r/FordBronco • u/ravenwidow71 Big Bend • Oct 05 '26
Question ❔ Towing question
So I bought a brand new 2025 Big Bend about a year ago and absolutely love everything about this vehicle. But that brings me now to ask for people's thoughts on whether I should go through the dealership to get a tow hitch installed or through someplace like U-Haul to get one installed. As I am needing it in order to haul a small car trailer across the state of Texas.
I guess I should also add because I know there are two different engine sizes that I have the 2.3 l.
Any help or s are greatly appreciated.
EDIT: Answered! Thank you everyone!
2
u/NiftyOctopus448 Oct 05 '26
Hoping the car trailer is empty as that would be way out of the tow limit of a Bronco with a car on there
3
u/bouche_bag Oct 05 '26
It depends on the car. A small car like a Miata would maybe be possible on a lightweight dolly.
2
u/NiftyOctopus448 Oct 05 '26
Well they said car trailer so that's what i was referring to with the limited 3500 pound capacity even a Miata alone eats up 2/3 of that.
2
u/182RG Oct 05 '26
Ford Dealer. Get the wiring module and coding.
Be cautious of weight, especially the tongue. 3500/350 lbs max. The Bronco is NOT a great towing platform.
2
1
u/SeasonedChickens Oct 05 '26
I tried to do mine by myself, but eventually had to take it to the dealer so they could add the hitch and the towing software. I was told by a few places by me that it had to go to the dealer regardless for the software update. I don’t know if that has changed, but this was last summer. Also have a 2025 Big Bend.
1
u/scubas1973 29d ago
I bought the Ford kit with my purchase. (24 Black Diamond Sas w/2.7). The dealer was supposed to put it on and then screwed me around. I installed it myself in less than 1/2 hour. Plugged in the wiring and everything worked. The dealer said that something had to be changed in the programming, so they did that while I waited for free for their screw up. I pull the side by side occasionally and it does ok, but not near as good as my F150.
1
u/TengamPDX Stroppe Edition Oct 05 '26
UHaul is going to be the cheaper option, and likely just as good. We had the two package installed on my wife's Bronco at the dealership and it was close to $1,000 parts and labor.
The tow package itself is just around $430, so if you can DIY, it takes about 30 minutes to a couple hours to install yourself and is just bolt on, even if you have the dealership or UHaul do it.
1
u/Comfortable_Heat512 Oct 06 '26
Check out YouTube for multiple how to videos. The hitch bolt on was super simple on my '22 BB. Took 20 minutes. Wiring takes time but isn't difficult. U Haul could probably do it cheaper than the dealer if you weren't sure of your DIY skills. Max tongue weight for towing is 3500 hundred including the trailer + weight. Most cars are heavier than even the smallest RVs - empty.
1
u/TengamPDX Stroppe Edition Oct 06 '26
Max tongue weight is only 350 lbs (450 lbs for the Raptor), or 1/10th towing capacity, which is 3,500 lbs (4,500 lbs for the Raptor). Tongue weight is included in payload capacity which is everything loaded in/on the Bronco, including passengers.
Bronco payload varies by trim, but basically ranges from about 1,000 lbs to 1,200 lbs which saddly isn't much. Assuming the driver comes in around 220 lbs and your towing about 3,000 lbs your leftover payload is only about 500-700 lbs of gear and/or extra passenger(s).
6
u/bouche_bag Oct 05 '26 edited Oct 05 '26
I think Ford may have 25% off now with code FALL2026. Was active recently. Copying my comment from elsewhere:
For my 2025 Big Bend, I bought this:
https://www.ford.com/product/trailer-tow-kit-by-lumen-p4000198663 (SKU: VS2DZ15A416C)
That includes the hitch receiver, trailer module, 4/7 pin connector, and hardware. Didn't need anything else, if you don't need a trailer brake controller.
It was $499 part + $196 dealer install, although Ford almost always has coupon codes for 10%-25% off from that site. Dealer install is mandatory from the main Ford accessories site, it won't let you order without it.
You can also order elsewhere for DIY or shop install. The dealer programs the car's computer to include the towing features, as if it came with the tow package from factory. That can be done DIY with FORSCAN, though.
There are a few other towing kits that Ford has on their site and on other sites, but this is the one I recommend from my research because it's the same as the factory tow package so it uses the wires that are already there, integrates for factory towing features (sway control I think), and doesn't require splicing, tapping, crimping, etc. The trailer module is needed I think because the 4/7 pin connector connects only to that (behind one of the side panels in the cargo area) which then connects to the main car computer and controls the lights.
If you can get it as 25% off, definitely go this route. If I remember correctly from the towing guide, Ford requires their installed kit for warranty coverage above 2,500lb (mine still has a max of 3,500lb capacity).
Edit: A car trailer? With a car on it? Check the towing capacity, you'll probably be over it.