Flat Tow 6G Ranger? Update 6/23 ***NOT FLAT TOWABLE***

[Deleted member 6753]

No that’s not the issue I reference. There has been a long standing complaint about issues with flat towing due to EBB. However if the issue is with the TCCM that would make minimal sense because it’s the same unit offered in the Bronco and has been in customers hands for way too long at this point to not be addressed for the Ranger launch.

The TSB for flat tow issues on the Bronco involve removing a fuse for the EBB but it remains only a TSB. I believe a software fix is due soon to address that which, should, open back up flat-tow on the Ranger.

I’m hoping it is just a software issue and since these rangers have the ability to receive over the air software updates cross your fingers

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[Deleted member 6764]

The new Rangers and raptors have full time 4 wheel drive I beleive it has to do with the inability to disconnect possibly a software issue.

Only the Raptor has full time AWD, the everything else is 4x2 or 4x4. So it wouldn't be an issue only with AWD if it is with all Rangers.

 

[ThickGatorade]

Only the Raptor has full time AWD, the everything else is 4x2 or 4x4. So it wouldn't be an issue only with AWD if it is with all Rangers.

Bronco has both variants of the 4x4 system and offer flat tow, again I have doubts it has to do with the 4x4 system as it’s been a well fleshed out design.

 

[Deleted member 6753]

Only the Raptor has full time AWD, the everything else is 4x2 or 4x4. So it wouldn't be an issue only with AWD if it is with all Rangers.

well it’s all rangers so I guess we will find out who dropped the ball and how. as per the write up I got from my dealer the rangers can not be towed

 

[Deleted member 6764]

well it’s all rangers so I guess we will find out who dropped the ball and how. as per the write up I got from my dealer the rangers can not be towed

Doubtful on "who" and likely no ball dropped. It is most likely intentional for some reason that is valid.

 

[ThickGatorade]

I stand firm that this has to do with EBB

 

[TimmyB]

I stand firm that this has to do with EBB

A person on one of the Ranger Facebook forums mentioned that the '24 Bronco was also affected by this and would not (initially) be flat-towable. Looking at his other posts, you could tell he was not one of those guys who just pulled things out of thin air; almost sounded like he worked for Ford or a supplier. (You sound similar, btw!) This surprised me since the '23 Bronco is flat-towable and the '24 is not a new model. If this is true, I'm guessing they must have changed suppliers for one of these crucial components and the software isn't working for that as it previously did. Have you also heard this?

 

[ThickGatorade]

A person on one of the Ranger Facebook forums mentioned that the '24 Bronco was also affected by this and would not (initially) be flat-towable. Looking at his other posts, you could tell he was not one of those guys who just pulled things out of thin air; almost sounded like he worked for Ford or a supplier. (You sound similar, btw!) This surprised me since the '23 Bronco is flat-towable and the '24 is not a new model. If this is true, I'm guessing they must have changed suppliers for one of these crucial components and the software isn't working for that as it previously did. Have you also heard this?

I have not heard that they are pulling the option from Bronco. The Bosch module is used in many models that remain flat towable as well. However I don’t know how aligned the modules truly are and if there are differences model to model. It’s just a theory still as I don’t really know the root cause of the Ranger missing it. I double checked the Bronco history of issues and it seems there was a software update that addressed the ABS module to make it go to sleep from the start. This has got me further wondering then why specifically the Ranger lacks this as for all intents and purposes it’s essentially a Bronco as far as powertrain goes. If the 2024 Bronco does lose this feature perhaps it’s a component shortage and they physically lack something in the system.

 

[goalieThreeOne]

I have not heard that they are pulling the option from Bronco. The Bosch module is used in many models that remain flat towable as well. However I don’t know how aligned the modules truly are and if there are differences model to model. It’s just a theory still as I don’t really know the root cause of the Ranger missing it. I double checked the Bronco history of issues and it seems there was a software update that addressed the ABS module to make it go to sleep from the start. This has got me further wondering then why specifically the Ranger lacks this as for all intents and purposes it’s essentially a Bronco as far as powertrain goes. If the 2024 Bronco does lose this feature perhaps it’s a component shortage and they physically lack something in the system.

It could also be the result of parts consolidation. Ford has been clear that their intent moving forward is to reduce COM across all models by consolidating components. I think they quoted 700 fewer parts in the upcoming 24 F150. With that in mind, a low volume vehicle like the Ranger doesn’t justify having multiple SKU’s on hand where it can be helped. Just a theory.

 

[ThickGatorade]

I’m genuinely not sure, however it would make the most sense if both vehicles produced at MAP lost it since they share enough components in general. It could have to do with the transfer case as those should be shared I believe. Time will soon tell on what or why hopefully.

Globally the Ranger has lacked it for a specific reason hence my comments before on them having enough lead time to figure it out for this launch if it was to actually be an option. I don’t see it as an option on the Everest either according to the owners manual.

 

[TimmyB]

I have not heard that they are pulling the option from Bronco. The Bosch module is used in many models that remain flat towable as well. However I don’t know how aligned the modules truly are and if there are differences model to model. It’s just a theory still as I don’t really know the root cause of the Ranger missing it. I double checked the Bronco history of issues and it seems there was a software update that addressed the ABS module to make it go to sleep from the start. This has got me further wondering then why specifically the Ranger lacks this as for all intents and purposes it’s essentially a Bronco as far as powertrain goes. If the 2024 Bronco does lose this feature perhaps it’s a component shortage and they physically lack something in the system.

The guy that I've gotten to know through the RV forums (and the FB towing group) who worked on this directly (before retiring a few months ago) told me in a private message: " I was told it has nothing to do with the transmission but supplier interaction with ABS that is preventing recreational tow." He also tows a 5G Ranger and was absolutely shocked that it wasn't happening for the 6G because they were in the very final stages of testing at the time of his retirement, to the point where he thought it was going to be a done-deal. Either way, it's a deal-breaker for me as we are FT and absolutely must tow. The good news is, my 5G Tremor still tows just fine.

 

[Deleted member 6753]

I am also annoyed by this info, BUT, the 2024 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide is not out yet (https://www.ford.com/towing/#rv, only has up to 2023). When the release the 2024 guide, you'll have your definitive answer.

Scroll down that’s a copy of the ford manual for the 2024 Ranger Raptor it came directly from Ford.

 

[Deleted member 6753]

I currently flat tow a 5G Ranger behind my motorhome and wanted to know if anyone has news on if the 6G Ranger is flat towable.

The Bronco is, and this should be similar, but assumptions are not what I base future purchases on.



p.s., yes, I did search before posting this thread...

When I questioned my dealer (we flat tow behind our MH also) he sent me this from the not released 2024 manual. As per my dealer the Ranger and RR can not be flat towed.

 

[songkajai]

This has been confirmed and suppose to be addressed with the 2025 model year. The 2024 will not be capable of 4-wheel tow.
Ford understands and will make this function available so future models are supposed to be capable, and the issues corrected.
It is not expected to be corrected on the 2024 model year as it is now a deleted function so unlikely the program will be available at all.

 

[Deleted member 6753]

I’m hoping it is just a software issue and since these rangers have the ability to receive over the air software updates cross your fingers

The 2024 4x4 Ra

I’m hoping it is just a software issue and since these rangers have the ability to receive over the air software updates cross your fingers

the Ranger 4x4 iis all wheel drive and can not be flat towed, if it needs to tows for a break down it must be hauled up on a flat bed. This was discussed last year and is why I canceled my order. I did a lot of research before I canceled and I found nothing from Ford where this would be corrected next year lots of options but nothing from Ford. Buy a Jeep.

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