Trucks w/o Tow Package?

Noseoil

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After trying to work with our local dealer here in Raton to buy a truck, I will NEVER go to them for anything, not even an oil change. There hasn't been a person I've spoken with here who has had a positive experience & there are a few horror stories on service. Too bad Mama Ford doesn't have a tighter hold on their dealerships & service. A local shop with quality mechanics is a better choice for mods & service IMO...
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George57

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Hello, I would like to give the details for people with a 2019 Ford Ranger Base model and the parts needed to convert to 7/4 pin plug.

I just completed my installation and will provide the parts list, tools used and some photos.

Parts List:
  • 7/4 pin plug, part # FU5Z14489A
  • Wire Harness part # KB3Z15K868C
Tools Used
  • Blue masking tape
  • Sharpie
  • Flash Light
  • Needle nose pliers - to remove old harness fasteners
  • Dremel cutting disk for rough cut, then sanding drum for final details
  • Razor Blade
  • Small Flat Screw driver
The installation is not that tough just cutting the hole small then slowly enlarging it to fit the 7/4 pin plug. I cut the plastic where the pre-marked. After cutting the plastic away, I realized the metal tabs (pointed at with red arrows in second image below named trim) were about 8+ mm further behind the plastic trim. Instead of bending the metal tabs forward, I decided to cut the black plastic trim to the max size. I used blue masking tape and a sharpie to outline the 7/4 pin plug the slowly sanded away up to the marked edge melting the plastic. I utilized the razor blade to cut away the melted plastic and finish the edge. I used the small flat screw driver to remove the silver color metal tabs from the 7/4 pin plug (see photo below) allowing me to test fit until it was firm within the plastic fascia.

I will be utilizing an all weather sealant around the edge to cover my imperfections from my trimming. Please let my know any feedback, suggestions or questions. Thank you.

Comparison of old vs new harness, as you can see the harness also has the rear license plate light plugs.
harness.jpg

Rough Trimmed area
trim.jpg

7/4 pin plug part # FU5Z14489A
IMG_20191214_100653.jpg

Final install
IMG_20191214_101939.jpg


Update December 22nd
I finished the 7/4 pin plug install using Permatex Black silicone adhesive. I used blue tape about 1/8th inch away from the plug. Then spread a light coat to fill the edge where the plug and black plastic trim meet. First I spread it with my finger then used a piece of index card to even it out. The adhesive is very thick in consistency making me have to use both hands to squeeze the tube, once out it was very easy to spread with little to message and did not dry to quick allowing plenty of time to work with it.

IMG_20191222_111704.jpg

IMG_20191222_111712.jpg
 
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PNW_Ranger87

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Hello, I would like to give the details for people with a 2019 Ford Ranger Base model and the parts needed to convert to 7/4 pin plug.
Great write up! Thanks! :like:
 

Rangerjoel94

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The tow package bumper and all is a different one compared to the non-tow package bumper mounting.

Did you happen to see the install instructions in post #46 on this thread? https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/trucks-w-o-tow-package.1712/page-4#post-27909
Ah, I overlooked that post with the factory install instructions. Thanks for pointing it out.

I looked over the diagrams, illustrations, and the sparse written directions. It looks fairly complicated for an owner like me without much automotive mechanical background.

I suppose my novice question is whether or not I can easily remove my existing towing package by simply un-bolting it and not have to remove or replace parts form the bumper? Is it possible to leave everything (basically the bumper) intact while just removing the OEM hitch/harness? From what I can see from the install diagrams, it probably isn't possible. Thanks in advance!
 

George57

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Ah, I overlooked that post with the factory install instructions. Thanks for pointing it out.

I looked over the diagrams, illustrations, and the sparse written directions. It looks fairly complicated for an owner like me without much automotive mechanical background.

I suppose my novice question is whether or not I can easily remove my existing towing package by simply un-bolting it and not have to remove or replace parts form the bumper? Is it possible to leave everything (basically the bumper) intact while just removing the OEM hitch/harness? From what I can see from the install diagrams, it probably isn't possible. Thanks in advance!
Good question, No it is not possible to leave the bumper intact because you will need to replace the bumper bar, if you remove the factory tow package of the hitch and harness. Step #23 on the pdf you linked shows a trash bin icon, because the factory tow bar replaces the support structure under the bumper. Personally, I think the more annoying step will be removing the black plastic trim with it's 20+ clip in points.
 


joeb427

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I've had the OEM tow hitch order for close to two months and still not in.
 

PNW_Ranger87

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I've had the OEM tow hitch order for close to two months and still not in.
Anticipated backorder release date was 01/31 when I ordered mine about a week ago.
 

PNW_Ranger_John

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After multiple date slips, my order for the OEM hitch was cancelled last week. I ordered it from https://accessories.ford.com/ on 11/26/2019 with pickup at a local dealer. The dealer said the the part is no longer being offered as a Ford accessory. I'm not sure if this means just from the website or also through the dealer parts counters. They did not think they would have success placing a new order, but luckily they were able to locate one of the last few in stock units at another dealer, I just had to drive across the state to pick it up.

Anyway, I just got it installed. As others have mentioned, the hard part is getting the black plastic bumper cover off without destroying it. There are 20+ snap-in christmas trees, many of which are not accessible to tools. I ended up cutting off the metal bracket that goes behind the license plate on the old throw-away bumper assembly with an angle grinder. This let me get a pry bar under the bottom section (where ball is inserted) and pry it loose without damage. After that it was just moving parts over from the old bumper and bolting it all back together.

One slight disappointment, was that it was missing the two extra bolts that attach it to the frame. The original has four bolts that you reuse, and the kit is suppose to have two more included. I will need to pick them up next time I get my oil changed.
 

porktyme

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After multiple date slips, my order for the OEM hitch was cancelled last week. I ordered it from https://accessories.ford.com/ on 11/26/2019 with pickup at a local dealer. The dealer said the the part is no longer being offered as a Ford accessory. I'm not sure if this means just from the website or also through the dealer parts counters. They did not think they would have success placing a new order, but luckily they were able to locate one of the last few in stock units at another dealer, I just had to drive across the state to pick it up.

Anyway, I just got it installed. As others have mentioned, the hard part is getting the black plastic bumper cover off without destroying it. There are 20+ snap-in christmas trees, many of which are not accessible to tools. I ended up cutting off the metal bracket that goes behind the license plate on the old throw-away bumper assembly with an angle grinder. This let me get a pry bar under the bottom section (where ball is inserted) and pry it loose without damage. After that it was just moving parts over from the old bumper and bolting it all back together.

One slight disappointment, was that it was missing the two extra bolts that attach it to the frame. The original has four bolts that you reuse, and the kit is suppose to have two more included. I will need to pick them up next time I get my oil changed.
Are the bolts M16x1.5 pitch or M16x2.0 pitch? They seem to be 45-50 mm in length.
 
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metaldrumcore

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This forum thread has been great. But after a quick trip to the dealership today I came back very confused regarding the hitch itself. The parts department was spot on with the harness and connector but the hitch had two options. According to my local dealership there are two versions of the hitch for my 2019 xlt. One class 3 and one class 2 (I guess, it wasn't class 3) with model numbers KB3Z-17D826/D and KB3Z-19520/A. The latter is listed on the forum as being used but I've never seen the first one mentioned. Is this legit? The first one is roughly twice the cost and according to tasca parts they both for my truck. Has anyone else ran across this? Thanks!
 

VAMike

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Class 2 is the 1 1/4 receiver rated for 3500 or so pounds. I've never heard of a current ranger with that. Factory hitch is class 4. Class 3 would maybe be for the old ranger? Dunno.
 
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gov cheese

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Just completed Curt hitch install took about 30 minutes. I used a ratchet strap to lift and stabilize hitch while getting the bolts started. Tied rope between the mid bed tie downs and ran the ratchet strap between the tailgate and the bed. Raised hitch until it hit the spare tire. Lined up the hole with one hand while installing bolts with the other hand. Put blue lock tite on the bolts.


Wiring installed ford OEM
  • 7/4 pin plug, part # FU5Z-14489-A
  • Wire Harness part # KB3Z-15K868-D
 

HenryMac

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Just completed Curt hitch install took about 30 minutes. I used a ratchet strap to lift and stabilize hitch while getting the bolts started. Tied rope between the mid bed tie downs and ran the ratchet strap between the tailgate and the bed. Raised hitch until it hit the spare tire. Lined up the hole with one hand while installing bolts with the other hand. Put blue lock tite on the bolts.


Wiring installed ford OEM
  • 7/4 pin plug, part # FU5Z-14489-A
  • Wire Harness part # KB3Z-15K868-D
Post up some photo's. Curious how tight up against the bumper it is vs a factory hitch
 

metaldrumcore

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Class 2 is the 1 1/4 receiver rated for 3500 or so pounds. I've never heard of a current ranger with that. Factory hitch is class 4. Class 3 would maybe be for the old ranger? Dunno.
You're correct. I was mistaken. The KB3Z-19D520/A model is class III and the KB3Z-17D826/D model is class IV. That is what my local dealer has told me anyhow. I put an email in with TASCA to see if they can shed some light on it for me. I just want to make sure I get the class IV hitch for the truck so I can use the full capability of the vehicle when towing, though I doubt I'll ever tow over 6,000 pounds and only occasionally at that, I want to know the headroom is there. I definetly don't want to install the class III one though due to being near its limit when towing my compact tractor and attachments to the property we have. The other thing is if the KB3Z-19D520/A model is a class III everyone here has been buying it thinking its the factory tow package option and it really isn't. I would think Ford would install the class IV one if they are marketing the truck with 7,500 pounds towing capacity and would want the hitch to back that up as well. Then again they should install the IBC when they sell the tow package too and don't so I don't know. I just wanted to throw all that out there. When TASCA replies to my email I'll post the follow up clarification here.
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