American Adventure Lab relocate plug installed

[AdventureLab]

Same thought about the factory RR hitch location as hanging aftermarket LED lights below an off-road truck bumper. This aftermarket relocator kit is a great idea, as are IMO trailing arm sensor guards. I remember two old Ford slogans, Ford Has a Better Idea and Quality is Job 1, but sometimes American ingenuity and private enterprise is just better. Congrats on a great product.

Thanks. We didn't have any choice but to develop this product. My hitch plug didn't last past the first rock trail.

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[Onceaneagle]

For what its worth: I was speaking to my dealership a couple days ago about delivery status of my 2025 RR and I asked the question about the plug location. They said that on all model trucks where the plug is next to the license plate, owners without tonneau covers who typically park their trucks on an incline (rear higher than front) in rain storms, will have a deluge of water onto the plug when they level the truck out. After consistently happening, this will lead to water intrusion and shorting out the plug. This may or may not be the Corporate reasoning, just thought I would pass it along. I plan to relocate the plug and have a tonneau cover.

Thanks. Weird that Ford puts the plug near the license plate on F150 and Rangers, less the RR. The F150 Raptor has the plug next to the license plate. Repeatedly dunking the undermount plug in holes and ruts filled with sticks, sand, water, dirt, rocks, salt, and mud can't be a good idea. Anything electrically powered hanging below the rear bumper has a good chance of being broken or shorted out when off roading.

 

[AdventureLab]

Thanks. Weird that Ford puts the plug near the license plate on F150 and Rangers, less the RR. The F150 Raptor has the plug next to the license plate. Repeatedly dunking the undermount plug in holes and ruts filled with sticks, sand, water, dirt, rocks, salt, and mud can't be a good idea. Anything electrically powered hanging below the rear bumper has a good chance of being broken or shorted out when off roading.

My theory is a little different than most. I think it's due to the Watts Link on the rear axle. I think their tolerance for the tire being close to the plug and Watts Link is much less than reality. The relatively short length of the bed (compared to F150, etc.) paired with the extra distance needed due to the Watts Link, I think was just too close for comfort for them. In reality, it isn't an issue, but I'm sure there was a lawyer or accountant somewhere that overruled the engineers.

 

[Onceaneagle]

You could be right, given the Watt's Link. Wonder what Watt would think about his invention being used on the RR? Bet he would buy one.

 

[AdventureLab]

You could be right, given the Watt's Link. Wonder what Watt would think about his invention being used on the RR? Bet he would buy one.

No doubt! Everyone that gets a ride in one of these things wants one. I'm sure his design has a good impact on the handling.

 

[cc1999]

Can this kit go vertical like the OEM non-Raptor comes?

 

[AdventureLab]

Can this kit go vertical like the OEM non-Raptor comes?

You definitely could rotate it to install vertical, but the intent with this orientation is that the top two bolts line up with a steel bracket behind the plastic so that the provided bezel is firmly attached to the bumper, not just pushed into the plastic. Rotating it would probably put you cutting that steel bracket out before install.

 

[Onceaneagle]

Can this kit go vertical like the OEM non-Raptor comes?

King Ford in NC still has that 2024 RR in Hot Pepper Red. Dealership took the price off their website and it now says to call them. Hasn't sold with 1100 miles and under warranty. The CARFAX reports corporate use in Michigan before being sold via auction to KF. The VIN still shows under airbag recall. Interesting. Maybe they don't want to fix it until they have a serious buyer.

 

[cc1999]

King Ford in NC still has that 2024 RR in Hot Pepper Red. Dealership took the price off their website and it now says to call them. Hasn't sold with 1100 miles and under warranty. The CARFAX reports corporate use in Michigan before being sold via auction to KF. The VIN still shows under airbag recall. Interesting. Maybe they don't want to fix it until they have a serious buyer.

Yea, they likely know they have lowest mile Red Raptor out there.
Are you happy with the Lariat or regretting not going after that Raptor?

 

[Onceaneagle]

Yea, they likely know they have lowest mile Red Raptor out there.
Are you happy with the Lariat or regretting not going after that Raptor?

No regrets. The Lariat is perfect with the V6. Wish it had 4A but that's it.

 

[ColeTrainsRR]

I wonder if we could just install an OEM standard ranger plug thru the bumper ( since it has to be cut anyway) or a factory replacement for a standard ranger like this:
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/CURT/C42JR.html
GiJoe

The Adventurelabs kit has a template for perfect positioning in the bumper.

 

[Dean Nelson]

For those who have installed one of these, how tight was the fit into the new plate? I am having trouble getting mine to pop in, and I'm ready to start grinding. I took some measurements:

~1.51" at the plug clips themselves, squeezed all the way down to the plug

~1.65" on the factory bracket at the clips (plug pops right in)

~1.41" om the new plate/bracket (plug will not pop in - figures)

TIA,

Dean

 

[Aemonn]

For those who have installed one of these, how tight was the fit into the new plate? I am having trouble getting mine to pop in, and I'm ready to start grinding. I took some measurements:

~1.51" at the plug clips themselves, squeezed all the way down to the plug

~1.65" on the factory bracket at the clips (plug pops right in)

~1.41" om the new plate/bracket (plug will not pop in - figures)

TIA,

Dean

I wouldn't grind. It was tough. I had to use both hands pressing extremely hard and it took a long while. I can't recall if I ended up using a piece of wood to help, but I would try something like that before grinding away at anything.

I may have popped it in before installing on the truck so I could press down with some body weight behind it.

 

[Dean Nelson]

I may have popped it in before installing on the truck so I could press down with some body weight behind it.

I tried that, but the clip humps it just wouldn't get in. I do have a 20T A-Frame press... ;-D

 

[Aemonn]

I tried that, but the clip humps it just wouldn't get in. I do have a 20T A-Frame press... ;-D

I remember struggling with it. I don't remember what I did to eventually get it in, but it I do remember it wasn't anything beyond more pressure. Good luck!

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