Is it a lot of money to install the tow package on a used 2021 Ranger?

[thetrucks]

I might be getting a 2021 Ranger, but it doesn't have the tow package, and I don't need it until later. I can price a hitch, but I'm concerned about the transmission cooler, radiator, and if it needs a more power alternator. Mostly, I don't want to blow up the transmission (or engine for that matter). It's the SuperCab if that matters.

Can these be added later? Is it expensive? I don't want to void a warranty either, so I guess Ford has to install it.

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[thetrucks]

I read you can pull 3500 pounds stock, but 7500 with the Tow Package, so I thought they have to be doing something.

 

[VAMike]

I read you can pull 3500 pounds stock, but 7500 with the Tow Package, so I thought they have to be doing something.

the "something" is adding a hitch receiver rather than a ball on the bumper

 

[thetrucks]

Don't you need transmission and radiator coolers?

 

[Marpater]

The transmission in the Ranger is shared with the F150 or visa versa, given the towing capacity of an F150 it would be safe to say that there wouldn't be any issue with a Ranger towing its capacity at least not from the transmission. I have also read that there is nothing added other than a receiver to the Ranger to increase the towing capacity from 3500 to 7000, the 3500 being a ball mounted to the rear bumper.
After market receivers are a bit different than the Ford design as they hang about a 1/2" lower than the OEM model, but they are way easier to install.
If you are thinking about an electric brake controller I would go with the OEM model, aftermarket units don't interface with the collision avoidance system on the Ranger, the XLT and Lariat models already have the wiring for the controller under that dash, there is a need to run a harness back to the third brake light connection but that really isn't to bad to do, takes a few hours or about 4 beers....

 

[Dahveed]

After market receivers are a bit different than the Ford design as they hang about a 1/2" lower than the OEM model, but they are way easier to install.

Yep. I installed an aftermarket Draw-Tite that is rated for 7500. Installing the OEM hitch after the fact requires removal and major disassembly of the rear bumper. Installing an aftermarket takes 30 minutes at the most. All you need is a couple of C-clamps (to keep the bumper from falling off), a ratchet/socket, and torque wrench.

This is what I installed: Amazon.com: Draw-Tite 76275 Class III Max-Frame Receiver with 2" Square Receiver Tube Opening

I paid less than $100 because Amazon had one that had been returned.

 

[VAMike]

Don't you need transmission and radiator coolers?

no. the current generation of f150 with the same transmission also does not have an auxiliary cooler. all of the 10r80 transmissions are connected to the radiator in order to get them up to operating temperature faster, and as a side effect this also allows them to use the radiator for cooling. the radiator is the same in all rangers, and there are zero reports that I can recall of anyone seeing it overheat.

 

[Iowa Guy]

no. the current generation of f150 with the same transmission also does not have an auxiliary cooler. all of the 10r80 transmissions are connected to the radiator in order to get them up to operating temperature faster, and as a side effect this also allows them to use the radiator for cooling. the radiator is the same in all rangers, and there are zero reports that I can recall of anyone seeing it overheat.

i think the only think you get besides the receiver hitch is the 7 wire harness,

 

[Apples]

All said and done, but if you tow even half of the limit, you really need a trailer brake controller. It is about $200, plus installation. Having done my own installation, without the proper tools, I suggest you have a dealer do it. Pay four hours.

 

[VAMike]

All said and done, but if you tow even half of the limit, you really need a trailer brake controller. It is about $200, plus installation. Having done my own installation, without the proper tools, I suggest you have a dealer do it. Pay four hours.

unless you are using surge brakes or some other solution which doesn't require a trailer brake controller...

 

[NCRANGER]

As already stated, the factory tow package only consists of the trailer hitch and the connector sleeve for 7 pin or 4 pin trailer wiring. There are no other changes. For towing more than 1650 lbs, you need to add a brake controller. The Ford recommended TBC supports adaptive cruise control and AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking). If you choose to use another TBC, these features are not supported.

If you don't have the tow package, you already have the 4 pin connector under the left side of the rear bumper. The rear bumper height is pretty high for using a ball mount with a trailer, but you could opt to add either the factory hitch or an aftermarket hitch. If you go with an aftermarket hitch, I would go with the Drawtite, as it maintains the factory tow ratings. These are available for around $135 and are easily installed. Wiring connectors are also available to support a 7 pin connector for use with a brake controller.

I opted to add the factory hitch with the sleeve to keep everything looking factory installed. The hitch kit lists at $360, but if you shop around you can get a better price (mine was $279). The kit contains all the necessary parts to convert you current rear bumper to the factory tow version, but it takes about 2 hours to install if you DIY. Adding the factory sleeve/connector and wiring was another ~$145, and requires cutting the rear bumper pad opening to install the sleeve, but it is essentially plug and play.

The Ford TBC lists for $339, but again, you can do better if you shop around. The Ford TBC install requires you to connect to the 3rd brake light wiring (CHMSL), which can make the install a bit frustrating trying to access the connector. It's a fairly simple install other than the CHMSL connection.

It's not a problem to add towing capability to the Ranger. It comes down to what you need to tow and what you want to spend.

 

[RangerPNW]

As with anything else, its much more expensive if you have someone else install the items for you. I ordered the OEM tow hitch plus 7 pin connector and harness from Levittown Ford. All in at the moment i'm just over 400 in parts. While an aftermarket one is cheaper and simpler to install, I personally wanted the OEM one as it tucks up nicely with the bumper rather than hanging down more than is necessary

 

[MountainGoat]

As already stated, the factory tow package only consists of the trailer hitch and the connector sleeve for 7 pin or 4 pin trailer wiring. There are no other changes. For towing more than 1650 lbs, you need to add a brake controller. The Ford recommended TBC supports adaptive cruise control and AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking). If you choose to use another TBC, these features are not supported.

As with anything else, its much more expensive if you have someone else install the items for you. I ordered the OEM tow hitch plus 7 pin connector and harness from Levittown Ford. All in at the moment i'm just over 400 in parts. While an aftermarket one is cheaper and simpler to install, I personally wanted the OEM one as it tucks up nicely with the bumper rather than hanging down more than is necessary

Are these the parts you guys ordered? Does anyone know if having the sport model makes a difference? Underneath the rear bumper it is a little different on the sport (I couldn't install a deezee bumper step due to this).

https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/trailer-hitch-for-2-inch-receiver-9345327-1

https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/wire-14362701-1

 

[Black Knight]

I ordered the same for my 2019. install was a bit of a pain, took about 2 HRS. I don't know how much different the Sport is.

 

[NCRANGER]

Are these the parts you guys ordered? Does anyone know if having the sport model makes a difference? Underneath the rear bumper it is a little different on the sport (I couldn't install a deezee bumper step due to this).

https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/trailer-hitch-for-2-inch-receiver-9345327-1?pdp=y

https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/wire-14362701-1?pdp=y

Tow hitch accessory is the correct one. There are only 2 different OEM bumpers; one with the receiver/hitch and one without. Doesn't matter which trim/package you may have.

For wiring, I used the OEM 7/4 pin connector and the wiring harness to connect it. Part numbers were:

FU5Z-14489-A is the connector sleeve/7 and 4 pin connector
KB3Z-15K868-D is the wiring harness (remove existing wiring harness/4 pin plug and replace with the new harness).


Note: There are different wiring harnesses based on the presence of reverse sensors in the bumper. The part number I used did have the connections for the reverse sensors, as I had them in the bumper and needed them in the harness for my install.

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