I only guessing here - not an engineer by definition but I think those spindley wire safety cables would fail much sooner if the tow bar or something else happened to enable the tow vehicle to become un attached than the 6 torqued bolts holding the recovery points to the frame.
Hey, I’m about ready to install the LOD frame tie-in brackets. I was expecting that each pair of frame tie-in brackets would sandwich its respective frame rail on the Bronco using 2 long bolts that would run from the outer bracket completely through the frame rail to the inner bracket where each bolt would be capped with a washer and nut…but I see that LOD has included 4 short bolts per pair of brackets— 2 that independently mount the outer bracket to the outer side of its respective frame rail and 2 that independently mount the inner bracket to the inner side of its respective frame rail. This requires interior access to the frame rail tube to be able to thread the bolts and properly torque the hardware. Was that access difficult? Also, It doesn’t appear that LOD provides any torque guidance in the directions… do you remember if you torqued the bolts to any set specification?
Hi there! You described the situation exactly how it is, better than I could probably articulate it. I will admit it was a bit of a pain in the rear-end to install these brackets and yes, access to getting the bolts and nuts was the problem. There is very limited room to work with and it was probably the hardest part of the entire install. I didn't torque the bolts to any set specs, and honestly bore down on them the best I could as it was hard to get leverage and I kinda did it by feel if that makes sense. I think it turned out well as I have towed multiple times and have inspected them each time to insure implementation. If I can provide any additional information, please let me know!
Good deal… thanks for the feedback! I have already prepared the wife that she may hear a tirade of profanity coming from the garage as I am working!
What spindley wire safety cables are you referring to? My safety cables are substantially stronger than any safety chains I’ve ever seen.
Well since the only images with cables in them are the ones I provided in my post above. Secondly those cheap quick connects that are shown attaching the cables to that tow hook are the weakest link in the setup and I wouldn't trust my setup using them. I do not care what those cables are rated for.
After reading this, I realized you were 100% correct, The quick connects were originally only rated for 5000 lbs, I have since upgraded them to much beefier 1/2 inch connectors rated at 16500 lbs. I updated the original post with the link to the much larger/ beefier quick connects! Thanks for mentioning this oversight on my part. Helped me improve the setup.
You are quite welcome! If you have any questions, I will be happy to assist if I can. Good luck!Thank you for posting this. We pick up our Motorhome next week, starting to figure out the flat towing now. I have the 2021 Big Bend with standard bumper. Looking for a solution to connecting tow bar. But your post is awesome and think I have a plan now.
I agree that it sounds either electrical or a software issue. Have you had the update for the ebb done? There was a software update that was released. Before the update people were removing fuses to prevent the ebb for engaging or vice versa. That may be what happened.
I don't think you can tell if you have the flat tow update through the Ford pass app. I believe the dealership will have to let you know.
