Adding trailering kit to tow a UHaul

[Krokodokolo]

None of the Bronco's I'm looking at buying have the trailering kit. It's just to tow a UHaul if I get this new job across the country. I may go to a dealer to get the factory trailering kit and wires, or I may go aftermarket.

I also will pull a regular metal utility trailer every now and then to help my redneck friends who live in the country. (when I had a pickup truck)

What have you guys done? Is a trailer brake controller an option?

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[Big Norwegian]

Ordered curt trailer hitch and wiring on line easy to install. Don't know about trailer brakes seems like someone was talking about that here recently

 

[HighVelocity]

UHaul trailers have surge brakes and do not require the vehicle to have a brake controller, just a simple 4-flat connector.

Most states do not require trailers to have brakes for under 3500lb gross.

I've towed my 5x10 utility trailer with my Bronco a few times and it's about the perfect combination.

 

[Krokodokolo]

Sorry to the mods for having to move my posts to other sub-forums. Still a n00b and getting used to the site.

 

[BudgetBronco]

You can save a lot of money by DIY especially on the wiring, it is not too hard. Unless you want to go with braking and a 7 pin setup, which makes it more difficult to do yourself. Here are a couple of videos that may help you. I also towed a Uhaul 5x8 cross country with this setup with no braking and had no problems. Uhaul uses a 4 pin connector.

If you go this route, make sure you purchase the right Curt/Tekonsha part number, they are different depending on if you have halogen or LED tail lights.
Curt wiring harness for LED tail lights PN 56468
Curt wiring harness for halogen tail lights PN 56471

Let me know if you have any questions I am happy to advise.

 

[Doc TOC]

Best trailer hitch install write-up so far.

I would check out RoverDude's post about installing the trailer hitch. Very thorough.

I am comfortable doing wiring myself. For me, I bought the module from Ford, all the other parts from Amazon. I did the full install (with the brake controller) so I was 1 and done. I am a long-term owner and know I will need that type of controller in the future.

The Ford kit gives you (almost) everything you need, depending on what your Bronco came with.

If you don't expect to pull loads that need weight or sway control, then you probably can skip the controller. 4-pin trailers are brake lights and turns only (usually). 7-pin may may require the controller - ASK the rental place what is required for that trailer.

Best advice: if you don't already know how to load a trailer, learn that before anything else. I have seen dozens of highway spills because someone put the refrigerator (or similar heavy/bulky item) in the wrong spot. And don't underestimate the value of tying down and covering the load.

 

[helifino16]

From what is being said, you cannot get the Factory installed Tow package any longer. Not sure how that affects the Trailer Braking ability, but like was mentioned for the towing capacity of a Bronco, you likely won't need it anyway. The dealer is going to charge WAY too much to install. I had a hitch and wiring installed by U-Haul (on another vehicle - seemed high at the time, but WAY cheaper than Ford has been charging) and was happy with the result (as they also warrantee the install).

 

[Dreamer]

I’m not sure what year you’re a bronco is. If it’s a 2024, Ford has a decent kit for under $500 and installation is around 200.

https://www.ford.com/product/trailer-tow-kit-by-lumen-p2971214187

I’m not really good at wiring and I wanna make sure that nothing gets damaged while I’m towing.

I know that a lot of folks have a lot more mechanical ability than I do and are very comfortable performing such task. Not me.

If you have a 2024 this might be a decent route to go.

Good luck

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