Tow package issues

[mikedrees]

You cut off the bottom of the page where it makes the distinction between towing with the bumper (3500 lb limit) and towing with a hitch (7500 pound limit).

My 2019 XL did not come with the tow package, but still came with both the tow/haul button and trailer sway control.

My 2020 xl also came with the tow haul button and trailer sway control. And it had exactly zero options. Literally the cheapest one available.

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[HenryMac]

Why you so literal ? I said “about” as small as they get.

Why so literal? Well, why not be accurate when communicating? Seems the prudent thing to do.

You really think a 5x10 is a big trailer?

I never said a 5 x 10 trailer was big. You wrote:

Ya 5x10 is pretty small. I think a 5x8 is about as small as a trailer gets.

So I posted a trailer half the size of what you thought was the smallest trailer.

It's weird. You write something, I point out you're in error, you come back at me about what I said.

You did the same thing with @VAMike about trailer brakes.

 

[MTB-BRUH]

Why so literal? Well, why not be accurate when communicating? Seems the prudent thing to do.



I never said a 5 x 10 trailer was big. You wrote:



So I posted a trailer half the size of what you thought was the smallest trailer.

It's weird. You write something, I point out you're in error, you come back at me about what I said.

You did the same thing with @VAMike about trailer brakes.

You are doing the same thing you say I’m doing. What the heck ?

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[SandBaja]

I’m out of my league. I’m going to hose something up. I’m meticulous in what I do and wish everyone had the same work ethic but this isn’t my bag. I’ve emailed literally 15-20 Ford dealerships in SC this evening. Tomorrow will tell if any reply.

I used a mobile mechanic to install the Ford TBC, on my driveway, at a very reasonable price. San Diego (near Qualcomm), not Temecula. I'll leave that here for you as an option. You can send me a DM and I can give you his phone # and name. Also no objection if you wanted to do it on my driveway... I can't help you with the tow pkg though.

 

[Az19]

I used a mobile mechanic to install the Ford TBC, on my driveway, at a very reasonable price. San Diego (near Qualcomm), not Temecula. I'll leave that here for you as an option. You can send me a DM and I can give you his phone # and name. Also no objection if you wanted to do it on my driveway... I can't help you with the tow pkg though.

I’m assuming you were happy with the results? May I ask at which location on the dash you had it installed?
I like the idea of having someone come do the work. I feel like they may not be under the same time constraints as someone at a shop.
And thanks for your kind offer! Very nice of you. First I’ll see if he can come out my way. I’ll DM you.

 

[SandBaja]

Yes, everything worked perfectly. I had him mount the switch between the shifter and mode selector.

 

[VAMike]

As most have mentioned. The rear bumper is totally different with factory tow package

As others have mentioned, it 's not "totally different", it's a couple of trim pieces.

 

[YaBoiNewton]

Does your truck have a trans/oil cooler? Although both the rangers (19 and 21) I have owned had the tow package, in previous experiences adding tow packages, the additional cooler was important to help keep your transmission from overheating when pulling a heavy load. I'd look to see if your truck is equipped and if not, look into adding one as part of the package. I did it on a suburban and it was great. Had an explorer that someone had added a class 3 hitch to and I didn't realize it had no trans cooler and ended up having to have the transmission rebuilt (disclaimer - it might not have completely been the fault of towing but that certainly didn't help any). Just my thought, and no, I'm not a mechanic by trade nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!

The Ranger tow package really is just the hitch and the 4/7 pin connector, no additional transmission cooling and they all get the tow/haul mode. You can pull 7500 lb with an aftermarket hitch.

This shop probably doesn't want to install a factory hitch because the OEM hitch IS the rear bumber, in addition to liability related to VIN numbers dictating towing capacity. It's not as simple as bolting on to the frame as with other trucks. Several pieces have to come apart to install Ford's hitch.

 

[JimJa]

OP. If you are concerned about installing a hitch yourself you might try a U-Haul Service Center. Hitches are a main sideline for them. We sometimes forget we are not the only one concerned abut a hitch install on a "non-hitch" equipped vehicle. At least they might have some good information for you about a Ranger install.

Another thing not mentioned is the rear leaf springs. Full disclosure I have no knowledge if they are different on our Rangers, but I found out quite by accident my old Ranger had a huge number of spring rates from the factory - 2dr/4dr/4WD/2WD, etc. A parts guy should be able to check for you (assuming a good relationship) as they had those rates for the old model Ranger. Given what you want to tow, if there is a difference in rear spring rates, you may want to consider upgrading.

I have a tow package on my '19. I normally drive in sport mode and noticed the trailer is "de-selected" when in that mode. The trailer mode only works in drive mode. The shift points are very similar between sport mode and drive mode when trailer haul is selected.

 

[Az19]

Does anyone have a part # for the bumper pad that you reuse when installing the oem tow package. Seems like it may be good to have another one on hand if problems arise during installation.

 

[Hoser183]

Do the 2020's not come with the tow/haul mode button near the bank of buttons by the shifter anyore? Regardless I think tow/haul mode just adjusts the shift points on the transmission so it stays in the torque ranges of the gears better. If you look under the rear bumper you should see a 4 pin harness already present. Once you plug the trailer in your truck will detect that and start to ask questions about the length and such.

My 2020 does not have the tow package, but has the tow/haul mode button.

 

[AdamHarris]

After reading Fords recommendations that you all have posted and added my own personal experience with travel trailers. I had a Ford 1t diesel and a 24 ft TT. I have also had cab over campers on 1t trucks. IMHO you should not consider a Ranger as a long range tow vehicle with a large frontal area Rv. A 1/2 T or better is minimum, for safety and peace of mind.

I'm sorry but as a blanket statement I just can't get on board with that. I know what you are saying, and a person needs to be careful when towing and choose their equipment carefully, however a Ranger does amazing at towing a SMALLER TT. I'm not going to state the max length a person can tow w a Ranger but my 18' (22.5 overall) length Colman does great behind my Ranger. Remember, these new Rangers have basically the same capacities, and weight, as a 10 year old (or so) F 150.

 

[THLONE]

I'm sorry but as a blanket statement I just can't get on board with that. I know what you are saying, and a person needs to be careful when towing and choose their equipment carefully, however a Ranger does amazing at towing a SMALLER TT. I'm not going to state the max length a person can tow w a Ranger but my 18' (22.5 overall) length Colman does great behind my Ranger. Remember, these new Rangers have basically the same capacities, and weight, as a 10 year old (or so) F 150.

My point is a blanket statement for everyone. People of all experience are obviously reading these posts. Sure with experience you can push the envelope I just dont recommend it for the everybody.

 

[TBR17]

Sorry if I missed it somewhere in this thread, but does anyone know the part number for this with the backup sensor in it and if it comes with the hole / cutout for the wiring 7 and 4 pin receptacle?

 

[Big Blue]

Sorry for one more off-topic post.

@AdamHarris and @THLONE I agree mostly with both of you. The Ranger has amazing towing capabilities. But, it scares me seeing what some of these, new to towing, people are buying and towing with them. When towing a TT, frontal area and length are probably more important than GVWR. There is a big difference between towing 7000 pounds of lumber on a flat bed from the local yard and towing 6000 pounds of near 30 foot long TT (read wind sail) across country.

I am very happy with how my Ranger tows my 4500 pound, GVW 17 foot, 21 foot OAL TT. We are just about to leave on an approx. 5000 mile round trip from Wisconsin to Southern California trip to visit my daughter in San Diego. Would I do this with a 7000 pound, 28 foot TT behind my Ranger, not on your life. Not enough truck to handle something that big in bad weather. It will pull it, but can it control it?

JMHO.

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