Tow Hitch Options?

[Kinad]

I bought a 2021 Tremor but it did not come with a tow hitch. I went to my local Ford dealer to try and buy one but the one they said is compatible with my truck based on my VIN does not show the square hitch receiver tube on the diagram/picture. It looks identical to the one I have on now. I've seen posts on Reddit and other places asking the similar questions but no answers.

Does anyone know if I can get the OEM hitch for it or do I have to go with a 3rd party option? I want to use it to buy a ~17 to 22 travel trailer

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[ctechbob]

I'd imagine it is just like all the other Rangers. The hitch is part of the bumper assembly and requires replacing the whole thing. Best bet would either be an aftermarket one, pony up for all the new parts, of find one off a wrecked truck.

 

[Jedadiah]

I have a Draw-Tite hitch on my '21. You don't have to take anything off to install it. It mounts using the stock rear bumper bolts. It doesn't sit as tight to the bumper as the factory hitch, but was way less expensive and way easier to install. The 7 pin wiring is easy to hook up too. Mounting the plug in the stock location isn't fun though.

 

[Kinad]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll probably end up going this route. Plus it will save me money from OEM

 

[LB'sTremor]

below is for OEM, if I were to do it again I would get the drawtite but if you want the 7 pin connector you still need the harness and connector

LB



Order Contents:

P/N​	Quantity​	Price Each​	Description​
KB3Z19D520A​	1	$ 297.36​	KIT - TRAILER HITCH BAR.
KB3Z15K868D​	1	$ 78.54​	Parking Aid System Wiring Harness
FU5Z14489A​	1	$ 37.57​	Trailer Tow Harness Connector

 

[dstig1]

I went the Ford route to add the hitch and the 7-pin plug to the bumper. It is swapping out the bumper substantially but is not terribly hard. It just takes a couple hours or so. You can search for my thread on it. Parts listed above by LB tremor. Attached is the instructions if you are curious to look through it.

 

[alcohenusa]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll probably end up going this route. Plus it will save me money from OEM

Also, don’t forget about adding a trailer brake controller.

 

[Kinad]

Also, don’t forget about adding a trailer brake controller.

Is it enough to get the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite from Amazon or the OEM version due working with AEB?

 

[alcohenusa]

Is it enough to get the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite from Amazon or the OEM version due working with AEB?

It’s really your choice. If you want the AEB functionality then you’ll need the OEM kit. Many here have installed non-OEM and are happy with them.

 

[Kinad]

It’s really your choice. If you want the AEB functionality then you’ll need the OEM kit. Many here have installed non-OEM and are happy with them.

From what I gather, the only difference is the OEM has wiring that taps into the CHMSL right at the brake light. Is this correct?

Would I have the same functionality from the non-OEM if I tap into CHMSL under the dash?

 

[Tom_C]

Here's an alternate way to tap into the CHMSL.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/chmsl-3rd-brake-light-strobe-module.13282/

 

[Kinad]

Here's an alternate way to tap into the CHMSL.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/chmsl-3rd-brake-light-strobe-module.13282/

If I install a non-OEM Redarc Tow-Pro Elite and use the above method, will I have the same functionallity as the OEM TBC, meaning AEB works?

 

[Tom_C]

Oh, I don't know. What I posted above is just a means to access the CHMSL circuit without digging into the head liner.

 

[RangerPNW]

So I ended up going the OEM route primarily because the aftermarket ones all hang down which isn't a good look in my opinion, the OEM tucks up nice and tight (but is a pain the butt to install)

 

[TechEditor]

I installed a U-Haul hitch and it doesn't seem to hang down much at all.

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