Tow Package Upgrade Voids Warranty ????

[Jason L]

My vehicle was purchased off dealer stock without the tow package. Frustrated with the run-around trying to get part numbers and estimated availability for the Tow Package upgrade, I reached out to Ford Customer Service.

The first representative I spoke with searched my VIN and informed me that my Ranger XLT FX4 was not rated for towing, that no tow package was available for the vehicle, and that it was not capable of towing any weight rating. I proceeded to tell him he was an idiot, at minimum the bumper can tow a few thousand pounds, and a receiver was listed as an aftermarket accessory on the Ford site. He insisted I could not legally tow anything with my Ranger, at which point I asked to speak with a manger.

I got a call today from that manager today (a week later). After 20 minutes of being placed on hold while he researched my VIN, he came back and told me my Ranger was not equipped with the tow package, was not rated for towing, and if I install the receiver even through a Ford dealer my entire vehicle warranty would be void. I admit my response was a little heated, and I tried to explain that the Ranger was advertised as best in class towing, the receiver was listed on the ford accessories site, and it makes no sense that installing a Ford factory accessory would void my Ford warranty. He then told me the conversation was being recorded, and that any installation of the Ford towing receiver would immediately void my factory warranty. I asked for that in writing or to be given a copy of the audio recording, and he told me no. I asked him to repeat the message so I can record it. He told me my warranty was void and he was ending the call because I was being unprofessional in using the term "BS". I then told him to F off... and he hung up.

So... here is the question for the Ranger community:

• Can we install a Ford receiver and if so does it in fact void the factory warranty?
• What is the tow rating of the vehicle if you install the receiver after the fact?
• Is there anything on the vehicle spec that suggests that even with the receiver addition, the vehicle can only tow the factory tow rating without the receiver (bumper rating)?
• How are all these after market receivers and factory receivers being installed on trucks, F150, etc. is everyone voiding their warranties?

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[joeb427]

WTF!

 

[THLONE]

Wow I would go up the chain to the top

 

[RIRed]

Those customer service reps need to get a clue. Towing capacities are in writing in the owners manual.

 

[RangerKody]

The obviously have no clue. There is nothing to tow package offers when it come from the factory compared to buying it after and having it installed. No engine upgrades or anything. So their service department need to research. Lol

 

[Jason L]

Taken from another thread, seems towing is tied to the receiver hitch installed. It doesn't mention any requirement other than receiver hitch to set rating.

 

[Jason L]

I thought the tow package was an OEM accessory? That doesn't sound right....I do not think the towing package is coded in the VIN numbers

I specifically said that to him, and his response was even though it is an OEM accessory, it was not factory installed and therefore counts as an after market modification even if installed by the dealer, which voids the warranty.

I also don't believe an after market accessory can void a warranty unless the manufacture proves the addition of the accessory caused the warrantied issue and it was due to no other cause. Though when I said that to him, he very confidently told me I need to read my warranty as I was wrong.

The more I look into this, the more I think the two of them are complete idiots. I just got a little flustered because he kept referencing the door plate rating and this guy was supposedly a manager. I looked at the door plate, and don't see a tow rating.

 

[VAMike]

I looked at the door plate, and don't see a tow rating.

Look for GCWR

 

[VAMike]

theres more to a towing package than a hitch and a plug.

think extra cooling and gearing for starters

Not on a ranger.

 

[Strokerduster]

I specifically said that to him, and his response was even though it is an OEM accessory, it was not factory installed and therefore counts as an after market modification even if installed by the dealer, which voids the warranty.

I also don't believe an after market accessory can void a warranty unless the manufacture proves the addition of the accessory caused the warrantied issue and it was due to no other cause. Though when I said that to him, he very confidently told me I need to read my warranty as I was wrong.

The more I look into this, the more I think the two of them are complete idiots. I just got a little flustered because he kept referencing the door plate rating and this guy was supposedly a manager. I looked at the door plate, and don't see a tow rating.

A suggestion..... contact the dealer purchased from and politely explain Everything you were told. Explain that if this is in fact true, you would like them to purchase the truck back as that was one of the things you intended to do with it. tell Them you would like it in writing from Ford one way or another. Thank you for your help and let me know as soon as possible. Get the dealer involved, he KNOWS who to contact rather than some turd on the phone hotline. It's all BS, so don't worry. I suspect the only thing affected if you do is the 7500 lb tow rate is reduced. Warranty is NOT voided.

 

[joeb427]

theres more to a towing package than a hitch and a plug.

think extra cooling and gearing for starters

Not with the Ranger.

Trailer Tow Package $495

The Trailer Tow Package provides the gear you need to pull up to 7,500 lbs.

Package includes:
• 4-pin/7-pin Wiring Harness
• Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver

 

[Jason L]

Look for GCWR

Nothing on the plate, just GVWR and front and rear axle GAWR.

It makes sense it's not there, since it depends on equipment. GCWR is in the owners manual and references hitch receiver installed.

 

[VAMike]

I was generalizing, and although I dont have hard proof that the Ranger doesn't have anything extra, generally a vehicle destined for the tow life does. And until someone pulls out more published and verified data to say otherwise, I will not concede defeat.

You could simply prove that you're right by showing anything that's added as part of the tow package instead of demanding that other people prove a negative.

 

[Jason L]

yeah we all can read a propaganda pamphlet too. thanks for the added effort

I was generalizing, and although I dont have hard proof that the Ranger doesn't have anything extra, generally a vehicle destined for the tow life does. And until someone pulls out more published and verified data to say otherwise, I will not concede defeat.

You can do a parts search for the Ranger, very few parts vary by tow package, and they are all rear bumper related. The confusion on what parts to order comes from the wire harness configurations (with sensors, without). In addition to the wire harness and receiver, there is one trim piece that varies by tow package.

 

[RCMUSTANG]

There is nothing extra. There are no optional towing gears, cooling system or anything else.

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