2020 Ranger tow packages.

[ranger bob]

I have been checking out some 2020 rangers and have yet to run into a real knowledgeable sales person. I was told Ford does not have a brake controller for the Ranger,. If one were so desired could one be easily installed. If one were to rarely pull a car trailer, brakes would be nice. Does the tow package just include a hitch and wiring or is there more to it? Is there wiring in the cab for a brake controller.

 

[sgtsandman]

It's just the hitch and wiring. I think the system in the info center for configuring the trailer with the sensors is all part of the system regardless as to whether you get the tow package or not.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It is a standalone option, looks like you need to tow package to support it. Price around, I bet you can find it somewhere cheaper.

https://accessories.ford.com/module-trailer-brake-12688.html

 

[ranger bob]

I searched online some more and apparently ford does have a brake controller for the Ranger for $350 or so with some wiring. I believe you do need the tow package for the controller to work???

 

[werewolf]

i have the tow package so not on plug ends. but i bought the ford trailer brake set up and had ford install it so no warranty problems. controller was $339 and $185 for them to install it. more than i won'ted to spend but have fords warranty.

 

[HenryMac]

It's just the hitch and wiring. I think the system in the info center for configuring the trailer with the sensors is all part of the system regardless as to whether you get the tow package or not.

It's actually more than that. The bottom half of the lower bumper is different to tuck the hitch up nice and tight. Ford did a great job on this.

An aftermarket hitch hangs down like a ruptured duck.

Check out the photo below.

 

[ranger bob]

Just a little warning for anyone thinking of buying a ranger XL and wanting the tow package. Get the tow package!! Adding the tow package after is not that simple. Ford made it difficult for the XL truck buyers. You can add the hitch and the seven way plug rather easily, but some of the wiring does not exist. You can buy a short harness that goes from the rear of the truck to the seven way plug, but it does not give you seven way plug capabilities. The XL harness lacks the front portion of the harness that stops under the cab near the drivers seat. and runs to the fuse box and contains the brake control wires that would run into the cab. XLTs and Lariats have the wiring whether you have a tow package or not, but not the XL without the tow package.

 

[HenryMac]

Just a little warning for anyone thinking of buying a ranger XL and wanting the tow package. Get the tow package!! Adding the tow package after is not that simple. Ford made it difficult for the XL truck buyers. You can add the hitch and the seven way plug rather easily, but some of the wiring does not exist. You can buy a short harness that goes from the rear of the truck to the seven way plug, but it does not give you seven way plug capabilities. The XL harness lacks the front portion of the harness that stops under the cab near the drivers seat. and runs to the fuse box and contains the brake control wires that would run into the cab. XLTs and Lariats have the wiring whether you have a tow package or not, but not the XL without the tow package.

Sound advice.

Also, if you get the FX4 package on an XL you get the upgraded instrument cluster. But not all the dopey lane monitoring, adaptive cruise, etc. It's the perfect blend of low tech and economy.

 

[sgtsandman]

Sound advice.

Also, if you get the FX4 package on an XL you get the upgraded instrument cluster. But not all the dopey lane monitoring, adaptive cruise, etc. It's the perfect blend of low tech and economy.

Mine came with the lane monitoring but that might have been because of the Co-Pilot 360. The FX4 Package does some force some upgrades due to the requirement of getting the STX package but I forget what all comes with that. With the tall bed sides and the small rear windows, I'm glad I got the Co-Pilot 360 with the damn "Road Warriors" and "parking lot racers" that are out there anymore.

 

[JohnnyO]

Mine came with the lane monitoring but that might have been because of the Co-Pilot 360. The FX4 Package does some force some upgrades due to the requirement of getting the STX package but I forget what all comes with that. With the tall bed sides and the small rear windows, I'm glad I got the Co-Pilot 360 with the damn "Road Warriors" and "parking lot racers" that are out there anymore.

HenryMac is correct that you do not get the lane monitoring with the XL, it is included in the Co-Pilot 360 that comes on an XLT. I had it on a BMW rental for a business trip last year and hated it. The Bimmer had auto stop/start which I hated also and turned off every time I started it so I didn't think I'd like it on the Ranger but honestly the Ranger's system is a lot smoother than the BMW's.

 

[sgtsandman]

HenryMac is correct that you do not get the lane monitoring with the XL, it is included in the Co-Pilot 360 that comes on an XLT. I had it on a BMW rental for a business trip last year and hated it. The Bimmer had auto stop/start which I hated also and turned off every time I started it so I didn't think I'd like it on the Ranger but honestly the Ranger's system is a lot smoother than the BMW's.

Being that my truck is a custom order, it comes up as a Lariat even though it's an XL with the STX, FX4 package, and Co-Pilot 360 package. I'm sure it's going to cause someone headaches in the future if I ever sell it. LOL

Probably not as bad as when Ford did multiple changes in one model year and the month it was made, made a difference when it came to getting parts. But if they go off what the VIN tells you, they are going to have some headaches.

 

[JohnnyO]

Being that my truck is a custom order, it comes up as a Lariat even though it's an XL with the STX, FX4 package, and Co-Pilot 360 package. I'm sure it's going to cause someone headaches in the future if I ever sell it. LOL

Probably not as bad as when Ford did multiple changes in one model year and the month it was made, made a difference when it came to getting parts. But if they go off what the VIN tells you, they are going to have some headaches.

I spent months playing around building Rangers on Ford's website and ended up with a slightly used (5000 miles) 2020 that with two exceptions was exactly what I would have ordered anyway and I saved a few thou.
STX, 4x4, tow package, blue (or red), no step bars. Step bars are only good for getting my pants dirty in the winter. Didn't want the Co-Pilot 360 so an XLT was out. I would have left off the Bed Utility Package, although I've gotten use out of the bed plug in my Sport Tracs. I don't need a bed liner, and would have got the locking rear diff. Realistically I don't go off-roading any more and the main purpose of the 4wd is to get around in snow.