Did NOT get Factory Tow Package, Now What?

[ieee_raider]

Pretty sure I have that cutout on my 13 sport non tow package. Might not have the "duct" though. Have to look when I leave work today.

Yes the sports also have it.

 

[jjhill]

Hello,
I have been reading through this thread and would like to ask if anyone has added the 4/7 Harness to a Non Tow Package on a new 2015 Explorer XLT.
Just bought the new Explorer last week. During negotiations with the salesman my main objective was to get and Explorer with the Factory Tow Package. They did not have one so we settled for one with out and they would install the Class III Hitch and Wiring Harness. They do not install the Oil Cooler.
Took the vehicle home the same day we bought it and return the following week to have the Hitch/Wiring Harness/Remote Start installed. When I picked up the Explorer after the installation they only installed the 4 wire harness. I told the Salesman and the Accessory Manager that the 4 wire is no good as I need the 7 wire to hook up may Trailer with Electric Brakes and that I would need to hook up a Brake Controller in the front under the dash. The Accessories Manager did not understand what I was talking about. Long Story short I am taking it back to the dealer and they are adding the 4/7 wire harness and bracket to the newly installed hitch and running the wire all the way to the steering column so I can hook up my Brake Controller.
What a fiasco.
Has anyone had this issue?
Thanks
Jack

 

[blwnsmoke]

Jack, what type of trailer are you pulling that has electric brakes? I know you said you read through this thread but you do realize you still can only tow 2,000lbs legally with your Explorer, correct?

Never seen a trailer under 2,000lbs that has electric brakes before so it surprised me when I read your post.

Granted I convert all my 4 pin trailers to 7 pin because of the increase in reliability of the connections.

 

[jjhill]

I have a RV 24 foot. It is 5 dry. I do not intend on using the Explorer to tow unless it is an emergency. I have a Pickup that I tow with. But need to have the Explorer setup to do the job just in case of emergency.

 

[Rubberhead]

I have a RV 24 foot. It is 5 dry. I do not intend on using the Explorer to tow unless it is an emergency. I have a Pickup that I tow with. But need to have the Explorer setup to do the job just in case of emergency.

The factory tow package has a beefed up transmission. Even with the wiring harness, Class IV hitch and oil cooler, I wouldn't tow more than 2,000 pounds with a Ex without factory tow. But, that's just me.

 

[dont slow down]

Hey guys I know I saw a link/video of someone who found the factory tow hitch and installed it on their Explorer but now I can't find it. It was like $350 for the kit. I want to add the FACTORY tow hitch to my EX. I know the limits, I just want it to use for bike racks, cargo rack, etc. If you know where that video or link is please share it! Thanks!

 

[peterk9]

Hey guys I know I saw a link/video of someone who found the factory tow hitch and installed it on their Explorer but now I can't find it. It was like $350 for the kit. I want to add the FACTORY tow hitch to my EX. I know the limits, I just want it to use for bike racks, cargo rack, etc. If you know where that video or link is please share it! Thanks!

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386861&highlight=hitch+install

Peter

 

[jarettp]

The factory tow package has a beefed up transmission. Even with the wiring harness, Class IV hitch and oil cooler, I wouldn't tow more than 2,000 pounds with a Ex without factory tow. But, that's just me.

Where is it listed that the tow package has a beefed up transmission?

 

[Rubberhead]

Where is it listed that the tow package has a beefed up transmission?

Look on Page 3 of the 2015 Order Guide. You'll notice that the non-tow model comes with the 44J transmission. The tow package adds the 44C transmission. You can find the order guide in the thread below. I think this was the same all the way back to 2011. I know it was that way when I got mine in 2014.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404433&highlight=Order+Guide

 

[dont slow down]

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386861&highlight=hitch+install

Peter

That's it! Thanks Peter!

 

[jarettp]

Look on Page 3 of the 2015 Order Guide. You'll notice that the non-tow model comes with the 44J transmission. The tow package adds the 44C transmission. You can find the order guide in the thread below. I think this was the same all the way back to 2011. I know it was that way when I got mine in 2014.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404433&highlight=Order+Guide

Doesn't that just mean that it comes with the transmission and oil cooler?

 

[Rubberhead]

Doesn't that just mean that it comes with the transmission and oil cooler?

I don't think so only because the oil cooler is on the engine oil, not the transmission oil. But, I'm not positive. Ford is very vague about this.

 

[blwnsmoke]

Doesn't that just mean that it comes with the transmission and oil cooler?

No, tow package has a different tranny.

 

[Boss302R]

The factory tow package has a beefed up transmission. Even with the wiring harness, Class IV hitch and oil cooler, I wouldn't tow more than 2,000 pounds with a Ex without factory tow. But, that's just me.

It does not have a different tranny, same internals, same tranny, Tow package is only oil cooler, hitch, wiring, tow button.

 

[Rubberhead]

It does not have a different tranny, same internals, same tranny, Tow package is only oil cooler, hitch, wiring, tow button.

We've been over this in this very thread. Sorry, there is a difference.

 

[viperstance]

I'm doing the full oem conversion of the tow package and was wondering if anyone can upload a pic or two of the layout directly underneath the rear bumper area, tow hook etc and how is the harness routed to the hitch plugs. I'm going to be replacing the rear harness with the actual ford oem harness that originally came from factory with the tow package. Yes the parts cost a lot but I need a project. I have the sensors in the bumper to so curious how this harness adapts to it all. Thanks for any help.

 

[peterk9]

Not sure if the video here would be helpful or not;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3159790&postcount=1

Peter

 

[viperstance]

Not sure if the video here would be helpful or not;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3159790&postcount=1

Peter

Yeah I've seen that one but that's the accessory hitch install. I have like $800 in parts so it will be a little more involved but thank you. Guess I will have to go to the dealership and ask if I can crawl underneath one that has the tow package.

 

[SoonerSport]

I added the OEM towing harness to mine and it was no big deal. Once you get the bumper off you will quickly see how the new harness needs to be run. just make sure you have enough slack in the trailer plugs to locate them in the hitch mounts once you get the bumper back on. Unfortunately I'm not at home this weekend or I could take you some pictures.

 

[viperstance]

I added the OEM towing harness to mine and it was no big deal. Once you get the bumper off you will quickly see how the new harness needs to be run. just make sure you have enough slack in the trailer plugs to locate them in the hitch mounts once you get the bumper back on. Unfortunately I'm not at home this weekend or I could take you some pictures.

I appreciate the response thank you. I won't be starting the install till at least this Tuesday so pics will be helpful. I'm not sure about the tow hook, looks like it has the muffler mount integrated in to in.