My 2021 Ford Bronco - I saved money by adding an aftermarket receiver hitch

[@StephenLoosli1]

APOLOGIES! I have been learning how to use Shotcut as my video/audio editing tool. It is powerful, but I have only recently discovered that my audio levels are all over the place. I have fixed that going forward. I apologize for both the lows and the highs.

[@scottfwalter]

Glad I found this video. Had my dealer remove the tow package from my Bronco order in hopes it will help get it faster. The tow package for whatever reason is a constrained commodity.

[@StephenLoosli1]

Glad to hear the info helped!

[@errhka]

Curt is a fantastic company - I have their trailer hitch on my YJ and I've trashed+dragged that thing on tons of rocks and it is still solid. Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a high quality part

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Looks great. The price was right too. The Bronco is growing up right before our eyes. Where does the time go???? Keep 'em comin brother............ 👍

[@StephenLoosli1]

Thanks! I have some more stuff lined up for this week.

[@TheChuck1960]

Great video.are you going to show how you wire it up for pulling a trailer?

[@atoast2thefuture]

Thank you for making this video! I’ve been wondering about this when my bronco comes this February. I’ll be adding one as well

[@jorgejefferson8251]

Thanks for the info. I ordered one based on this video, and it was an easy install. Good quality too.

[@outlawedmedia4336]

This is all I need. I only want a hitch for recovery and to hold a bike rack.

[@RSDX99]

Thanks for this post I plan on buying the Big Bend model and best I can tell on line is that a factory-installed trailer hitch is not available. Even if it is your Curt Hitch is a much better deal and like yourself, I will only be towing a small 2 wheel trailer for UTV and trips to the yard waste dump. Great info.

[@StephenLoosli1]

Glad I can help!

[@billredding2000]

For some years now, I've always gotten towing-hitches on my new vehicles...but I prefer OEM (for several reasons). On my current vehicle, it came with the OEM hitch so I had no say anyway...it was on a dealer's lot, not something I ordered from the factory and could have chosen options. Had it NOT had an OEM towing-hitch, however, I would have had the dealer GET it and install it later as part of (and so indicated -- in writing!) the original sales contract. That's what I did for my previous vehicle, a Honda Pilot AWD: Added the "towing package," which had 3 parts: Hitch, wiring-harness and transmission-cooler. Took the Pilot back to the dealer when the hitch came in (7-10 days) and they installed it. OEM was PRICEY, for sure, but it was the BEST hitch you could get. And, it didn't fit below the rear bumper, but higher...so the ball was sitting higher, too. Nice... Yes, my OEM Jeep hitch sits BELOW the bumper, but given the vehicle has higher ground-clearance than my Pilot had, that's not an issue at all as the ball is STILL quite high. Your Curt hitch looks very sturdy and wasn't too hard to install (SOME definitely are!). Happy Bronco-ing, -- BR

[@StephenLoosli1]

I fully understand your thoughts there. Interestingly, Curt is one of the Ford OEM suppliers on the Bronco, so I was comfortable with the product line. As I mentioned in the video, I don't intend to do any highway towing with the Bronco - my Toyota Tundra is set up best for that. I just wanted to be able to move things around in the yard or up at the mine.

[@billredding2000]

@@StephenLoosli1 Yes, I recall you saying that you don't have any serious towing needs...I don't either, except when I move -- and it's a DIY project as I pack-up/load/tow/unload a trailer myself vs. hiring "professional" movers -- and then I need more towing capacity than a bike-rack, small utility trailer, personal watercraft (or whatever). Still, since I don't want to be at or anywhere near my vehicle's max towing-capacity, my 2021 Jeep Gladiator (Rubicon) capacity is 7000lbs, and I don't want to tow more than ~5000lbs. It's like that general RV-towing "80% Rule" -- not towing more than 80% of a towing vehicle's max towing capacity...that is, IF you have a choice! I like having that "headroom" -- less wear & tear on the vehicle and easier handling on the hwy, too. Your Curt DOES seem to be the best choice for your needs...or even more, as it does look much like the OEM hitch but was half the price! I've used Curt once before also -- on a 2006 Honda CRV -- but due to the CRV's frame, it was a tad difficult to install (required fishing bolts inside the hollow box-frame). Not REAL hard, just more difficult/time-consuming than it was on my 2016 Honda Pilot (EASY, just 4 bolts (IIRC) on each side of the vehcile. As for my Gladiator's OEM hitch, I don't know how hard/easy it'd be to install as I haven't looked at how it goes on. Is it like the Wrangler's or not? Or even the Bronco's? Don't know, but will find out the next time I'm under there. ;-) Happy Travels, -- BR

[@DalHarpJr]

@Bill Redding... I'm an OEM snob too! I bought a new 2016 Ford Explorer XLT. Only 3 on the dealers lot. Had everything I wanted, but didn't notice the lack of a tow hitch until days later. To say the least I was bummed! Didn't want an add on receiver that hung below the bumper for $200-$300, I wanted OEM. I purchased all the OEM parts from Ford, bumper insert and cover, receiver hitch, wiring harnesses etc. Took the bumper insert and cover to a body shop to get painted, and did everything else myself. At the end of the day I spent around $1,100, but having an OEM tow hitch that I installed myself, was priceless! I ordered my 2022 Bronco Wildtrak damn near fully loaded, and yes, the $500 tow hitch option was checked off!

[@billredding2000]

@@DalHarpJr Some Gladiators don't come with tow-hitches installed, either...I'm sure (like you) some buyers overlooked that as well. I missed a minor thing or two, but nothing major. For sure, I needed a tow-hitch! However, not sure I'm an "OEM snob" though...I know there are "Jeep snobs" -- like Wrangler owners who don't do the "Jeep Wave" to Gladiators (as Gladiators aren't "real" Jeeps?) -- but I'll go check in the mirror to see if I missed THAT "factory option" also. ;-) -- BR

[@truckguy]

Thanks - exactly what I was looking for. Just looking for something for my bicycle....

[@IluvYahweh]

Is there an extension for a bike rack? I don’t believe my rack will make it to the receiver with the spare tire there.

[@truckguy]

@@IluvYahweh - I have an older 3-bike rack. I had to buy a 2" to 1.25" converter, and then I can insert my rack. My rack extends 10-to-12 inches away from the trailer hitch, with a couple inches to spare away from the back-up camera and spare tire. Thus, I didn't have to buy an extension. I don't know if one is available.

[@IluvYahweh]

@@truckguy Thanks. I’ll look into this. I hope to receive my Bronco in January.

[@truckguy]

@@IluvYahweh I should have noted that I have a stock Big-Bend I got a couple weeks ago. i.e no Sasquatch package. If you have bigger tires, you'll need even more clearance. I did a quick review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJXXoWuooNWHa9k Thanks again to "new departure" for the pointer to the after market trailer hitch! :>)

[@mkbmj]

@@IluvYahweh There are several options. The one I used with my Jeep was 2” or so and the exterior stepped up so that the bike rack (Kuat) slid right in and came to about 1” of the rear tire. I did not like the overall extended length and ended up removing the spare and stowing it inside. I see my spare moving to the roof.

[@shammas90]

Will order this as soon as My Bronco ships, very easy addition, I don't really care about the wiring since I've never towed anything in my life, I don't owe anything can be towed or intend to tow in the future, but I'd rather spend $120 on this and have a serious function available when needed over spending much more on an oil catch can.

[@StephenLoosli1]

Exactly! Useful for more than towing, like rear bumper protection, bike or cargo rack, or receiver mounted winch.

[@jipidydoo]

Your still gonna want that catch can

[@kibbo]

thank you for sharing these.. am collecting some of diecast . so far i ever seen the bronco in scale 1:64 but you bring me to the scale 1:1. nice jobs there my friend thank you and really enjoy your show my friend ..... greeting from Indonesia ....

[@jb1401]

Very simple to the point video. Thank you Sir

[@jg-bordfronco2925]

no bloody knuckles, bravo

[@bruth6138]

I have that exact same truck and just ordered this unit.

[@djkilpatrick5256]

Noticed your bronco has 2 tow hooks. Mine only has one on the driver side. Is that pertain to trim levels?

[@anthonygallo3576]

I didnt watch the whole video but there are two plug and play wiring harness for the lights, $99 and 120 respectivly, based on thr amperage . I hope. Ylu bought a name brand hitch like a curt, for $99. Not some cheap amazon or ebay one . Curt, sells the wiring harness. Great vid and Nice Bronco

[@lauramolecavage]

What can you tow with this hitch you put on. Is there a weight limit. I just got a bronco with no trailer hitch and I am thinking I should had. I have a ebike I need a rack for anod might get a little max trailer for camping

[@ro-bee-24]

Please post if you decide to wire a 4 pin trailer plug. I like the hitch you found.

[@StephenLoosli1]

I'll do it! I'm awaiting delivery of the winch for the next upgrade video.

[@user-pq8td7bs8p]

Thanks for the vid. Does anybody know if the suspension is different than if you order it with the tow package? Trying to find out if I’m sacrificing any towing capacity by adding the hitch myself. Trying to look into buying a pop-up camper for a long road trip, any advice would be amazing!

[@missingtulips]

Omg thanks for sharing. Cant wait to buy this... But my question is how much the capacity for towing? (2021 4 door big bend without package) thanks!

[@StephenLoosli1]

The towing capacity will be the factory spec of about 3300 pounds. One thing I noticed is that a stock receiver hitch 2" ball is right under the spare tire and doesn't allow the ball lock to be set without opening he rear door over the tongue - need a longer hitch.

[@philippedeziel8264]

Nice hitch. Can you please indicate the Curt model ?

[@StephenLoosli1]

CRT-13493 - Curt Class III Trailer Hitch

[@jpz777]

I went to the website link below. Type in the model number of that part you’re using. Then it shows me a whole different hitch but with the same price.

[@StephenLoosli1]

Yes, I noticed that, too. But, once you click on add to cart, I think you'll see the correct image. Let me know.

[@Logan0o]

Does this aftermarket one tow just as much as the OEM one? Or is it rated to tow more then the 3500 OEM rating ?

[@StephenLoosli1]

I think the aftermarket hitch is also the OEM hitch vendor. The bolts holding the hitch are stout. I'm confident of the same tow rating.

[@4477superman]

Just Fyi, if you do try towing with this and you get in an accident, insurance will most likely deny your claim.

[@scottrg1221]

Do you know what your towing capacity would be by installing this? Would expect it to be less than if factory installed hitch (?)

[@StephenLoosli1]

The towing capacity should be the same as with the factory installed option. The Curt hitch is equal to OEM.

[@duneme]

I like the nuts in the back (towards the front of the Bronco!

[@StephenLoosli1]

Some like nuts in the back, some like nuts in the front. To each, their own!

[@daviddesousa6450]

Wonder if this fits on maverick being its same platform

[@StephenLoosli1]

Great question! Check Rough Country's website.

[@christheriot5005]

The bronco is not the same platform as the maverick, it is the same platform as the ranger. The bronco sport may be similar to the maverick as both are unibody vehicles, the bronco is a body on frame.

[@theJdominator]

What model Bronco do you have ?

[@StephenLoosli1]

Badlands 4 door in Area 51 blue with 33 inch BFG all terrain tires.

[@joemilton1010]

Can you give any info on the towing capacity with the Curt vs with a factory hitch? Thanks.

[@p.youhana3563]

Small Home Depot trailer and see it pass you by on freeway after you break all the bolts lol

[@joemilton1010]

@@p.youhana3563 what are you saying?

[@StephenLoosli1]

The Curt hitch IS the factory hitch - they are the OEM vendor. Exactly the same. I'd probably go for the wiring harness if I did it again.

[@nycmaverick]

Wouldn't you put the bolt in the other way?

[@StephenLoosli1]

The direction of the bolts is unimportant for the hitch's structural integrity. The Curt instructions had the bolts installed as I did it. However, to have the bolts go from back towards the front, one could remove a portion of the rear bumper around the hitch area. I don't know if that is easy or hard.

[@nycmaverick]

@@StephenLoosli1 Understood. Receivers can act as a nice bumper saver. I actually keep my hitch installed as a bumper protector when parking in close proximity to other cars .

[@Nature__Nick]

@@nycmaverick I rather my bumper take a hit than my frame... That's what it's designed for.

[@nycmaverick]

@@Nature__Nick You must not live in NYC then. Don't park behind me or you will learn the reason.

[@Nature__Nick]

@@nycmaverick How about you don't run into people's cars?

[@rickymetzenbomb7548]

What about a wiring video?

[@StephenLoosli1]

That is coming up on my projects list!

[@EffurPerspective]

I would have used a jack stand

[@mattmcdevitt3758]

You saved nothing because you have to put the wiring harness in and that’s a lot more than people paid to have it put in at the factory and it will be an add-on. But great video.

[@vtvt2690]

Does this Bronco come with a trans/oil cooler? That’s the advantage of the factory tow package. And of course the wiring for the lights.

[@StephenLoosli1]

From what I know and have researched the Bronco tow package does NOT come with a cooler. The factory option is the hitch, wiring harness, and an electronic tow controller module.

[@nbssnipez9238]

its not just the hitch, they also add trans cooling as well so you don't over heat the trans. aftermarket and install with warranty is where it can be more than just adding as the option.

[@StephenLoosli1]

Thanks for the comment. Here is what Ford provides from the factory: Trailer hitch assembly; 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness prewire; 2” receiver. It does NOT include a trailer brake controller or a transmission cooler. Basically, I just wanted to be able to move things around, but not do heavy hauling - I have other vehicles for that. So far, it has worked well. Although ... I've hit my shin on the hitch a couple of times when the rear door was open.

[@Co1eTrain84]

The hitch itself isn't the problem. The wiring for it is a BITCH from my understanding

[@8654ZuluFoxtrot]

I guess if you don't care to have it covered by the warranty. I suppose of anything on the vehicle you can add during production, this might be something that some folks wouldn't mind not being covered by the warranty. You save about $450-$500, if you don't figure in your time to put it on. But adding it to the factory build has almost no impact on the final payment, so for me I'd rather have the factory do it and have it on the warranty.

[@StephenLoosli1]

I don't disagree. In many cases, ordering the factory towing package for a vehicle makes more sense because of added features - such as a transmission cooler or augmented braking support. However, in the case of this Bronco package, all you get is a hitch and a wiring harness. I decided after delivery to add the hitch and it was easy for me to do.

[@noah22261]

Ya might want to black out your address and email…

[@StephenLoosli1]

Thanks for the suggestion. I actually have no problem sharing that particular email and address. I've included it in my About section for folks to reach out to me.