Making the Decision Today on new 2023 Ford Badlands - A question before purchase

Mosnowman

Apr 04, 2024

I recently retired and am going to travel the country in a new Motor Home. I am planning on flat towing a vehicle behind me. I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseum. After reading tons of posts, I'm now more confused than ever, and don't want to make a major mistake.

I am looking at a brand new 2023 Badlands on the Dealer lot. It has a 2.3L I4 engine. Can I be reasonably confident in flat towing this vehicle? I was looking at a Jeep Gladiator, but like the Bronco better. Being older I am in the sunset of life and not looking for more headaches! Should I go back to looking at the Jeep? I guess I'm looking for some reassurance from you knowledgeable folks. Thank you.

Adrenalin, Roughstock11

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Apr 04, 2024

I have nothing good to offer, a lot of people have zero problems flat towing, but they don't post about it like those with a problem. Bad news is always easier to find in an internet search. Congrat's on the retirement, enjoy yourself!

Someone needs to invent some little skate board things to strap under each wheel, then the bronco thinks it is being towed on a trailer, and no wear and tear on the vehicle. 😁

Crawler Green, Roughstock11

Apr 04, 2024

Mosnowman
I recently retired and am going to travel the country in a new Motor Home. I am planning on flat towing a vehicle behind me. I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseum. After reading tons of posts, I'm now more confused than ever, and don't want to make a major mistake.

I am looking at a brand new 2023 Badlands on the Dealer lot. It has a 2.3L I4 engine. Can I be reasonably confident in flat towing this vehicle? I was looking at a Jeep Gladiator, but like the Bronco better. Being older I am in the sunset of life and not looking for more headaches! Should I go back to looking at the Jeep? I guess I'm looking for some reassurance from you knowledgeable folks. Thank you.

I believe @Cornwelltoolman tows his behind a motorhome but he has the 2.7. I know the 2 engines have different braking systems which could make a difference.
As far as the capability of it being towed, the Bronco has a procedure to put it into a mode for flat towing.

2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

Adrenalin, Crawler Green

Apr 04, 2024

Also Ford has told us that all Broncos can be flat towed. But like said earlier most people don’t talk about towing with no issues they only post when there is a problem. My plan was to get a class c and flat tow the Bronco but we changed plans when we found a nice bumper pull so we travel with the truck towing the trailer and my wife following in the Bronco.

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

Roughstock11, RobWTx

Apr 04, 2024

The instructions are in the owners manual starting around page 308. The procedure is slightly different between manual transmission Broncos and automatic transmission Broncos. Basically you shift the transmission into neutral and through the vehicle settings menu in the guage cluster, use the steering wheel controls to set the transfercase in neutral. Obviously you leave the parking brake off.

The subject to search on is called "recreational towing".

No salt tram towers were harmed in the making of this post...

Crawler Green, Roughstock11

Apr 05, 2024

Mosnowman
I recently retired and am going to travel the country in a new Motor Home. I am planning on flat towing a vehicle behind me. I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseum. After reading tons of posts, I'm now more confused than ever, and don't want to make a major mistake.

I am looking at a brand new 2023 Badlands on the Dealer lot. It has a 2.3L I4 engine. Can I be reasonably confident in flat towing this vehicle? I was looking at a Jeep Gladiator, but like the Bronco better. Being older I am in the sunset of life and not looking for more headaches! Should I go back to looking at the Jeep? I guess I'm looking for some reassurance from you knowledgeable folks. Thank you.

Yes Absolutely! I have Put quite a few miles flattowing mine it is a reasonably simple process. you do however Need to follow it closely.

Adrenalin, PSUTE

Apr 05, 2024

I have a 2023 Wildtrak, It has a automatic 2.7. I flat tow mine behind my DutchStar. I have had no problems. Just make sure that it says that it is in flat tow mode. I believe the people that have had problems might have towed it without the dash stating that. They all seem to say they had problems getting it in. It is a very simple procedure but most people don't do it enough to become efficient. Like I said just make sure it states that it is in tow mode on the dash.
Hope you enjoy yours as much as we do ours.
Side note I recommend Las Vegas Off-Roadeo, It was awesome.

Adrenalin, PSUTE

Apr 05, 2024

Read the owner manuals, and talk to genuine mechanics-not the (dis)service advisers. Consider visiting a tow company and talking to experienced towmen.

Apr 05, 2024

There are step by step instructions in the owners manual follow them and you will be ok. I always listen to make sure I hear the transfer case shifts in to neutral. The braking system in the 2.3 equipped bronco is better for flat towing. However ford released an update to fix the electronic brake booster issue in the 2.7.

Adrenalin

Apr 05, 2024

Mosnowman
I recently retired and am going to travel the country in a new Motor Home. I am planning on flat towing a vehicle behind me. I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseum. After reading tons of posts, I'm now more confused than ever, and don't want to make a major mistake.

I am looking at a brand new 2023 Badlands on the Dealer lot. It has a 2.3L I4 engine. Can I be reasonably confident in flat towing this vehicle? I was looking at a Jeep Gladiator, but like the Bronco better. Being older I am in the sunset of life and not looking for more headaches! Should I go back to looking at the Jeep? I guess I'm looking for some reassurance from you knowledgeable folks. Thank you.

So did you get the Bronco or the Gladiator?

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