Curt hitch or get Ford installed tow package?

[fritobandito]

I have a 2 dr 23 that did not have towing option added. I am looking at options for a bit more cargo space. I am considering the curt hitch I could do myself and not worry about wiring. I would just use the receiver to add a cargo basket of some type. Or would it be better to get the tow package done and have the wiring as well? I don't know that I would tow anything that needed wiring but it may be better to have than not in the long run.

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[MNBigfoot]

Curt about $100, install takes about 10 minutes

 

[Tdub0527]

I just bought the curt and am about to go install it actually. I plan on buying the Ford lighting kit and having the dealership install that. As far as I could tell from my research the Ford hitch isn’t required in order to have the light wiring run. So IMO not necessary to buy the more expensive Ford one.

On my BB I used to have I installed the Ford one and can’t tell any quality difference between the two.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Installing the Curt hitch is all of four bolts, if you can handle it.

I'm not sure the grand total for the Ford hitch and wiring, but the wiring is a good system. If you ever need to drag a small utility trailer for any reason .... more camping gear, firewood, landscaping needs, or a small camping trailer .... you'll be covered for lighting hook up & surge brakes override (reverse).

You could also install the hitch yourself and just have them install the wiring at a later date, I believe it's a separate package.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Yep ....
https://accessories.ford.com/bronco...pin-trailer-hitch-wiring-harness-vp2dz15a416a

Buy the $120 install while you're online, sounds like it's a bargain price.

 

[lapazleo]

Plug and play name brand wiring harness's are available under $75 . Quality class 4 receiver hitches are available as low as $89. Simple 4 bolt installation and no you don't have to remove the bumper like some will say. If all you want to use is a cargo basket that should work.

 

[DriveAllNight]

It comes down to, if you want the computer to know what you are doing.
Bolting on any hitch will work and is by far the cheaper option and nothing wrong with that option.
But if you want the Bronco to know you are towing, you have to get the module and wires to go with it, and then have a dealer tell the computer to 'see' the module. All that is obviously more money, depends on what you want.

 

[TX-Dennis]

I bought the Curt hitch and a Curt wiring kit made specifically for Bronco. Easy install on both. No programming needed. Of course, I only have a four pin plug, but that's enough for most small trailers.

If you decide to buy the Curt wiring kit, make sure you get the one specifically for your tail lights. The halogen and LEDs have different plugs.

 

[JojoReady]

I just bought the curt and am about to go install it actually. I plan on buying the Ford lighting kit and having the dealership install that. As far as I could tell from my research the Ford hitch isn’t required in order to have the light wiring run. So IMO not necessary to buy the more expensive Ford one.

On my BB I used to have I installed the Ford one and can’t tell any quality difference between the two.

I went this route and it worked out well. The Ford lighting kit even includes an additional plug bracket that fits the Curt hitch and gives it a factory look.

 

[Montana Bronco]

Curt about $100, install takes about 10 minutes

^^ this.

I have the Curt hitch and I tow a drift boat all summer long. (I’m a fly fishing guide). I see zero reason to get the Ford hitch.

 

[Freebird32]

I got the Draw Tite extended hitch and Curt wiring kit. Plug in line /pass thru with tail light harness. There are videos on YouTube and instructions. Fairly easy. I had to use a spacer and some additional washers as the bolts are a bit long.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I should have noted in my first post...
I have the curt hitch and harness(4pin) on the 2dr.
Easy install, no issues. Harness works fine for 4 pin applications.

After towing with the 4dr with the factory tow pkg, I'm going to upgrade the 2dr wiring to the Ford version with the 7 pin round.

The trailers I move around have 5 pins minimum for the surge brake override for reversing.... the 5th pin.

The boat is 3000# loaded and the utility trailers are rated 3500# as well, thus they all require the surge brakes.
When you try to back a surge brake equipped trailer, the brakes engage, so you have to get out a engage the manual over ride ...or... if equipped, when it senses your reverse lights, it locks out the trailer brakes.

FWIW, the 4dr tows the boat like a champ. You'll feel the weight a bit more than a 1/2 ton truck, but powerwise it's better than any small block V8 I've towed that boat with.

 

[Mr Toad]

Installing the Curt receiver is easy and same as the factory hitch, so no worries. If you ever anticipate towing something with surge disc brakes or electric brakes, a 7 pin wiring system is needed. Small trailers without brakes can use a flat 4 pin which is easier to install, but less flexible. With the 7 pin, you can get plug in adapters for 5 and 4 pin set ups. Here are videos I put up on the hitch and wiring installs for the Curt hitch (https://amzn.to/3VF7s7i) and Ford/Lumen 7 pin factory wiring harness (https://accessories.ford.com/bronco-2...)

Only the Ford Lumen tow package integrates with the Bronco's vehicle stability and camera systems after Towbar Configuration is enabled in FDRS software. This provides Trailer Sway control and disables rear proximity sensors to reduce annoying false warnings. Without programming, all lighting and 12V pass through functions still work when a trailer is detected.

 

[RobWTX]

I got a deal on a Curt hitch from a local shop that someone bought, then 9 months later decided they did not want any longer. I just put the hitch on, and have the wiring on a shelf in case I decide I ever want to actually tow something.

 

[805Bronco]

I too opted for the Curt extended hitch. You just gotta be careful when the tailgate is open, as that extended hitch is a real shin buster

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