets tricky, for the brake lights, I actually hooked up Auxiliary #1 to #3 and #6 so they would have the most amperage to make the brakes on the trailer turn bright, the only catch is that you have to turn all three switches on at the same time.
You are probably asking about Emergency lights, that’s easy turn auxiliary switch #1 #3and #6 on and off at the same time back and fourth.
I hope this helps in the hook up process of your trailer lights, it just seems to be a lot easier than the diagrams that Ford gives you.
Good Luck to you!
The schematics are being rifled through as I type!😂🤪
Ditchrunner, Deano Bronc

Rank IV

Feb 15, 2023

#12
Way old news here. If you want the tow package order the tow package. It comes nicely wired that includes a warranty. The five wire option that a lot of people need is also included. The $650 dollar cost is a bargain compared to butchering your new ride trying to expedite your build or thinking it can be added cheaper and equal after the fact. There’s also no negative effect on resale value. Just a positive one.
Ditchrunner, TK1215

Rank V

Feb 15, 2023

#13
Gentleman

Base Bronco can NOT come with Tow package for $690.NADA! its $35k!

Base Bronco came with Halogen tail lights read 17 page Ford Bronco Trailer Lights instruction above. Most are LED and Curt ,etc. Some make for Halogen!

As for using one point E non circuit 16 ga. wire in rear the above post using all Auxiliary Switches is B_!

Well we final may have an estimate from the Eight Ford independent dealer Newmans of BayShore Ford ,who uses third party, if Bronco does not come in with Tow pac. 2 hrs@$159 say $350 out the door ,but never did one themselves, just out sources. Ford accessories gals say dealers under contact must, must do for $264 if FORD get paid via internet checkout.

So Plan A Ford- no dealer has done on LI , but my Florida dealers used non- FORD plug/play and shop time dropped from 3 hrs to 1 1/2 or $500 to $250.

My beef is Plan B use 10amp Aux switch ,open right cargo panel get Point E 16 ga (13Amp rated) make two connections firewall, the glove and white yellow taped wire is a third connection to 12ga red hot line( battery) Load on module rated 6 amps. I already paid to get a wire in the right rear quarter panel. WHY PAY TWICE?

Then follow Bronco Trailer Light steps on installing module ( right vs left) grounds blue and black and follow instructions step 25 to 44. Just saved a good hour not taking left interior panels off, then on again!. More time saving say 1/2 hr instead of opening tail light harnesses, breaking clips: use plug/ play; and through out the generic FORD Bronco Trailer parts not designed for Bronco. Made in Mexico?

Both the tail light side panels (4 plastic screws) and left tail light assembly held in by three bolt, and removal gives a lot more room to splice or T connect above two wires.

To pay a dealer to learn is not fair to a Bronco owner, who could not order a tow pac, due to Ford's up sell marketing. Had three Porsches and like Chinese menu.

Good luck when I see my trailer lights on, I will believe it when, I see it.

Lastly, Ordered MY23.5 DEFENDER 110. Mechanic says customer just paid $5,600 to install LR tow hitch and parts. Changed order for $1850 factory . Why powered hitch press button and hitch turn from hidden position 45° , a control screen turns round dial to controlling steering wheel and picture has back up lines , other electronic an software simular to Fords.$690! I forgot 8200 us 3500 pound towing capacity. Had last G5 Eddie Beuer Bronco V8 and towed 25' boats and trailers no issue. Now with Bronco say 17'. Bummer. can buy Raptor butbut only 4500 and more money that Defender base with two pac air and tow. $58k and got loyality $1000 off. Good luck 72000 Reservation holder getting $2500 tto convert to higher priced Bronco. I'll sell my base with semi tow no lights,running boards, Aux switches, hot pepper something 2 gen hardtop 1075 miles for what I paid say $37k plus taxes. Need $20k for DEFENDER IN JULY!
BroncOitis

Yosemite here I come!

Feb 15, 2023

#14
@Laura
4/19/22 MY 22 BRONCO arrives and dealer said base has no Tow package get $195 auxiliary switches. We all knew if order tow pac may never see our Bronco.

Ford say just order one of the 200 Bronco accessories. Tow wiring $125 part and $264 labor and buy from Ford Accessories with Ford hitch for $395. Well sounds good, except at $150-$175 shop hourly labor rate no one will do on Long Island for $264. Six local dealers just plainly say no. One qualifies he dont has " resources" ," one says parts dont fit" ( Accessories run vin ok for Bronco).B_!

Large Florida dealer is honest and says FORD BRONCO TRAILER WIRING $125 is generic from F150 and he orders Plug and Play. One third party , for dealer says " LED only".

Plan A all FORD instruction:

FORD has 17 page instructions (attached) 44 steps Halogen( Base) or LED, but left interior of new Bronco has to be dis-assemble, then run 12ga red wire from battery ,thru firewall, under two door sills, behind rear drivers cargo panel, at same time not to break any FORD's clips. Paid FORD $195 Auxiliary for 5 non circuit wiring runs.A-E.

Then dis- assemble two tail lights access panels, remove left tail light (3 bolts) run control and cut into wire harness, connect wires, see below, the test and reassemble. Estimated 3-4 shop time unless you done one. That is @ NY labor $450-600 vs Ford accessory website buy @$264. LI Dealer says T&M WOW!

FLORIDA Major dealer says use Etrailer plug/ play, but LI saw must use approved Ford wire kit. Shop time cut to 1 1/2hs. no splicing, wire testing it works. Bought kit , but Ford say must use their kit.

Plan B: Modified FORD instruction ( maybe reverse some to minimize voltage drop)

Plan B use of $195 Auxiliary switches 3-6 -10A 1.5mm wires connect at firewall, then under glove box to right rear point E ( see below) Only have to gain right rear cargo access. The 16 ga wire holds 13 amp vs trailer light module 6 amp. 6 amp draw @ 15 ft wiring reduces 13 amps to say 5-6 amp@12v , at point E.

The either put module in right cargo wheel well , connect 12ga hot from module to white/ yellow. No futher dis-assemble other than at tail lights. Advantage: if ramping boat, can disconnect lights near boat ramps to prevent engine relay or 15 amp fuse blowing. Some guys just run hotline under chassis, but rocks can damage it. Remember 33 " wading !

Some guys forget FORD instructions, go to etrailer buy plug/ play , but watch separate for Halogen vs LED. Different circuits. Some say Bronco electrical module will give "dashes" or damage that computer.

My opinion is if wired directly to Point @ point E , 10 amps relay should protect the 6amp trailer light module . You dont have to go through left interior side. Next issue electric brake controller. Different topic more wiring not dont by MAP!
ANY pics of that Bronco?
Black Diamond/4-door/mid pkg/2.7/MIC/rack/towing/Eruption Green/res 7.13.20/ord 2.8.21, then 10.15.21/built 1.21.22/delivered 4.15.22
Gunstock Off-Roadeo 10/29/22/Steel and Stirrups Traveling Lamp holder 9.23
Gaia GPS
BroncOitis, Jakob1972

Gladesmen

Feb 15, 2023

#15
Lastly, Ordered MY23.5 DEFENDER 110. Mechanic says customer just paid $5,600 to install LR tow hitch and parts. Changed order for $1850 factory . Why powered hitch press button and hitch turn from hidden position 45° , a control screen turns round dial to controlling steering wheel and picture has back up lines , other electronic an software simular to Fords.$690! I forgot 8200 us 3500 pound towing capacity. Had last G5 Eddie Beuer Bronco V8 and towed 25' boats and trailers no issue. Now with Bronco say 17'. Bummer. can buy Raptor butbut only 4500 and more money that Defender base with two pac air and tow. $58k and got loyality $1000 off. Good luck 72000 Reservation holder getting $2500 tto convert to higher priced Bronco. I'll sell my base with semi tow no lights,running boards, Aux switches, hot pepper something 2 gen hardtop 1075 miles for what I paid say $37k plus taxes. Need $20k for DEFENDER IN JULY!
That does sound like a good deal for your Hot Pepper Red Base Bronco.
It seams like overkill to spend $21k to get a trailer hitch and 8200lbs towing plus air suspension and folding hitch gadgets on a LR does not sound like something I would want to mess with when it is out of warranty. I get the Bronco only tows 3500lbs, but I just bought a brand new 2022 Silverado with a 9500lbs tow rating for $37959.00 to pull my 6000lb travel trailer. Just some other options to think about.
Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery
14U, BroncOitis

Rank V

Feb 15, 2023

#16
Well we finally got some help with Newman Bay Shore Ford estimate 2 hrs@$159. vs Ford $264.

I am 79 and going the 4 bolts for hit, and then installing bracket (Ford) and Hopkins ( etrailer) say 2 hrs without lift. The wiring is not like old U Haul due to electric module. And Bronco clips are tough to replace, if break. Then removing cloth tape on two tail lights need some experience, one wrong slice and more issues.

Summary: etrailer extended ( 6 in) hitch Reese? $110.00 free delivery
etrailer Hopkins 4/7 female. $ 40.00
Ford 44 steps ( I will use 25 on but Rt). $110.00. wires mod.
Ford original bumper bracket. $ 15.00. parts. $275.00
NEWMANS FORD 2 hr@$159 + tax $20 say labor. $338.00
Total cost ............ $613.00
Ford unavailable Tow pkg on Base Bronco........................... $695.00
Defender 4 IS, AIR SHOCKS, ELECTRONIC, PUSH BUTTON HITCH,.......$1,850.00 3X!
Currently awaiting written qoutes. Fl says $250 with etrailer p/p $145 $395+ $395!
BroncOitis, Ditchrunner

Rank V

Feb 16, 2023

#17
I may have wrote too soon! Neman Bay Shore Ford as well as Otis Ford promised a written estimate using Ford Accessory Bronco Trailing light part. NADA no one on Long Island has done one. And at $150-159 an hour for shop time that could run $600 plus to install the Bronco Trailer Light Module and wiring. Bummer. Guess have to through out Ford's Mexican module and buy Chinese! A'nt American Great!
BroncOitis

Lift your prayers, not your Bronco! “TEAM JEFF”

Feb 16, 2023

#18
I may have wrote too soon! Neman Bay Shore Ford as well as Otis Ford promised a written estimate using Ford Accessory Bronco Trailing light part. NADA no one on Long Island has done one. And at $150-159 an hour for shop time that could run $600 plus to install the Bronco Trailer Light Module and wiring. Bummer. Guess have to through out Ford's Mexican module and buy Chinese! A'nt American Great!
“Otis” that’s me! 🙂
*632* Days to get A 2021 - 2022 -
2023 Big Bend - 2 Door 2.3L Velocity Blue, Squatched, Mid package, Running Boards, Roof Rack, and Engine Block heater.
BroncoFred, Ditchrunner
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Feb 16, 2023

#19
“Otis” that’s me! 🙂
BroncoFred, 14U

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