Adding a Tow Package (Bit by Bit)

[SIR_THNDRpntz]

I recently picked up a 2025 XLT without a tow package. I was originally going to go for the default $650 option that seems to be what they push in their online "Accessories" store. However, I stopped by the parts desk when I picked up my registration, and asked the parts guy if this was the right part; He quickly found that there were 4 or 5 different part numbers for different trim and feature levels (with/without back-up sensors, etc...).

So after 1/2 a weekend of searching around ford/parts I found this:
https://www.ford.com/product/towing-bar-p4000173071
and it's cheaper when compared base part to base part; but not when compared to all of the additional parts required for 7500 lb towing.

Having gone down the rabbit-hole Saturday & Sunday Evening I think I've found all of the parts minus the cooling additions for the tow package 2, at least the hardware. I still need to solve the 7-Pin connector/wiring issue and identify what additional cooling will be needed to achieve that 7500 Lb rating.

Plastic bumper step cover N1WZ17B807X
Control module bracket N1WZ17795A
Trailer Brake Module ML3Z19H332T
Trailer Tow Harness Connector Lamp Socket MU5Z14489C
Instrument Panel Molding N1WZ26046A63LA
Trailer Brake Control Switch SW8839 (ML3Z14529AC)

The scary part:
Wiring Integrated Brake Control - Crew Cab RB3Z14A005NY

If I don't find any stub-ends (actually there and not used) for the 7 Pin, then my plan is to spec and run new wire along side what's already there; or pick up an after market controller/harness and 3D print a mounting plate to fit in the trim piece I have on order. Either way it will be as good as factory or darn-close and I won't have to drill into actual trim/dash pieces.

Any advice on the cooling or 7-pin will be much appreciated.

Note: the parts above are for an XLT with rear parking sensors

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[superj]

sounds like lots of work to get a brake controller in place. take pics, lots of people are interested in doing it too

 

[Jason B]

You'd be better off going aftermarket, such as a RedARC TBC, and a Drawtite hitch receiver. It took me about 40 minutes to install the receiver, but I haven't done a TBC, yet. Those two will cost less than $500. You won't get the advanced tow features, then again, you may not get it with the OEM setup.

 

[SIR_THNDRpntz]

Picked up my combo 7 and 4-pin - Trailer Tow Harness Connector Lamp Socket MU5Z14489C
and Instrument Panel Molding N1WZ26046A63LA this weekend and I learned the connector socket is powered/controlled by a single USCAR socket and obviously splits off/passes-through to the 4-pin.

So I hopped on amazon and ordered one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1ZF56Y2

It's very affordable compared to Fords OEM component for repair (splicing required - So not plug and play).

Trailer Tow Side Connector Wire
SKU: WPT1659 (3U2Z14S411JXC)

Not wanting to splice, crimp or solder (I can, I just want too, and avoid it if I can), I began looking for a connector that I can splice, crimp or solder on to the pigtail I ordered and avoid cutting into the factory wire harness... The idea being it can be unplugged and returned to Factory Condition.

 

[OxygenMask]

You'd be better off going aftermarket, such as a RedARC TBC, and a Drawtite hitch receiver. It took me about 40 minutes to install the receiver, but I haven't done a TBC, yet. Those two will cost less than $500. You won't get the advanced tow features, then again, you may not get it with the OEM setup.

What exactly are the "advanced tow" features? And why would I want them?
(I've been backing up trailers for almost 60 years and can't imagine what is needed besides mirrors and practice.)

 

[ShadowDragon24]

What exactly are the "advanced tow" features? And why would I want them?
(I've been backing up trailers for almost 60 years and can't imagine what is needed besides mirrors and practice.)

advance tow gets you the intragrated trailer brake controller. the advance tow with tech package gets you the TBC, and trailer back up assist

 

[superj]

i think the only thing extra my truck doesn't have that would be nice is the trailer brake controller. mirrors have worked for me since the 90s and zero issues.

trailer brake controller is nice pulling cars across the state or country though

 

[Sharpix]

Well. Seems like the hassle to integrate the OEM tbc is way too much. No only needs the parts, but it needs like 12 maybe more forscan parameters. There is very little Forscan info on the TBC. its not properly documented. Implementing it It will feel like driving in the dark... ive been there.

 

[Jason B]

Picked up my combo 7 and 4-pin - Trailer Tow Harness Connector Lamp Socket MU5Z14489C
and Instrument Panel Molding N1WZ26046A63LA this weekend and I learned the connector socket is powered/controlled by a single USCAR socket and obviously splits off/passes-through to the 4-pin.

So I hopped on amazon and ordered one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1ZF56Y2

It's very affordable compared to Fords OEM component for repair (splicing required - So not plug and play).

Trailer Tow Side Connector Wire
SKU: WPT1659 (3U2Z14S411JXC)

Not wanting to splice, crimp or solder (I can, I just want too, and avoid it if I can), I began looking for a connector that I can splice, crimp or solder on to the pigtail I ordered and avoid cutting into the factory wire harness... The idea being it can be unplugged and returned to Factory Condition.

The only way I know how to do it with no splicing is replace the entire bumper wire harness, which is too expensive, or find a donor that has it all.

 

[pezdyspensr]

You can buy an aftermarket harness from Curt. Another guy on here re-pinned the plug to accommodate the extra wires that are expected to be run to the front. The existing 4 pin harness plugs into the main harness behind the rear left wheel somewhere. You can plug into that and be good to go, as long as you have blue/black/red pinned into that plug.

I feel like Ford has the other half of that rear harness listed reasonably somewhere.

 

[Jason B]

This is what I have under the bumper. O don't have any tow package, but it looks like all the wires are there. It's the gray connector. Right side is from main bumper harness, left side is to 4 pin connector.

 

[SIR_THNDRpntz]

This is what I have under the bumper. O don't have any tow package, but it looks like all the wires are there. It's the gray connector. Right side is from main bumper harness, left side is to 4 pin connector.

That's promising! Thanks for that tid-bit about the connector; I'll have to take a closer look next time I get under there!

 

[SIR_THNDRpntz]

The only way I know how to do it with no splicing is replace the entire bumper wire harness, which is too expensive, or find a donor that has it all.

Thanks! -Yeah, a bit spendy, but I do have to admit I like the Idea of no cuts/no splices.

Here is the Part for the 2025 - Parking Distance Aid Sensor Wire - Rear
Bumper Step. Collision Mitigation System #2. Advanced Automated Park System - Painted, Chromed, Steel, Black - With Additional 7 Pin Towing Socket. With Automated Parking System

 

[SLJ]

Basic tow package would have been so much easier. Redarc Liberty brake controller just plugs into the Brake controller connector under the dash. (not sure it's there without a basic tow package). Mount the brake controller control knob through the lower panel and you're towing using the 4 pin or 7 pin factory trailer connector.

 

[mrmike7189]

It did bother me that ford doesn't put tow packages as standard equipment on their trucks. I got an aftermarket hitch for my 2024 Ranger from Curt. It looks factory. I even put a FORD rubber hitch cover on it and no one knows the difference . I think the Rangers are getting some good aftermarket support now and there are more parts than there was just 2 years ago.

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