Electrical Hook up for trailer!

[Bill in KC]

I suspect this is a NEWBIE question. I have looked and found nothing here about this. I just bought a 19 Ranger lariat. I THOUGHT it had the towing package. Well it doesn't. I have a proper hitch on the way and just learned the install does not include the connector plug to handle brake light, tail light and turn signals. The dealer wants basically $60,00 for the part. The counterman said its a plug and play operation. I suspect that's the case. HOWEVER, the bumper does not have a knock out for the plug. Has anyone installed one of these? If so any advice on the difficulty?

As always, THANKS in advance...

Sponsored

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I suspect this is a NEWBIE question. I have looked and found nothing here about this. I just bought a 19 Ranger lariat. I THOUGHT it had the towing package. Well it doesn't. I have a proper hitch on the way and just learned the install does not include the connector plug to handle brake light, tail light and turn signals. The dealer wants basically $60,00 for the part. The counterman said its a plug and play operation. I suspect that's the case. HOWEVER, the bumper does not have a knock out for the plug. Has anyone installed one of these? If so any advice on the difficulty?

As always, THANKS in advance...

Hi Bill,

I believe there is a place just to the left of center in the rear bumper that has the provision to cut out the plastic in this area for the 7 pin connector. There are a few threads on this topic on the forum about how to cut the bumper cleanly. Some were more successful than others. Pretty common add-on on Rangers on these forums.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[HenryMac]

I suspect this is a NEWBIE question. I have looked and found nothing here about this. I just bought a 19 Ranger lariat. I THOUGHT it had the towing package. Well it doesn't. I have a proper hitch on the way and just learned the install does not include the connector plug to handle brake light, tail light and turn signals. The dealer wants basically $60,00 for the part. The counterman said its a plug and play operation. I suspect that's the case. HOWEVER, the bumper does not have a knock out for the plug. Has anyone installed one of these? If so any advice on the difficulty?

As always, THANKS in advance...

Everything you need to know....

Trucks w/o Tow Package?

 

[Bill in KC]

Everything you need to know....

Trucks w/o Tow Package?

Well.... I looked back at the ad copy for the truck it says tow package very clearly. I did find out when I called the dealer on the statement, they said there is a place for a trailer ball and the lariat comes with towing anti sway systems. I managed to locate a four pole light connector so I can make the rest of the mess work! The lesson here appears to be to insist the dealer demonstrate the various components they have advertised. It is a rather sad state of affairs to be certain.

 

[Bill in KC]

Hi Bill,

I believe there is a place just to the left of center in the rear bumper that has the provision to cut out the plastic in this area for the 7 pin connector. There are a few threads on this topic on the forum about how to cut the bumper cleanly. Some were more successful than others. Pretty common add-on on Rangers on these forums.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

THANK YOU PHIL!! GREAT ADVICE..

 

[P. A. Schilke]

THANK YOU PHIL!! GREAT ADVICE..

HI Bill,

Hope you have many smiles per mile with your Ranger. I was pound to be part of Ranger heritage and was a player in making sure Ranger was Ford Tough! I think your install will be a piece of cake!
My only comment is to understand your owner's manual for GVW, GCW and Tongue weight when you tow. Ranger is best in class for a mid size for towing capability!

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[Bill in KC]

Thank you Phil,

As you well know, we have a Ford Assembly plant here in Kansas City. The F-150 is a great rig. I chose the Ranger as I just don't need the larger towing and hauling capacity the F-150 has to offer. The Ranger was spot on for my needs. Plus the extra mileage the Ranger offers was a plus.

I very much like my Ranger and am looking to years of use. My previous ride was a 2010 Ford Taurus SEL AWD. When I put him out to pasture he boasted 258K and was running well. With care, I expect this Ford to be as strong a workhorse as my previous two!

It's odd, but as a young man I was GM to the hilt. Circumstance took me to Ford and Ford has taken very good care of me. While many manufacturers make reliable vehicles, I intend to stick with Ford. After all, if it aint broke, why try to fix it!

Regards,

Bill Warren,
Missouri

 

[HenryMac]

Well.... I looked back at the ad copy for the truck it says tow package very clearly. I did find out when I called the dealer on the statement, they said there is a place for a trailer ball and the lariat comes with towing anti sway systems. I managed to locate a four pole light connector so I can make the rest of the mess work! The lesson here appears to be to insist the dealer demonstrate the various components they have advertised. It is a rather sad state of affairs to be certain.

When we bought our Ranger, Sept 2019, I was amazed at how little the salesmen at the dealership really new about the Ranger and how many things they said that were just flat out wrong.

I'm not saying they were lying... they simply weren't knowledgeable about the "New" Ranger.

Good luck with your hitch install, let us know how things work out!

 

[t4thfavor]

Trailer package is a legitimate line item from ford that includes the factory 7-way plug and the integrated hitch bumper. I’d push the issue if it were me.

 

[Bill in KC]

Trailer package is a legitimate line item from ford that includes the factory 7-way plug and the integrated hitch bumper. I’d push the issue if it were me.

THANK YOU!! I WILL DO SO!

Sponsored