Adding tow after purchase

[muzicman0]

I got a 2019 Ford Ranger a little over a year ago, and did not get the Tow Package, because...well, I didn't have anything to tow! I am looking at getting a trailer now, and am wondering what I will have to do to add it. What are the limitations (weight?) for after market. What other things will I need to think about?

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[jsphlynch]

I got a 2019 Ford Ranger a little over a year ago, and did not get the Tow Package, because...well, I didn't have anything to tow! I am looking at getting a trailer now, and am wondering what I will have to do to add it. What are the limitations (weight?) for after market. What other things will I need to think about?

You need a receiver:
-You can get the factory receiver. This will be your most expensive option and a PITA to install, but gets you a little extra ground clearance and looks a little slicker compared to the after-market alternatives. Provides a structure* for you to tow up to 7500 pounds.
-You can get the Draw-tite after-market receiver. Got mine for ~$125 on Amazon. DIY install takes 20 minutes, and provides a structure* to tow up to 7500 pounds.
-You can get the Curt after-market receiver. Usually, a few bucks cheaper than the Draw-tite, but has a towing limit of 6000 pounds. Installs just as easily as the Draw-tite.

You might need a new plug for the trailer lights. The Ranger comes with a flat 4-pin connector standard on the bumper. If your trailer needs something different, you can get a plug-and-play wiring harness to replace the standard 4-pin.

You might need a trailer brake controller, depending on how heavy your fully laden trailer is. If you have an XLT or Lariat, all the wiring should already be in place for an aftermarket brake controller. If you have an XL, you either have to run the wiring yourself or use an alternative method of controlling the trailer brakes such as the Curt Echo.

*7500 pound tow rating assumes you have trailer brakes.

EDIT to add: You'll also need a ball mount and ball. Make sure they're rated to tow whatever weight you're towing. Get the right amount of drop on the mount to match the level of your trailer. Balls come in a variety of sizes (please, restrain your inner middle-schooler and stop snickering at this statement), so make sure you get the right size for your trailer.

 

[muzicman0]

You need a receiver:
-You can get the factory receiver. This will be your most expensive option and a PITA to install, but gets you a little extra ground clearance and looks a little slicker compared to the after-market alternatives. Provides a structure* for you to tow up to 7500 pounds.
-You can get the Draw-tite after-market receiver. Got mine for ~$125 on Amazon. DIY install takes 20 minutes, and provides a structure* to tow up to 7500 pounds.
-You can get the Curt after-market receiver. Usually, a few bucks cheaper than the Draw-tite, but has a towing limit of 6000 pounds. Installs just as easily as the Draw-tite.

You might need a new plug for the trailer lights. The Ranger comes with a flat 4-pin connector standard on the bumper. If your trailer needs something different, you can get a plug-and-play wiring harness to replace the standard 4-pin.

You might need a trailer brake controller, depending on how heavy your fully laden trailer is. If you have an XLT or Lariat, all the wiring should already be in place for an aftermarket brake controller. If you have an XL, you either have to run the wiring yourself or use an alternative method of controlling the trailer brakes such as the Curt Echo.

*7500 pound tow rating assumes you have trailer brakes.

EDIT to add: You'll also need a ball mount and ball. Make sure they're rated to tow whatever weight you're towing. Get the right amount of drop on the mount to match the level of your trailer. Balls come in a variety of sizes (please, restrain your inner middle-schooler and stop snickering at this statement), so make sure you get the right size for your trailer.

Awesome. I have an XLT, so I should be good.

As a side note, I truly wasn't laughing at the Balls comment until I saw your note...now I can't stop. RELEASE THE INNER MIDDLE-SCHOOLER!!

 

[jsphlynch]

Awesome. I have an XLT, so I should be good.

As a side note, I truly wasn't laughing at the Balls comment until I saw your note...now I can't stop. RELEASE THE INNER MIDDLE-SCHOOLER!!

Just double-check that the wires are really there, as there have been sporadic reports of people missing the wires when they should have them. It should be 4 loose wires in the bundle under the dash (multiple threads in the towing section have pictures that can help you know what you're looking for).

 

[Glocker]

If your not towing heavy loads, you'll be good with an aftermarket hitch and the non-towing package truck's existing trailer plug. Mine did not come with the towing package and I added the DrawTite hitch and I use the stock 4 pin wiring harness. It works very well for towing my boat! And the truck recognizes when the trailer is plugged in, even without a towing package.

 

[Signal Crags]

You need a receiver:
-You can get the factory receiver. This will be your most expensive option and a PITA to install, but gets you a little extra ground clearance and looks a little slicker compared to the after-market alternatives. Provides a structure* for you to tow up to 7500 pounds.
-You can get the Draw-tite after-market receiver. Got mine for ~$125 on Amazon. DIY install takes 20 minutes, and provides a structure* to tow up to 7500 pounds.
-You can get the Curt after-market receiver. Usually, a few bucks cheaper than the Draw-tite, but has a towing limit of 6000 pounds. Installs just as easily as the Draw-tite.

You might need a new plug for the trailer lights. The Ranger comes with a flat 4-pin connector standard on the bumper. If your trailer needs something different, you can get a plug-and-play wiring harness to replace the standard 4-pin.

You might need a trailer brake controller, depending on how heavy your fully laden trailer is. If you have an XLT or Lariat, all the wiring should already be in place for an aftermarket brake controller. If you have an XL, you either have to run the wiring yourself or use an alternative method of controlling the trailer brakes such as the Curt Echo.

*7500 pound tow rating assumes you have trailer brakes.

EDIT to add: You'll also need a ball mount and ball. Make sure they're rated to tow whatever weight you're towing. Get the right amount of drop on the mount to match the level of your trailer. Balls come in a variety of sizes (please, restrain your inner middle-schooler and stop snickering at this statement), so make sure you get the right size for your trailer.

When installing the after-market receiver do you recall the torque rating for the bolts.

 

[Washashore]

When installing the after-market receiver do you recall the torque rating for the bolts.

- Tighten all M16 fasteners with torque wrench to 146Lb.-Ft. (195 N*M),

 

[SILK]

I'll also add in that if you're needing the trailer brake assist, and plan on using adaptive cruise control, that you'll have to buy Ford's official unit. The aftermarket units do not play nicely with AC. I believe there was some backorder on these as well, so plan accordingly.

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