Frustration - Trailer/Tow Package Deal

[Freedom Beast]

Sometimes I get long winded, so hopefully I can explain the situation quickly. When I purchased my Ranger, it did NOT have the trailer/tow package. I was about to walk away and of course the salesman asked what he could do. I said throw in the trailer/tow package. He went to manager and they agreed they could/would do that. Almost a year later, I'm still waiting. Here a couple of choices given to me (please be advised there are details within each of these not explained):
1) after a few harsh emails from me, Ford agreed to give me 4k in credit toward a new vehicle with the package already on it. However, I would still have to pay TTL yet again on the new. That defeated the purpose. Also, at that time, Ford decided to raise the price on Rangers (about 3k more then what I spent). They would also have to appraise my current vehicle and calculate the loss due to it being "used" now".
2) I could wait until Ford came out with the wiring harness to make mine work. Oh ya, I was told Ford didn't make aftermarket wire harnesses for my situation yet. It was a 2024 and still fairly new. Seemed reasonable.

Now, I sent nasty emails weekly about all this. I kept getting the run around and basically stating that Ford does not make a wiring harness for a vehicle that didn't come from the line with it.

Quick bonus, I complained so much to the dealer that I told them for my inconvenience, they should pay/install for the integrated box side steps for free. Guess what, they did. Woohoo....I guess. Still can't tow.

Look at me, long winded and just venting. Anyway, still no sign of getting the trailer/tow package. I'm totally open to suggestions and thoughts.

PS: They did install the actual hitch, just NO wiring. So I can use it, just not legally.

thx

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[CACTUSGREYFX4]

There isn't much to the tow package other than the 4/7 pin harness and the tow hitch. Should be a easy fit for them. I would think the wiring close to the rear of vehicle should be there.

When I ordered it on my Lariat it was only $500. I didn't get the advanced one with all the bells and whistles.

 

[Satex]

If I understand correctly, the "package" is the receiver hitch and the 7/4 pin connector and nothing else.

I have the tow package so I have those. I also have the backup assist, tow/haul software, and perhaps other things that I can't think of.

Do you have a 4 pin connector? If so, you can get a 7 pin "converter" that operates everything except the power to charge a trailer battery.

Go to a trailer company. Get them to get your wiring harness (ideal) or adapter (workable but not ideal.) Present the bill to your dealer.

If they don't pay, tell them you're going to sue in small claims court. Follow up in writing, and then follow through. Google that process for your state and county. It's ALWAYS easy. You'll have to pay a filing fee and service fee. The dealer will probably pay you after they get served. Tell them you'll accept the amount of the bill plus your court fees. Then live your life.

 

[Greys]

I don't understand this at all. Your dealer could easily sublet this to any hitch installation company, they could install a custom wire-in 7pin connector and any number of aftermarket trailer brake controllers in a couple of hours and it would only cost them in the 3-digits of dollars at wholesale. The only things that could prevent this from happening is either you insisting on OEM only parts, or the dealership employees are mouth breathers with absolutely no concept of thinking outside the box which also wouldn't surprise me. I've worked in dealer fixed operations most of my life, and the solution here is absolutely not difficult.

 

[Satex]

I forgot about the brake controller. The factory tow package really is excellent and nicely integrated.

To the OP, you chose to accept the vehicle and have the "tow package" installed later. You also chose to accept the dealer's offer.

I suspect that the "factory tow package" really isn't an option. If you want advice, be specific about what you need and expect. A hitch and wiring connector is easy. A brake controller is easy, but maybe not if you "need" the factory setup.

Are you relying on a verbal commitment from the dealer, or do you have their offer in writing?

Your responses will determine if the best advice is technical, legal, business strategy, etc.

 

[superj]

My truck came with the tow package but i dont think i have a brake controller. I think i have the basic tow package which is just wiring and a hitch?


Why not just go to uhaul and have them wire up the plug and a brake controller, if you wish to have the brake controller? They even wireless brake controllers now, whatever that means.

 

[superj]

You have the trans setting for tow when you hit the button on the center console a few times?

 

[Satex]

My truck came with the tow package but i dont think i have a brake controller. I think i have the basic tow package which is just wiring and a hitch?


Why not just go to uhaul and have them wire up the plug and a brake controller, if you wish to have the brake controller? They even wireless brake controllers now, whatever that means.

The brake controller, backup assist, and 360 degree camera are part of the "Advanced tow package." The basic tow package includes just the 7/4 pin connector and receiver hitch.

I think all trucks have the tow/haul mode and software. Afterall, that's not just for towing but also for hauling heavy loads in the bed.

 

[Jason B]

Adding an aftermarket 7 pin can be done, but it will require cutting and splicing wiring, something Ford won't do.
You can get a Class 4 Draw Tite hitch on Amazon for $150.
As for brake controller, there are a few aftermarket options that will work. None of those will work with Auto Emergency Braking.
Eventually, Ford will come up with an 'approved' kit for adding a TBC, just as they did for 5G Ranger, but it might take a year or two.

 

[LLCCPA]

The brake controller, backup assist, and 360 degree camera are part of the "Advanced tow package." The basic tow package includes just the 7/4 pin connector and receiver hitch.

I think all trucks have the tow/haul mode and software. Afterall, that's not just for towing but also for hauling heavy loads in the bed.

The 360 degree camera is not part of the Advanced Tow Package. That is a separate package.

 

[ShadowDragon24]

The brake controller, backup assist, and 360 degree camera are part of the "Advanced tow package." The basic tow package includes just the 7/4 pin connector and receiver hitch.

I think all trucks have the tow/haul mode and software. Afterall, that's not just for towing but also for hauling heavy loads in the bed.

theres 2 advance tow package. advance tow and advance tow with technology. you're talking about the advance tow with tech package. theres a sepperate advance tow that give you the brake controller, back up assist, but without the 360 cameras

 

[Freedom Beast]

So, work with me here, I'll try to explain this in the scrambling of my mind to text. Could I install the Ford OEM one of these in the bumper itself where it goes (I currently just have a hole there where Ford conveniently left it that way):

Then install one of these in the back and connect the 4 pin connector (which Ford did provide. It's just hanging there)

Then be able to use the front flip-up 4 pin connector of the bumper installed connector?

Yes, I know this won't allow the use of the actual purpose of the 7 pins. I'm just looking to be able to use my utility trailer at the moment.

 

[Jason B]

I don't think the back of the 7 -pin plug (1st pic) is the same as that adapter (2nd pic)

 

[Badazzelanore]

Sometimes I get long winded, so hopefully I can explain the situation quickly. When I purchased my Ranger, it did NOT have the trailer/tow package. I was about to walk away and of course the salesman asked what he could do. I said throw in the trailer/tow package. He went to manager and they agreed they could/would do that. Almost a year later, I'm still waiting. Here a couple of choices given to me (please be advised there are details within each of these not explained):
1) after a few harsh emails from me, Ford agreed to give me 4k in credit toward a new vehicle with the package already on it. However, I would still have to pay TTL yet again on the new. That defeated the purpose. Also, at that time, Ford decided to raise the price on Rangers (about 3k more then what I spent). They would also have to appraise my current vehicle and calculate the loss due to it being "used" now".
2) I could wait until Ford came out with the wiring harness to make mine work. Oh ya, I was told Ford didn't make aftermarket wire harnesses for my situation yet. It was a 2024 and still fairly new. Seemed reasonable.

Now, I sent nasty emails weekly about all this. I kept getting the run around and basically stating that Ford does not make a wiring harness for a vehicle that didn't come from the line with it.

Quick bonus, I complained so much to the dealer that I told them for my inconvenience, they should pay/install for the integrated box side steps for free. Guess what, they did. Woohoo....I guess. Still can't tow.

Look at me, long winded and just venting. Anyway, still no sign of getting the trailer/tow package. I'm totally open to suggestions and thoughts.

PS: They did install the actual hitch, just NO wiring. So I can use it, just not legally.

thx

My 24 didnt come with a hitch but it has a 4 pin right under the bumper and to the left of the hole where you can bumper pull, with a little cover over it. I am going to be getting a hitch soon, I have a 2 wheel drive XL STX. I wasnt sure if i needed wiring or not, so i just crawled under and looked. I also know that they usually make 4/7 pic connectors aftermarket that can either be plug and play with the brake lights or tapped in.

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