XLT No tow package, what do I need?

[Tgordye]

Hi All. I tried searching and scouring the posts to find an answer but came up with nothing that was straight forward so I am hoping someone can help me out.

I have a 2019 XLT supercrew with 302A package but no tow package. It looks like on my bumper there is a empty hole with a flip-up cap ready for where the connector would reside.

I want to add the ability to tow a simple utility trailer with lights. No need for trailer brakes at the moment or for a few years (does this mean 4-pin?).

So, I need a class 3 hitch (sounds like the CURT 13417 is a straight forward bolt on) and some wiring - this is the area I'm confused in. Curt's website for example has all sorts of wiring options, most of which look like they add-on the plug connector. I am hoping/thinking that all I need is the wiring that connects that plug, to the something under my dash or hood to allow the trailer lights to work and the computer to know there is a trailer connected. Or, is that already in place? I read elsewhere that most Rangers already have a 4-pin connection under the drivers side dash to connect to?

I'd like to do this myself, if the wiring is plug and play, or acceptable project for a handy guy that is used to working on vehicles though without any sophisticated wiring knowledge. I have wired up fog lights, dash cams, and speakers.

Thanks!

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[Ranger Chaser]

My truck did not come with towing package. There is a 4 pin connector under the bumper already.

 

[jsphlynch]

So, I need a class 3 hitch (sounds like the CURT 13417 is a straight forward bolt on)

Draw-tite also makes a compatible aftermarket hitch, and is rated to tow more than the Curt. Obviously for a utility trailer, you won't need the added capacity, but I went with the Drawtite because I didn't want to forget in the future that I had installed a hitch with a lower tow capacity than the pickup itself. Both options are very simple to install and pretty inexpensive.

I am hoping/thinking that all I need is the wiring that connects that plug, to the something under my dash or hood to allow the trailer lights to work and the computer to know there is a trailer connected. Or, is that already in place? I read elsewhere that most Rangers already have a 4-pin connection under the drivers side dash to connect to?

As Ranger Chaser said, you should have a 4-pin flat connector on the bumper already. Check your utility trailer to see if this is the right connection for you. If not, you should be able to get plug-and-play wiring to switch out the connector. You don't need to run anything under the dash; the wires that are (maybe?) located there are for installation of a trailer brake controller.

 

[Tgordye]

Oh, thank you both! I'll have to look closer under the truck to see if I can identify the correct wires if they are there.

 

[gov cheese]

all the info you need for OEM wiring just add curt or draw-tite after market hitch

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/trailer-wiring-and-connector.2903/

 

[Racket]

I copped out and had a shop install a Curt hitch along with the 7 pin connector. Cost me a little over $400 total. Looks 'close' to factory, uses the cut-out in the rear bumper for the connectors.


The dealer referred me.

 

[Tgordye]

all the info you need for OEM wiring just add curt or draw-tite after market hitch

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/trailer-wiring-and-connector.2903/

Thanks for the link!

 

[Tgordye]

I copped out and had a shop install a Curt hitch along with the 7 pin connector. Cost me a little over $400 total.

The dealer referred me.

Thanks and Yeah, the dealer referred me to the aftermarket shop they use as well....also $400.

 

[Tgordye]

I copped out and had a shop install a Curt hitch along with the 7 pin connector. Cost me a little over $400 total.

The dealer referred me.

Thanks and Yeah, the dealer referred me to the aftermarket shop they use as well....also $400.

 

[Sparky]

Same here -- I sourced everything from e-trailer. If you want to do a hitch on the cheap and don't mind using the bumper -- Simply remove the ball plug from the bumper and install the size ball you need. Whatever way you go -- It's all just plug-n-play.

 

[Dahveed]

It takes less than 30 minutes to install a hitch on the Ranger. I installed the Draw-Tite hitch myself. All you need is a couple of c-clamps, a breaker bar (or impact wrench), and a torque wrench. The Ranger comes with a flat-4 under the bumper regardless of whether a tow package is factory equipped. The Ranger's bumper is way too high for most small trailers that would be under the weight limit of the bumper.

 

[gov cheese]

Thanks for the link!

OEM wiring is plug and play. the hardest part is cutting the plastic to the left of the license plate and getting the the 4 pin or 7 pin connector clips to catch.

 

[Racket]

Same here -- I sourced everything from e-trailer. If you want to do a hitch on the cheap and don't mind using the bumper -- Simply remove the ball plug from the bumper and install the size ball you need. Whatever way you go -- It's all just plug-n-play.

My problem with just installing the ball on the bumper is that it is rated for much less than the frame installed hitch.

 

[HenryMac]

My problem with just installing the ball on the bumper is that it is rated for much less than the frame installed hitch.

That and...

The Ranger's bumper is way too high for most small trailers that would be under the weight limit of the bumper.

 

[Racket]

Thanks and Yeah, the dealer referred me to the aftermarket shop they use as well....also $400.

Costs about as much as getting it from the factory, although the factory install looks better integrated under the back of rear bumper and I think is good for a teeny bit more weight. I never intend to max out mine, so it's fine for me.

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