Towed Ranger

[oldwirelessranger]

Does anyone tow their Ranger behind their larger RV?

I had a RVIBrake3 installed to provide braking for my Ranger (as required by several states). This system requires 12VDC source. My 2021 Ranger has one very conveniently located.
However it is only active for 60-120 minutes. Even if i leave Ranger in Accessory mode (4×4 Lariat w/push start), that mode gets shut down in 60-120 minutes.

It seems logical (at least to me), that if I am placing the Ranger in NEUTRAL TOWED MODE, that the drivers side 12VDC could be left active for 6-8hrs of driving. Mine could be indefinite since i have a battery charge wire run from RV to Ranger, but I understand Ford wanting to protect the battery from completely discharging.
In fact, if i had an option of shutting down Accessory Mode (as manual states) but just keep that 12VDC active, i don't see how the RVIBrake3 (or any model) would draw enough power to drain the Ranger battery over even 12hrs of driving. Most RVers towing a vehicle stop at least once every 3-5 hrs to use rest room (depending on their age ?).
But my Ranger wants me to stop every 90min to cycle the ACC Mode and thats s just silly. It shows Ford has not thought this through.
Yes, I can run another 12VDC from my RV to inside the cab & plug the RVIBrake3 into it......but this is 2021. Ford has a very powerful CPU in that console. Give ME the option to set a time limit on that 12VDC port!

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[RoadtripsOfUnusualSize]

There's lots of discussion of this here and there. Be sure to check out this thread: Towing 4 Down Thread

Once I got everything wired and set up, I'm very pleased towing my Ranger.

 

[TremorOwner]

Why do you expect Ford to consider the ultra-minute tow-behind group in their truck design? That's literally like... 1,000 people total on earth, haha. The ideal is to get a manual transmission vehicle. If you want an off-roader, then it'd have to be a Jeep. I know that makes me throw up, too.

 

[Big Blue]

Use Forscan to go into the BdyCM module and disable the "Power Point Feature" or adjust the " Power Point Timeout". Disabling the power point feature will keep the 12v outlets on indefinitely once the ignition is cycled, or until the BMS system says the battery is too low. Works on the dash Power Points and the bed Power Point if you have it. Worked great for my refrigerator in the bed on a recent trip. Kept it running overnight.

 

[oldwirelessranger]

There's lots of discussion of this here and there. Be sure to check out this thread: Towing 4 Down Thread

Once I got everything wired and set up, I'm very pleased towing my Ranger.

Thank you. I'll follow up in that thread this weekend.

 

[oldwirelessranger]

Use Forscan to go into the BdyCM module and disable the "Power Point Feature" or adjust the " Power Point Timeout". Disabling the power point feature will keep the 12v outlets on indefinitely once the ignition is cycled, or until the BMS system says the battery is too low. Works on the dash Power Points and the bed Power Point if you have it. Worked great for my refrigerator in the bed on a recent trip. Kept it running overnight.

There we go. You saved me a trip to the dealership. Thank you.

 

[TimmyB]

Use Forscan to go into the BdyCM module and disable the "Power Point Feature" or adjust the " Power Point Timeout". Disabling the power point feature will keep the 12v outlets on indefinitely once the ignition is cycled, or until the BMS system says the battery is too low. Works on the dash Power Points and the bed Power Point if you have it. Worked great for my refrigerator in the bed on a recent trip. Kept it running overnight.

Thank you. I have seen that "power point" setting in Forscan and had zero idea what they were talking about!!!

 

[oldwirelessranger]

Use Forscan to go into the BdyCM module and disable the "Power Point Feature" or adjust the " Power Point Timeout". Disabling the power point feature will keep the 12v outlets on indefinitely once the ignition is cycled, or until the BMS system says the battery is too low. Works on the dash Power Points and the bed Power Point if you have it. Worked great for my refrigerator in the bed on a recent trip. Kept it running overnight.

Thank you for the suggestion, TimmyB.
It took a little work & aggravation to get Forscan working & to understand which software to use, but YouTube was my friend .
I now have original files saved on all my modules and have changed the Powerpoint Timeout to 10800 seconds (3hrs). I will see how that works on next trip with RV.

 

[JesseS]

I am setting up my Ranger for flat towing now. I have installed the tow base connectors and am working on the wiring. I avoided this issue by using a 'break out' 7 pin plug on the ranger, and using pin #4 to power an RVI towed vehicle battery charger. I am glad there is so much room behind the tail light assembly's for the 2>3 wire converter and the diodes. I was able to follow the OEM wire harness all of the way back with only having to drop the plastic fuel tank gard, and the ready made cable access to the lights were great. Now I am debating on soldering the diodes or using the push on connectors.

 

[RoadtripsOfUnusualSize]

I am setting up my Ranger for flat towing now. I have installed the tow base connectors and am working on the wiring. I avoided this issue by using a 'break out' 7 pin plug on the ranger, and using pin #4 to power an RVI towed vehicle battery charger. I am glad there is so much room behind the tail light assembly's for the 2>3 wire converter and the diodes. I was able to follow the OEM wire harness all of the way back with only having to drop the plastic fuel tank gard, and the ready made cable access to the lights were great. Now I am debating on soldering the diodes or using the push on connectors.

It sounds like you're doing it right, Jesse. Keep us posted on your progress.

See you on the highways!

 

[JesseS]

It sounds like you're doing it right, Jesse. Keep us posted on your progress.

See you on the highways!

Thanks John, I was an F&E (fuel & Electronics)Tech in Army Aviation so this stuff is pretty simple, but yes, anything worth doing is worth doing right.

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