[Quick guide] To Tow pkg, or to not Tow pkg, that is the question

RagnarKon

Jan 22, 2022

I posted this guide on another forum, and it seemed to help folks, so might as well post it here as well.

As most of you know, the tow package is one of those heavily constrained items that is holding up a lot of Bronco builds. I don't have any insider information, but I personally expect this to become THE deciding factor on whether most people get a build in the not so distant future. Especially as the MIC hard top supply situation improves throughout this year. Keep in mind this post is designed to be high-level, so I glossed over a lot of the nitty-gritty details. But definitely don't mind diving into those details if there is interest.

The benefit of the tow package on the Bronco is the 7-pin connector, compatibility with a trailer brake controller, and some additional integrations with the Bronco's safety systems (BLIS, sway control, etc.). Of those, the biggest benefit is the trailer brake controller compatibility. Note the trailer brake controller itself does not come with the Bronco's tow package, but it’s easy to add one on if you get the tow package. You still have to take apart and drill a hole into center console for the gain knob to install it (if you follow Ford's instructions), but it’s relatively easy. Therefore, if you have no intention on ever installing a trailer brake controller, I would absolutely drop the tow package and get the following:

You can either install them yourself or have your dealer do it. And if you pay for it with your FordPass points it becomes cheaper than the tow package. You may even be able to have your dealer wave the installation fee—they also have a vested interest in getting your Bronco built and sold to you.

Edit — Apr 28th, 2022 — The instructions to install the hitch and the wiring harness are now attached to this post, if you want to review the process for yourself.

---

Now you may be asking to yourself… do I need a trailer brake controller?

That depends on many factors. In most states, you do not need trailer brakes until you tow above 3000 lbs. The Bronco’s max tow rating is 3500 lbs, but if you load the Bronco itself up with additional gear, that tow rating drops to around 3000-3100 lbs. So while the answer is, ”it depends”, I can make generalizations….

If you are towing a marine trailer for a boat, jet skis, etc. the answer is NO. Marine trailers almost always have passive surge brakes that do not require a brake controller.
If you are towing a utility trailer, the answer is NO. The vast majority of utility trailers small enough for the Bronco to tow will either have no brakes or surge brakes.
If you are towing a pop-up camper, teardrop trailer, or other small camper, the answer is PROBABLY NOT. You can buy these trailers with electric brakes, but it is often an optional upgrade and not a standard feature. Whether you’d want electric brakes or not is up to you (see the next bullet).
If you are towing an overlanding or off-roading trailer, the answer is PROBABLY YES. Most expedition trailers will come with electric brakes. If you are doing more extreme off-roading with a trailer, having electric brakes helps dramatically when trying to control your vehicle. That said, if you aren’t doing extreme off-roading with your trailer and will be driving on decently maintained forest service roads or camp ground roads, electric brakes don’t really help you that much.

—

And finally… the states where trailer brakes are required under 3000 lbs (to the best of my knowledge):

California
Idaho*
Nevada
New York*
North Carolina
Mississippi

* Both New York and Idaho require trailer brakes on all trailers above 3000 pounds. They also require trailer brakes if the trailer itself weighs above 1000 lbs (for NY) or 1500 pounds (for ID) unladen (unloaded).

Apologies to our Canadian friends up north, not super familiar with the trailer brake laws up there. Only have a rough idea what is required in Quebec (1300 kg) and Ontario (1360kg) , the rest is a mystery to me. EDIT— Did some research last night and about half of the Canadian providences mimic US law, the other half do their own thing. I would still do your own research just in case I'm completely misinterpreting Canadian law... BUT... It seems most Canadian providences require trailer brake controllers on trailers over 1360kg (~3000lbs) except the following:

Northwest Territories (required regardless of weight)
Alberta
Manitoba
Yukon
Quebec

That’s it. Hope that was helpful.

Attachments

2021_CMY_Bronco_Trailer_Hitch_Installation.pdf 5.43 MB

SKFT1J_15A416_AD_Bronco_Trailer_Tow.pdf 3.21 MB

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

TMars, MCBronco777

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Feb 02, 2022

#60

If I remove my tow package my dealer said they won't install a trailer hitch and harness. It has to be ordered built in the factory. Is this a dealer by dealer decision or do some dealers offer a post factory install?

Feb 02, 2022

#61

Bronco#1
If I remove my tow package my dealer said they won't install trailer hitch if I don't order it built in the factory. Is this a dealer by dealer decision or do some dealers offer a post factory install?

Your dealer is goofy. Seriously, you can buy the hitch and harness ( at least the 4 pin) from Ford parts or from curt and any dealer, shop, or shade tree mechanic can and should Install it.
Now if you want the 7 pin harness, yeah, I might go with the factory as it's a pain to install or even get a hold of

RagnarKon

Feb 02, 2022

#62

Bronco#1
If I remove my tow package my dealer said they won't install trailer hitch if I don't order it built in the factory. Is this a dealer by dealer decision or do some dealers offer a post factory install?

Yeah I agree with @Norderwurm... that honestly... mmm... that sounds very odd. Usually dealers will happily install official Ford Accessories.

Your dealer cannot install the factory tow package after delivery, I believe it is actually impossible to do so because a lot module programming steps are tied to your VIN number. But we're not talking about the factory tow package equipment, we're talking about installing the hitch from the accessories site. Does your dealer know you were referring to the hitch and wiring on the accessories site and not the factory tow package??

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

Norderwurm

Feb 02, 2022

#63

RagnarKon
Yeah I agree with @Norderwurm... that honestly... mmm... that sounds very odd. Usually dealers will happily install official Ford Accessories.

Your dealer cannot install the factory tow package after delivery, I believe it is actually impossible to do so because a lot module programming steps are tied to your VIN number. But we're not talking about the factory tow package equipment, we're talking about installing the hitch from the accessories site. Does your dealer know you were referring to the hitch and wiring on the accessories site and not the factory tow package??

Good point, and I would add, is this a salesman saying this, or the service manager? If it's a salesman, take a drink for "my dealer said..." And go talk to the service manager. I bet dollars to donuts the service dept has no problem ordering the hitch and harness for you and installing it.

Feb 02, 2022

#64

Norderwurm
Your dealer is goofy. Seriously, you can buy the hitch and harness ( at least the 4 pin) from Ford parts or from curt and any dealer, shop, or shade tree mechanic can and should Install it.
Now if you want the 7 pin harness, yeah, I might go with the factory as it's a pain to install or even get a hold of

Yeah...that was my instinct. The sales guy referred me to a local company / U-Haul for an after-market install. My guess is it voids some part of the warranty.

Feb 02, 2022

#65

RagnarKon
Yeah I agree with @Norderwurm... that honestly... mmm... that sounds very odd. Usually dealers will happily install official Ford Accessories.

Your dealer cannot install the factory tow package after delivery, I believe it is actually impossible to do so because a lot module programming steps are tied to your VIN number. But we're not talking about the factory tow package equipment, we're talking about installing the hitch from the accessories site. Does your dealer know you were referring to the hitch and wiring on the accessories site and not the factory tow package??

I'll have to confirm. I assumed the sales personnel would know the difference between the two options but...‍

Feb 02, 2022

#66

I put my Ford Pass points to work by having my dealership install the tow hitch and 4pin harness from the Ford accessory site before I took delivery; they were happy to do it. It takes a little bit of work to splice in the harness to wiring in the back of the vehicle, but nothing a good mechanic can't accomplish in a few hours. Definitely talk to your Service Manager and not the sales guy.

FE: 4 Dr, A51, NP
BRaptor: HPR; Original GT Res - 7/14/20

RagnarKon

Feb 02, 2022

#67

DeepCreek
I put my Ford Pass points to work by having my dealership install the tow hitch and 4pin harness from the Ford accessory site before I took delivery; they were happy to do it. It takes a little bit of work to splice in the harness to wiring in the back of the vehicle, but nothing a good mechanic can't accomplish in a few hours. Definitely talk to your Service Manager and not the sales guy.

Thanks. I'll do that.

Feb 02, 2022

#68

Welp...I talked to the service dept. They confirmed that they will not do it. Told me itc asn't covered by their insurance. Really odd. I wonder if I had a factory installed tow package that didn't work properly, would they service repair it? Hard to imagine that they wouldn't. Oh well.

RagnarKon, SuperMike

Feb 02, 2022

#69

Bronco#1
Welp...I talked to the service dept. They confirmed that they will not do it. Told me itc asn't covered by their insurance. Really odd. I wonder if I had a factory installed tow package that didn't work properly, would they service repair it? Hard to imagine that they wouldn't. Oh well.

That's very odd...sounds like they just don't want to do it.

FE: 4 Dr, A51, NP
BRaptor: HPR; Original GT Res - 7/14/20

JJACK502, RagnarKon

Feb 03, 2022

#70

Adding a hitch and 4 pin seems pretty straight forward since the 4 pin kits are pretty much plug and play.
The question that no one seems to address is how to add a brake controller with no factory tow option.
Are there parts missing to be able to do this? Or is it just a matter of running the appropriate wiring to the 7 pin harness?
I get that it is difficult but it I'm surprised there are no guides, instructions, or videos on how to do it.

Feb 03, 2022

#71

Thrash Metash
Adding a hitch and 4 pin seems pretty straight forward since the 4 pin kits are pretty much plug and play.
The question that no one seems to address is how to add a brake controller with no factory tow option.
Are there parts missing to be able to do this? Or is it just a matter of running the appropriate wiring to the 7 pin harness?
I get that it is difficult but it I'm surprised there are no guides, instructions, or videos on how to do it.

You can install a 7-pin yourself with a trailer brake controller. The solutions for each of those 7 pins:

Ground — shared with the 4-pin
Running lights — shared with the 4-pin
Reverse lights — splice off of reverse lights on the Bronco
Right turn — shared with 4-pin
Left turn — shared with 4-pin
Trailer brakes — brake controller
+12V power — run a cable to fuse box

The part where people usually get stuck is running the 12V power to the fuse box and dealing with the trailer brake controller. 12V power is self-explanatory, just got a run a 6 (maybe 8?) gauge wire from the fuse box to the rear of the vehicle and stick a 30-amp fuse on it. A pain in the rear cause you have to rip out all of the trim pieces to do it, but not hard, just more tedious than anything.

For the brake controller there are a handful of options available. One of the more popular setups I've seen lately is the Curt Echo, which is just a wireless plug-n-play brake controller that runs off of your phone. If you want a factory-like setup that integrates with all of the safety features... really the only way is to do that is with the factory module. And I honestly don't know the feasibility of installing the factory module, because many of the programming steps are tied to the VIN number of your vehicle, and I have no idea if Ford service techs are even able to program a module that wasn't included in the original build.

There are a few people on the internet who are doing a 7-pin. Here is one that @nic has been working on the past few months.

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

Feb 03, 2022

#72

RagnarKon
You can install a 7-pin yourself with a trailer brake controller. The solutions for each:

Ground — shared with the 4-pin

Running lights — shared with the 4-pin

Reverse lights — splice off of reverse lights on the Bronco

Right turn — shared with 4-pin

Left turn — shared with 4-pin

Trailer brakes — brake controller

+12V power — run a cable to fuse box

The part where people usually get stuck is running the 12V power to the fuse box and dealing with the trailer brake controller. 12V power is self-explanatory, just got a run a 6 (maybe 8?) gauge wire from the fuse box to the rear of the vehicle and stick a 30-amp fuse on it. A pain in the rear cause you have to rip out all of the trim pieces to do it, but not hard, just more tedious than anything.

For the brake controller there are a handful of options available. One of the more popular setups I've seen lately is the Curt Echo, which is just a wireless plug-n-play brake controller that runs off of your phone. If you want a factory-like setup that integrates with all of the safety features... really the only way is to do that is with the factory module. And I honestly don't know the feasibility of installing the factory module, because many of the programming steps are tied to the VIN number of your vehicle, and I have no idea if Ford service techs are even able to program a module that wasn't included in the original build.

There are a few people on the internet who are doing a 7-pin. Here is one that @nic has been working on the past few months.

When I installed the brake controller on my FJ Cruiser I put a 30A fuse & Box next to the battery. I ran the 8 Gauge Hot wire down into the frame rail and fished it to the back bumper. Then ran it into the 7 pin plug. This was easier than under the sill seats and carpet.

Feb 03, 2022

#73

After reading that I called and canceled my tow package. I just wanted the tow package for a hitch carrier and a smaller utv trailer. Doesnt sound like i need to get the factory package.

That was feb 1 I canceled. I'll let yall know if that speeds up me getting an assigned VIN. I ordered June of 21.

Feb 03, 2022

#74

bigfoot5280
After reading this I called my dealer and had my tow package removed. I immediately was given a build week of 3/21/2022.

I did the same wish my dealer would call me with a build date.. ;-)

Feb 03, 2022

#75

So, I too deleted the Tow package to get my 21 in 21 knowing I would add it later. Well later is now and I wish I had kept it on the factory order! The hitch itself wasn't too bad after removing the bumper so to install. However the wiring kit is a different issue. The trailer lights need a Hot wire from the battery all the way back to the hitch. This of course involves punching a hole through the firewall, and routing the wire behind panels and under the flooring. The positive is I'm learning a lot on how to disassemble my Bronco! As others have said, it's a personal choice on priorities. I'm glad to be driving my bronco, so it is worth the extra work :)

RagnarKon, SuperMike

Feb 04, 2022

#76

RagnarKon
You can install a 7-pin yourself with a trailer brake controller. The solutions for each of those 7 pins:

Ground — shared with the 4-pin

Running lights — shared with the 4-pin

Reverse lights — splice off of reverse lights on the Bronco

Right turn — shared with 4-pin

Left turn — shared with 4-pin

Trailer brakes — brake controller

+12V power — run a cable to fuse box

The part where people usually get stuck is running the 12V power to the fuse box and dealing with the trailer brake controller. 12V power is self-explanatory, just got a run a 6 (maybe 8?) gauge wire from the fuse box to the rear of the vehicle and stick a 30-amp fuse on it. A pain in the rear cause you have to rip out all of the trim pieces to do it, but not hard, just more tedious than anything.

For the brake controller there are a handful of options available. One of the more popular setups I've seen lately is the Curt Echo, which is just a wireless plug-n-play brake controller that runs off of your phone. If you want a factory-like setup that integrates with all of the safety features... really the only way is to do that is with the factory module. And I honestly don't know the feasibility of installing the factory module, because many of the programming steps are tied to the VIN number of your vehicle, and I have no idea if Ford service techs are even able to program a module that wasn't included in the original build.

There are a few people on the internet who are doing a 7-pin. Here is one that @nic has been working on the past few months.

Thanks for the info. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to add a factory brake controller later and this seems to confirm it to some degree.
As far as running a 12V power to the fuse box, I believe the 4pin kit I bought already requires this ( Custom Wiring Harness, 4-Way Flat Output, Select Ford Bronco (curtmfg.com) )

So, if I went with the "Curt Echo" brake controller what features would I be missing?
Thanks again.

Feb 04, 2022

#77

Thrash Metash
So, if I went with the "Curt Echo" brake controller what features would I be missing?
Thanks again.

The brake controller wouldn't be able to interact directly with the Bronco's Co-Pilot360 safety systems. That's about it. In my opinion, not a huge deal if you only tow on occasion a few times a year.

It's a "universal" brake controller that operates regardless of the capabilities of your vehicle. It works by monitoring the left turn & right turn pins on the 7-pin connector. If both of those pins are on at the same time, then it knows the you are pressing the brakes on the vehicle, so it will in-turn activate the trailer brakes. It also has a little accelerometer in the unit to determine how hard you are pressing the brakes so it can vary the braking power of the trailer accordingly.

EDIT— My uncle-in-law owns an HVAC business and has a fleet of about four Ford Rangers and eight Ford Transit vans for his technicians. Neither the Ranger nor the Transit comes brake controllers, so he has a two of these Curt Echo mobile controllers that he shares among the 12 vehicles. His vehicles don't tow that often, so sharing two controllers was a lot more economical and flexible for him than having the dealer install brake controllers on all of his vehicles.

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

Thrash Metash

Feb 04, 2022

#78

bigfoot5280
After reading this I called my dealer and had my tow package removed. I immediately was given a build week of 3/21/2022.

So I just contacted Joel at Ford just now to take off the tow package after reading this post. This is fairly simple to add and thanks for insight. I will let you know if this prompts a build date.

RagnarKon, Bronco#1

Feb 04, 2022

#79

So I have a badlands sas 2.7 mic with high package and Tow. Do you think if I give up tow I will get it quicker? Nov 2020 reservation. Oct 21 order.

Badlands 4 Door in Velocity Blue Nov 2020 Reservation
2.7 with Sasquatch & High Package
Tow Option &MIC HardTop.

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