Flat Towing must pull fuses

[psdtime]

28 Pcs 15A 20A 25A 30A 40A 50A 60A 32V Mini Slotted Automotive MCASE Shaped Cartridge Fuse Kit

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[dgorsett]

There might be some states that do not require it. I used to do it with my 2005 Rubicon LJ before I knew it was a law. Unfortunately, Ford isn't saying to make sure you keep your battery charged and you will be safe, they are saying to pull the fuses and leaving no gray area. You would think they could program it into the flat tow mode or whatever they call it. They probably have but just don't trust it as I think it was suggested already.

I did the same with my 05 LJ, until I noticed myself pushing a lot of yellow lights! Ignorance was bliss.

 

[smrpilot]

I've flat towed the Bronco from the beginning, probably 10k miles of better. Never had to pull any fuses. Every once in a while it's cranky to come out of Flat Tow mode, either doesn't want to re-engage or a brake error, but wrestle with the technology long enough and I've won every time.

 

[dgorsett]

I've flat towed the Bronco from the beginning, probably 10k miles of better. Never had to pull any fuses. Every once in a while it's cranky to come out of Flat Tow mode, either doesn't want to re-engage or a brake error, but wrestle with the technology long enough and I've won every time.

Same story, but I have a 2.3 with vacuum brake boost.

 

[JWN]

Pulling fuses is only required (Per Ford) on 2026 and 2025 Broncos due to the Electronic Brake Boost that was updated

 

[psdtime]

I did this to help me remember what fuses and what order. I was thinking about using super glue to attach a little loop onto the fuses so I wouldn't need tools, but I didn't need them anyhow since they are spaced apart from each other. Another good thing is that the fuse has the spring friction connection and the Bronco has the blade, so if they wear out, you just need new fuses.

 

[63GBPackerfan]

Did. Y first fuse pull and return today. The pull is easy. The sequence to take it out of neutral tow is a royal PITA.

 

[psdtime]

Did. Y first fuse pull and return today. The pull is easy. The sequence to take it out of neutral tow is a royal PITA.

I haven't tested that part yet! Didn't think that was going to be an issue, guess I was wrong.

 

[63GBPackerfan]

It’s just a PITA. I’m used to the old way that never failed me. Now start the vehicle, turn it off, go to accessory mode, then the regular sequence. Why the addional step starting the vehicle?

 

[evofxdwg]

As I read all this I am thinking this happens if the battery voltage drops to some level.
What if one adds some more battery?
maybe a cigarette lighter adapter to another battery in the cab.

If you run a properly fused/breakered +12v charge line from the towing vehicle, that's adding more battery - the battery in the towing vehicle. And it's running and charging most of the time. Why make life complicated?

 

[evofxdwg]

Pulling fuses is only required (Per Ford) on 2026 and 2025 Broncos due to the Electronic Brake Boost that was updated

Pulling fuses and waiting on sleep is BS. We tow our 24 every time we go motor homing.

I thought I might be in the market for another Bronco in a few years. Hope they fix this in 27 models. If not, it would be a no-go for me.

 

[JWN]

Yes, I agree. I am also waiting to see if the 2027 requires pulling fuses.

 

[kcmusa]

If you run a properly fused/breakered +12v charge line from the towing vehicle, that's adding more battery - the battery in the towing vehicle. And it's running and charging most of the time. Why make life complicated?

I measured the draw from flat tow mode, over 7 amps. My charge line only adds 3 amps. So I’m loosing.

 

[evofxdwg]

I measured the draw from flat tow mode, over 7 amps. My charge line only adds 3 amps. So I’m loosing.

I don't quite understand where you measured the 7 and 3, and when. I suppose that's possible, but only if the 12V wiring from tow vehicle to toad is too small or has a lot of resistance for some reason. With adequate wiring (and protection of course), the tow vehicle should provide for all load while simultaneously charging the toad battery.

I would let it sit connected for a few hours and start it up and measure it every 30 minutes or hour to get a true picture of the draw. If that's what the typical braking systems are drawing just sitting idle, no wonder people who dont hook up a charge line have problems.

I guess I should measure mine while it's sitting idle. But I have a Demco Stay and Play and know what it has in it and how it works. Zero load (except for the LED-lighted switch on the dash) until braking occurs.

My motorhome has a 30A fuse (part of the Freightliner chassis wiring) for the +12V wire to trailer receptacle and I installed AWG#14 wire for +12 and ground, and a 30A self resetting breaker in the Bronco near the battery.

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