Towing Package: It's more than just a hitch and some wires.

[HenryMac]

Something I just noticed today and thought I would share. The rear bumper center section is different when your truck has the factory tow package.

It's modified to move the hitch receiver up higher, thus giving the truck a better rear approach angle.

Well done Ford. I'm surprised they don't make of note of this on shop.ford.com?

"The Trailer Tow Package increases the Ranger towing rating and includes hitch receiver and 4/7-pin connector."

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[AzScorpion]

Something I just noticed today and thought I would share. The rear bumper center section is different when your truck has the factory tow package.

It's modified to move the hitch receiver up higher, thus giving the truck a better rear approach angle.

Well done Ford. I'm surprised they don't make of note of this on shop.ford.com?

"The Trailer Tow Package increases the Ranger towing rating and includes hitch receiver and 4/7-pin connector."

Good detailed info John! I noticed that I did not scrape my hitch when we were up in Sedona off roading. When we were on the exact same trails with my Tacoma (with the off road package) I couldn't even get over the first hump without severely scraping my hitch.

On a side note is there a larger transmission and radiator cooler on the Ranger tow package? I know with the Tacoma it does.

 

[VAMike]

On a side note is there a larger transmission and radiator cooler on the Ranger tow package? I know with the Tacoma it does.

No, the functional parts are just the receiver and fancier connector. Wiring is the same in all models, as are transmission and radiator. The 10 speed is always connected to the coolant.

 

[HenryMac]

Here's a pdf, showing what it takes to install a Ford factory hitch and related components......courtesy of member earsmccoy on this thread ----> Trucks w/o Tow Package?

 

[Deleted member 1634]

Very cool info! Thanks!

 

[RoadBoss]

very cool. just FYI, "rear approach" is typically called "departure angle"

 

[Deleted member 1634]

very cool. just FYI, "rear approach" is typically called "departure angle"

Not if you're going backwards. haha

 

[HenryMac]

very cool. just FYI, "rear approach" is typically called "departure angle"

Thanks.. Keeping it simple, back on the farm we would have called the low mounted hitch "The Ruptured Duck" look.

 

[rang19ca]

I installed the factory tow package on my Ranger. It is really a complete different bumper assembly that reuses the visible painted or chrome pieces and the top plastic skin. It also comes with an additional bolt on each side. It fits up against the frame very well.

 

[Hounddog409]

Something I just noticed today and thought I would share. The rear bumper center section is different when your truck has the factory tow package.

It's modified to move the hitch receiver up higher, thus giving the truck a better rear approach angle.

Well done Ford. I'm surprised they don't make of note of this on shop.ford.com?

"The Trailer Tow Package increases the Ranger towing rating and includes hitch receiver and 4/7-pin connector."

/QUOTE]


I also have a little button for towing on my console......

 

[HenryMac]

I also have a little button for towing on my console......

All Rangers have that....

Without the tow package the bumper itself can be used once a ball is installed. And the bumper has a significant structural support when the tow package isn't provided.

Is it as good as a hitch? Nope.

Is it better than a sheet metal bumper? Yes, a lot better.

Here's some photo's I took of an XLT..

 

[scubalizard]

think also the change is to be able to see the full hitch in your backup camera. while you may be able to see the hitch in an aftermarket setup you would really know where your truck ends in the camera.

 

[rang19ca]

I took 2 pictures of my tow package bumper before I installed it:

 

[RangerFropa]

I took 2 pictures of my tow package bumper before I installed it:

What did you do with the non-towing package bumper/hitch?

 

[BRanger]

In all of Ford's marketing material, they state that the Ranger can tow 7,500 lbs *when equipped with the towing package*.

My question is, if the truck doesn't come with the towing package and you add an aftermarket hitch, what is the tow rating? If there isn't an upgraded radiator and axle ratio like on the Expedition and other models, is it just up to the rating of the hitch that you install?

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