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

[mtsoxfan]

IIRC, my 2019 can only tow 7500# if there are trailer brakes. Just something to consider.
Did anything change in newer models?

BTW, 2019 Lariat with factory tow package

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[reidmefirst]

Wiring wise, i picked up the OEM harness for the tow package, it just goes in place of the original. Its very much the easiest part of this whole thing. It all clips together with zero guesswork.

In all honesty, unless you want the appearance of the oem one or the extra clearance it offers, just stick with what you've got and get the Ford harness.

That's good advice, thank you.

Do you happen to know the part number of the OEM harness? I was hunting around and found this: https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-wire-harness-kb3z15k868d , which looks like it may be it? Seems like it's a big harness with wires for all the backup parking sensors as well as the trailer plug, but not sure...Sure has a lot of plugs, although it would be nice if I don't have to run a cable from my battery all the way to the back of the truck...

If that's it, I'll just have to mull over doing what Jedadiah did and mounting the OEM outlet into the original bumper/etrailer harness, or doing the full OEM harness route. I do wonder if the ford 7pin+4pin connector fits in the non-tow-package bumper. There is an outline for a cutout for the connector...

 

[LB'sTremor]

Here is the harness if you have the rear sensors with tow package 2 and the factory 4/7 pin plug a sharp box cutter type knofe and file will cut out the plastic bumper cover ...

LB

KB3Z15K868D​	1	$ 78.54​	Parking Aid System Wiring Harness
FU5Z14489A​	1	$ 37.57​	Trailer Tow Harness Connector

 

[RangerPNW]

That's good advice, thank you.

Do you happen to know the part number of the OEM harness? I was hunting around and found this: https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-wire-harness-kb3z15k868d , which looks like it may be it? Seems like it's a big harness with wires for all the backup parking sensors as well as the trailer plug, but not sure...Sure has a lot of plugs, although it would be nice if I don't have to run a cable from my battery all the way to the back of the truck...

If that's it, I'll just have to mull over doing what Jedadiah did and mounting the OEM outlet into the original bumper/etrailer harness, or doing the full OEM harness route. I do wonder if the ford 7pin+4pin connector fits in the non-tow-package bumper. There is an outline for a cutout for the connector...

7 Pin harness for trucks with parking sensors: https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/kb3z-15k868-d.html

7 Pin harness without parking sensors: https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/kb3z-15k868-c.html

7 Pin connector: https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/fu5z-14489-a.html

Just make sure you grab the right harness. The 7 pin does fit in the standard bumper, but you'll need to at least take the bumper off and make some holes for it. The plastic should be fairly simple as the outline is already shown, but you'll need to cut some metal on the inside of the bumper in order to attach it.

 

[reidmefirst]

Super helpful friends, thank you! I ordered up the retrofit cable and bumper outlets today. And I did get under the bumper to take a look at the metal backing (I'm coming from some tiny cars so this is kind of a hilarious concept to me) -- it looks like there is already a cutout in the metal part of the bumper, for the 7pin+4pin socket to fit. It even has holes on either side (maybe screw holes?) for attaching it. So that'll be nice. Here's hoping I don't have to actually remove the bumper, but I'll be prepared if I do have to...

This forum has been a great little trove of info, between this and the forscan help and the tsb info (already ordered an engine cover on backorder ;-)). Thanks all for answering my questions on this old thread.

 

[RangerBill]

You won't have to remove the bumper, just cut out the plastic. The metal part of the bumper already has the cutout, and you don't have to do any metal cutting on the bumper.

 

[Husky85]

Yes,

The selected aftermarket hitch determines the tow rating

- Draw-Tite /Reese/U Haul rates their hitch @ 7500 lbs w/ 1125 lbs tongue weight
- Curt rates their hitch @ 6000 lbs w/ 900 lbs tongue weight..

It has been discussed before on the forum that cooling capacity, braking, etc is the same whether your Ranger comes with or without the tow package from the factory.

Damn, can I install a draw-tite underneath my Ford tow package hitch? The extra tongue weight capacity would come in handy - my travel trailer is a little nose heavy, weighs in at 620lbs tongue weight (about 14% of overall weight), so if we ever go longer distance and need to put more stuff in the front storage compartment, I have a feeling I'll be pretty close to the 750lbs limit.

 

[reidmefirst]

And, installed the stuff today.

Figured I'd put a note: I originally cut out the outline on the plastic bumper part. But the 7pin+4pin adapter wouldn't seat...the metal tabs don't click in and hold. Turns out I had to cut a hole in the bumper plastic that corresponds to an outline of the entire electric connector (oval shape). The connector needs to sit inside the plastic bumper part completely.

I didn't do a perfect job because all I had was a utility knife and I slipped a few times. Cutting the hole took a while! Replacing the harness was actually easier, just needed a set of skinny needle nose pliers to pull the old cable snap connectors out of the bumper and frame. The harness and the 7pin/4pin connector both helpfully came with some dielectric grease applied to the connectors already, which is a nice touch.

The new connector works great, although I only have 4 pin trailer lights to test with. I'll assume the 7 pin connector is all set to go. I'm surprised that the aftermarket etrailer harness doesn't just tie into the bumper connector, which would eliminate the need to run a separate hot line all the way up to the battery. Oh, well.

Brake controller next!

And yes, my hitch is a Reese and it is rated to 7500 (normal)/8000 (weight distribution) towed capacity, with 1125 (normal)/1200 (weight distribution) tongue capacity. Seems crazy to me.

 

[Big Blue]

And yes, my hitch is a Reese and it is rated to 7500 (normal)/8000 (weight distribution) towed capacity, with 1125 (normal)/1200 (weight distribution) tongue capacity. Seems crazy to me.

Just remember the hitch rating does not increase the ratings of the truck! Which are 7500 towing and 750 tongue weight.

 

[Jedadiah]

And, installed the stuff today.

Figured I'd put a note: I originally cut out the outline on the plastic bumper part. But the 7pin+4pin adapter wouldn't seat...the metal tabs don't click in and hold. Turns out I had to cut a hole in the bumper plastic that corresponds to an outline of the entire electric connector (oval shape). The connector needs to sit inside the plastic bumper part completely.

I didn't do a perfect job because all I had was a utility knife and I slipped a few times. Cutting the hole took a while! Replacing the harness was actually easier, just needed a set of skinny needle nose pliers to pull the old cable snap connectors out of the bumper and frame. The harness and the 7pin/4pin connector both helpfully came with some dielectric grease applied to the connectors already, which is a nice touch.

The new connector works great, although I only have 4 pin trailer lights to test with. I'll assume the 7 pin connector is all set to go. I'm surprised that the aftermarket etrailer harness doesn't just tie into the bumper connector, which would eliminate the need to run a separate hot line all the way up to the battery. Oh, well.

Brake controller next!

And yes, my hitch is a Reese and it is rated to 7500 (normal)/8000 (weight distribution) towed capacity, with 1125 (normal)/1200 (weight distribution) tongue capacity. Seems crazy to me.

I just bent the clips on the connector out a bit and it seated no problem against the plastic. Old photo but taken the day I installed the socket.

 

[RangerBill]

I just bent the clips on the connector out a bit and it seated no problem against the plastic. Old photo but taken the day I installed the socket.

That is what I did also to mount the connector.

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