Thanks for the update
Yes, that does sound like a stretch, especially since, as you observed, the transfer case still indicated Neutral, after damage had occurred, and did indicate a normal shift out of Neutral when vehicle was to be used again, and damage was discovered
I don't think a voltage issue would be root cause, the position indicator is not voltage dependent outside of the light being dimmer, lol
Not familiar with the new system but on the 2011 and earlier Fords the 4x4 controller did monitor transfer case position when it was powered up
i.e. you could turn off the key in 2WD and then put the selector switch in 4high, then turn on the key and 4x4 controller would shift to 4h when it was powered up again
And if you were to pull off the shift motor, key off 2WD, and then manually powered shift motor to say 4h or any position that wasn't 2WD, and then reconnected motor to harness and turned on the key, the 4x4 controller would move the motor so contacts were showing 2WD again
Now as far as I know the 4x4 controller on the newer Rangers wouldn't have power 24/7, no reason to, door open relay or on button would power it from what I have seen in the videos, so not sure how low voltage could effect it in the manner suggested
More likely the shift motor position indicator was in error, transfer case wasn't in Neutral at all, and because trans was in Neutral as well there would be no resistance in towing, which is why the shifting to Park thing would be better in my opinion, as that's a mechanical indicator that transfer case is in Neutral or NOT in Neutral
No, I don't think I would trust it again either, and 6 plus weeks downtime is unacceptable as well