The New Ford Bronco Takes On The World's Toughest Towing Test, And It REALLY Surprised Us!

[@eddleman72]

Reference your comment that the Toyota doesn't have a "tow/haul" mode, 4Runner & FJ Cruiser based on the 4Runner have historically has a tow mode called "overdrive lockout" versus "tow haul". What the overdrive lockout does is keep the transmission out of the highest gear (0.86 overdrive ratio) and agressively keeps the torque converter locked up to reduce heat build up in the transmssion. In my 4Runner pulling heavy loads, engine RPM with Overdrive lockout (not in final highest gear & torque converter locked) and overdrive not locked (highest gear & torque converter not locked up therefore doing torque multiplication along with some slip, and heat generatred) results in nearly the same engine rpm with far less overall transmssion heat generation. If you'll check the owners manual regarding towing, it strongly recommends use of the overdrive lockout when towing.. Sounds like a tow/haul mode to me....

[@mnmvuk]

Overdrive lock out is not the same. Not even close. Should you use it when you tow if that's all the vehicle has? Absolutely. A true tow/haul mode does a lot more than that. It adjust shift patterns dramatically. This is up-shifting as well as shifting on the way down. It also will down shift to help with braking (i.e. transmission brake). It also does not lock out the highest gear like overdrive lock out does. If the conditions are appropriate (even when towing) why not let the transmission go into the highest gear for efficiency as well as cooling conditions?

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I agree completely. While not a dedicated "tow/haul" mode that is exactly what overdrive lockout is for.

[@philtripe]

@@mnmvuk No... Tow Haul modes allow for over drive use

[@jmax.6587]

@@philtripe tow haul modes wont let the transmission shift into over drive so you actually stay in a lower gear to stay in a good rpm range to achieve the power band of the motor, as well as it makes the shift point higher in rpms during gears to as i said before, stay in the power band. you are misinformed.

[@joesprague1464]

FJ manual states not to tow in drive setting,should be in 4 gear

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

Always weird to hear royalty free music shared between channels. I couldn't stop thinking of Off The Ranch during the title card.

[@zachylimaki2167]

I knew I recognized that tune. Just couldn't think of where. Long live the Demolitia huh...

[@georgejulien3286]

@@zachylimaki2167 don’t tell mere

[@ethanhall1974]

Same

[@TermlessHGW]

Richard Gene the fishing machine outro tune

[@CurtisDishman]

Woop woop Demolitia!!!!

[@mitchaharden1]

I hope Ford makes a Bronco Powerboost. That would be one of the greatest overlanding/camping vehicle.

[@omarrodrig]

Yes! No more generator in the camp site

[@zelenizub2036]

And drop down payload below 800lb. This thing is street legal ATV nothing more and nothing less.

[@alexs3187]

That would be cool, but it won’t be based on the 3.5, it will be a 2.3.

[@gbaby4rb64]

Yeah Powerboost vs 4XE

[@jeffreybalandra8891]

It won’t matter, in my opinion. Payload and and towing will decrease way more than now.

[@lukestoyz]

As an FJ cruiser owner on 35’s and having towed a trailer many times, I do not drive it like they do. I actually manually select 4th and leave it their on steep grades as to not let it keep trying to go into overdrive. It tows fine and has never had a problem. Also I went to Uhaul and had them wire in a brake controller .

[@phil_builds]

....reduce your towing capabilities by 2% per 1000 foot elevation gain. To maintain sea level performance. Just take that in....to maintain sea level performance. Why must you give Ford grief about that? It's basic physics for engine performance. When you're at higher elevation there is less air...therefore to point out the obvious, your engine will perform at a lower efficiency. The real question is why 2% and not any higher than that. To add to that, what would the percentage of change be for its competitors? Because clearly that FJ struggled a lot more than the bronco so in theory you would have to reduce its towing capabilities way more than 2% to ...oh hey check that out..maintain sea level performance. The percentage change is the key. So at what percentage would the FJ finally be happy and not hunt around for gears all the time and lose speed. That I feel is more of a scientific test.

[@aashilr]

Yup, applies to every ICE vehicle. Ford was good enough to tell you

[@kingshawn1857]

Damn that fj was searching for gears like a crackhead searching for loose change

[@shaneolsen9394]

That poor FJ, transmissions don't like excessive shifting under a load especially but I've said this before I dont like they don't use the manual gear set, I know the FJ is older but I bet it still has some form of gear selection

[@bundo-san]

lmao no kidding! I was feeling a bit uncomfortable watching it hunt so aggressively XD

[@lutomson3496]

@@shaneolsen9394 I would still take the FJ especially for the value I do manual shift automatics to optimize the maximum torque with RPM's comparing a modern transmission with new technology isnt really a comparison

[@shaneolsen9394]

@@lutomson3496 I agree no comparison at all but I dont blame the FJ I blame the driver

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

@@shaneolsen9394 Yep you need to be manually shifting on huge hills to get the most out of Toyotas, that doesn't make them bad, that means you need to get gud

[@jackylsmith8138]

I love it. We generally don’t tow this tiny trailer. I remember when they tried towing that tiny trailer with the Tesla Model X. They could drive 100 miles, charge for over an hour then drive for another 100 miles. Then they called in a Ram to to tow it.

[@garykozy4364]

Just heard 2025 le man's will have fuel cell cars. People in le man's not impressed with bev's. That seems to be the general opinion of people in Europe. We will see. They maybe just trying to put shade on Tesla. But from what I have read Europe has a much more advanced hydrogen program than we have. Not just in fuel cells but home utilities etc.

[@firstnamelastname9661]

🤣🤣🤣👍

[@cjeam9199]

@@garykozy4364 nah, not really. Hydrogen isn’t going to take off here either. There’s way more effort on getting a standardised charging connector and a pan-European charging network is being rolled out. Le Mans is a special case anyway, they’re an endurance race doing huge mileage. Formula E is a pretty well established open wheel electric racing series, still different to formula 1 of course but comparable in terms of the event.

[@cjeam9199]

@@garykozy4364 oh but for home utilities yes I imagine Europe might be further along with hydrogen because of how much we use gas for electric power plants and for space and water heating. But people remain extremely sceptical and there seems to be an acceptance it will still come second to electric. There was a study recently, I think on blue hydrogen, that it was worse for the environment than just burning gas, so it’s unlikely to play a huge role in mass utility replacement either.

[@garykozy4364]

@@cjeam9199 Green Hydrogen is the perfect storage system for the offshore windmills. Such a system is being constructed off the shores of Denmark right now. Batteries have not been perfected in 2000 years. And there hasn't been any fantastic developments that would suggest there is a miracle discovery in our near future. Store the off shore electricity as hydrogen. Then use that hydrogen directly in vehicles . Trucking it to hydrogen filling stations. Or mix it with LNG and pipe it in exiting lines to business and residences. Separating the 2 gases at the point of use. Of course the larger the vehicle and the longer the required distance traveled, the greater the hydrogen performance. In existing residences and businesses use the LNG for heating cooking and water heating etc., separate out the hydrogen for use in your vehicle. In new construction build neighborhood gas separating plants. Install appropriate piping to deliver hydrogen directly to individuals residence. In this case all home requirements would be satisfied by hydrogen. There are a lots of uses for LNG. such as plastics.

[@brettb2718]

The new Bronco has an optional/accessory trailer brake controller you can choose when you order it. It is a Lumens brand and is a $340 option.

[@markrivera8570]

where is that?

[@brettb2718]

@@markrivera8570 They appear to have removed it.. However it is still listed in the Ford accessories catalog as part number VM2DZ2C006A.

[@Wheelman1966]

I pull a small box trailer (3,500 to 4,000 lbs) with my '99 Ford Ranger. In the mountains of central AZ we have grades similar to the Ike. Going downhill I just set the cruise control to 45 and pull it into 2nd gear. It will hold 45 down the entire grade. No brakes needed. No fancy tech. Been doing it for the past 15 years with the same truck, still runs like a top.

[@joebleed]

Yea, i got to drive a 2020 ranger fx4 while on vacation in CO. if you don't set the cruse control, it seemed to happily accelerate down hill if you were in auto mode. you set the cruse and it would downshift more often trying to engine brake; but not great. using sport mode and manually shifting worked better.

[@vdub5818]

Tommy, you'd be surprised. The cruisemaster hitches/couplings are really one of the best, if not the absolute best, offroad hitches in the world. We will be converting our overland trailer to the cruisemaster hitch/coupling in due time, but need to convert from hydraulic surge brakes to electric first. The articulation, strength, ease of hook up, lack of noise,, etc are all hard to beat.

[@robertryan7204]

Cruismaster supply many Australian Caravan manufacturers

[@vdub5818]

@@robertryan7204 yep, cruisemaster is Australian too. Unfortunately for us in the US we have only 1 distributor to go through.

[@robertryan7204]

@@vdub5818 Hopefuly that will improve. Notice REDARC another Australian aftermarket company is making inroads in the US RV industry

[@vdub5818]

@@robertryan7204 🤣 funny you say that. The electrical system I designed for the trailer utilizes a Redarc BCDC 1240. The Aussie's do overlanding like no other. Makes sense considering the continent they live on and the vast open areas inland.

[@robertryan7204]

@@vdub5818 It RVing is going ballistic downunder many new manufacturers are coming onto the scene

[@anthonycolbourne4206]

Great to finally see a Bronco towing video. Exactly what I was waiting for. I was considering a Bronco, but oddly enough after so much delays, ended up buying a 4Runner mainly due to it's 5,000lb towing rating. The transmission on the Bronco looks like it works very well under those conditions. Better than the 4Runner or FJ Cruiser wildly shifting transmissions for sure. The power and torque on the Bronco are very good. Too bad there isn't a tow package to match the capability of the truck.

[@Steven-xj2rf]

Agreed - I would love to see them come up with 6000lbs tow rating. Looks better than a Jeep Wrangler for towing.

[@larrybe2900]

There will need to be an on demand suspension system to tow that heavy.

[@stephenp8644]

I think the key phrase that most people miss is "If you want to get sea level performance you need to decrease trailer weight by two percent for every 1000 feet of elevation". For everyone who has trailer towing knowledge and experience knows you will not get the same performance towing uphill that you would get on flat land at sea level. Did you hear the comment about the commercial trucks traveling at 25-30 MPH going uphill? Whatever towing capacity your vehicle is rated at it will tow in the mountains as well as at sea level... just not as fast. Also the "tow/haul" mode originally disabled the overdrive in the transmission for the purpose of towing in the mountains without burning up the transmission constantly jumping in and out of overdrive. If you don't have a "tow/haul" button, just shift out of overdrive to regular drive (NEVER neutral!). Good review guys!

[@traceypup1810]

I’d like to see a benchmark of the number of brake applications for a vehicle not towing a trailer in normal mode going down the ike. I’d also like to see a car or two tested up it for fuel mileage to see how much it affects a car or truck that isn’t towing.

[@TheRamGuy]

Not a bad idea

[@sasquatchcrew]

Thats a good idea. Why didn't anyone think of this before! XD

[@raionshishi8290]

If we were to do that does that mean the Bronco currently holds the benchmark in it's segment with only 9 ?

[@JacopoSkydweller]

Do people not engine brake?

[@gogofastful]

This is the dumbest part of the test. How does any vehicle know what speed to hold without cruise being set?

[@jimbaloni1877]

16:15 "but it looks like a rocketship that has docked itself in a donut" "...yes" lmao

[@dalejones4322]

I look forward to these great videos on Saturday morning. Sitting, drinking coffee, and watching tfl. Doesn't get much better. Thanks guys

[@HaroldCombs]

Same. :)

[@gwaddles]

Yep!

[@robertyoung8289]

How bout watching it with a hot chick on top drinking a beer?

[@X92Exploder]

@@robertyoung8289 yes sir, that’s better.

[@Goodbarsix]

I love these IKEs!

[@ripfletching]

Man I really like this new Bronco

[@larrybe2900]

I don't know the rear gears compared to the F150 2.7 but a 5k PU hauls a s s.

[@Cz82]

that face Tommy made when the FJ was going up hill, hilarious 😂😂😂

[@dcl97]

The tow rating on the Bronco is limited by the trailer sway response max damping ratio according to modern SAE J2807 testing standards. In other words the soft suspension compresses too much in a trailer sway condition. If it was released 10 years ago it would easily have a 5,000lb + tow rating.

[@joreldavis4069]

4Runner TRD Pro can pull 5,000 times with off road suspension and Toyota use SAE J2807.

[@dcl97]

@@joreldavis4069 A Badlands Bronco has an RTI of 700 (according to Ford), a Wrangler Rubicon has an RTI of 693. The 4runner is a mere 420. Not really a comparable vehicle to the others as far as suspension travel is concerned.

[@joreldavis4069]

@@dcl97 does SAE J2807 consider RTI in their score rating?

[@motoxrich1]

@@joreldavis4069 No, but I think you're missing his point.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

@@joreldavis4069 The Toyota also needs a sway control device when towing over 2,000lbs. Same problem.

[@joezephyr]

The reason for the Ford towing restrictions at altitude is simple. If the transmission burns out Ford will say you failed to follow the manual therefore it is not covered under warranty.

[@ALMX5DP]

I dont think that's at all, given any dealer visit or warranty work would likely occur without much investigation into what weights were towed or what specific altitudes they were towed at. The restrictions are a bit sneeky, but many such restrictions exist regardless of model or brand.

[@gratedbacon0935]

@@ALMX5DP that’s not true, especially with ford. they look into everything. some brands are like that but yeah

[@ALMX5DP]

@@gratedbacon0935 it’s written as just a note, separate from warnings just before in the owners manual. "Your vehicle could have reduced performance when operating at high altitudes and when heavily loaded or towing a trailer. When driving at elevation, to match driving performance as perceived at sea level, reduce gross vehicle weight and gross combination weight by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m) elevation." So it's not a restriction at all, just telling an owner that their experience towing at higher elevations wont match what they might be accustomed to at sea level.

[@J-W.-]

Atleast with extended warranties we handle we use to ask excessive towing but recently dropped it. If vehicle didn't come into the shop with trailer noway we can ever prove that.

[@kevinparks777]

I feel like the hard top bronco would have been fine with one piece of rubber weather stripping to remove the rattle

[@Dan.mapp.]

exactly what I thought...or a piece of felt stuck between the panel till they're replaced

[@iamnid]

I believe I read that the roofs have been recalled for those broncos -- maybe THAT fixes the sound?

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@@iamnid That and the fact that it looks like a toddler glued carpeting on it. It looks incredibly cheap and poorly done

[@Nathan_King]

I doubt any felt producers where interested in sponsoring their channel, so they went with plan B.

[@deandesrosiers6857]

Agreed. The squeaks are simply a loose fit with plastic friction fit handles. Mine does not squeak at all and perhaps its climate. I have had my roof on and off a few times so it’s been “used”.

[@robertfoghis773]

Hey guys. I watch all your content and I truly appreciate your non biased reviews. I work for a Ford dealer and I appreciate the honesty. I'm wondering, maybe if you guys could do a video on the downhill portion, but manually shifting. How would that affect the downhill brake applications. Would be very interesting to see. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@TFLtruck]

Thanks for the kind words. FYI: We’ve done this in the past but then is becomes a test of the driver and not the vehicle.

[@gogofastful]

@@TFLtruck It's a meaningless test because the transmission is designed to slow the vehicle in the mountains. Just using the brakes is dangerous.

[@timlong1462]

Ya that’s what I immediately thought. Even when I’m not towing I put my automatic into 2nd or 3rd when going down passes. To me all the tow haul modes on cars are worthless, they are just holding a gear the same way. I guess it’s for people that don’t know this. This “brake over 50” test really only tests the software. Since the FJ doesn’t have that this shows nothing.

[@timlong1462]

@@TFLtruck I think they meant manually selecting a gear in the auto, not manual trans. Should’ve put the FJ in 2nd or 3rd (whatever gear equates to about 50mph) since it doesn’t have a tow haul mode that does this for you. Anyone who knows how to tow safety would do this, so letting it coast in D isn’t really showing us anything except that gravity works.

[@aguywithajeep]

Our outer banks model has a 7 and 4 pin connector and factory hitch. Just picked it up from the dealer last week.

[@028943182]

But they made it sound like such a big deal.

[@vdub5818]

First editions did not get tow package

[@vdub5818]

@@028943182id imagine it's much like with the wrangler. Taking a non tow package wrangler and installing the tow package afterwards is a pain. To do it properly involves lots of wiring harness work, which basically requires full interior disassembly, and the BCM must be coded for it to function properly. Not a huge deal but it isn't a quick bolt/plug in installation.

[@MrBoomer513]

Gotta say. Loving Tommy's attitude as of late. Excellent content.

[@jebsdaddy141]

His dad, not so much.

[@ToastedTostito]

Ford offers a hitch extender as an accessory for times like these. That might have helped with hitch visibility

[@Kingcold2002]

Mega Ike gauntlet maverick vs Santa Cruz

[@dmegahan]

There is a 100% chance this will happen when given the chance.

[@danrather5473]

It’s like the special Olympics for trucks 🤡

[@NWI_Steel]

I cant wait for the Maverick tests!

[@boughtandpaidforautoreview1150]

Yep. TFL is for seeing how vehicles perform their weakest and most pointless tasks. HD truck mpg test 1/2 ton drag race Crossovers off road Rock crawlers towing Spots car cargo capacity and seating

[@mattward330]

Man I think stage 3 turbos and tuning getting the 2.7 up to about 500hp will make the Bronco so much fun to drive. I hope you guys do it!

[@caspforge]

That would be cool. I dont think they will do that. They never modify their cars to that extent but would be cool if they did

[@TheSkinnyMechanic]

Nothing available to tune the 21’ eco boost motors. (Sucks because I wanted to add to my 21’ 3.5 F150) The new ecm can’t be cracked as the encryption key is apparently to good now. If you want aftermarket tune your going to be waiting a bit longer.

[@mattward330]

@@TheSkinnyMechanic i mean yes but it will be figured out eventually or it'll come to an ecm swap.

[@johnpeters9793]

@T-boe the first You do realize the original broncos were 6 cylinders...not to mention the full size bronco also was available with the I6. Please don't look up the original corvette power train....it'll make your head explode.

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

@T-boe the first the ecoboost makes more power especially at elevation....

[@levicharles996]

I thank you guys for exposing that tow rating in relation to the elevation. I feel like in all these years they have never said anything about tow rating as you go up in elevation.

[@chriswilson433]

I find it a little suspicious that the only places it is listed is on digital towing guides…over-the-air updates anyone?

[@socalson7492]

It’s just a CYA feature. Ford just doesn’t want to be sued. Chances are you’ll be absolutely fine towing the max weight over any elevation.

[@mattbrew11]

@@socalson7492 at 245 oil temp im not sure the 3500 max rating is safe at least on the ike gauntlet of about 6 passes in arizona ive crossed, especially between may and September

[@IrocZIV]

It's really just a matter of physics. They could also say you'd get better towing performance below sea level. All cars are going to have performance differences based on the amount of O2 available.

[@ebnhahn1993]

Exposing!!??. THis theory applies to every AUTOMAKER Trucks!!!. FORD just happen to be the ONLY one who chooses to mention!. Regardless of this Disclaimer, FORD Trucks Trumped the RAM, GMC and Chevy when they were tested by TFL up the IKE and close to the MAX tow ratings!!.

[@kaybar6225]

My Badlands came with factory hitch and extended neck, plus it has both four and seven pin connections with a braking control system. Very heavy duty and practical setup. Went up Mt Washington with a 4,300 lb load, had no problems...

[@nateroberts235]

The FJ doesn't have a "tow/haul" mode, but Toyota also says you shouldn't tow in overdrive, so the downhill run should've been done in 4th gear which would've added a little engine braking.

[@SouthDFWrep]

The bronco doesn’t have a tow/haul mode either

[@thomasjohn8632]

I always enjoy when these 2 sit down and work together

[@wat3rdog25]

Come on Ford, absolutely NEED a tow haul mode. No pickup bed means towing a trailer for hauling stuff around town at the very least. I will definitely be pulling my off road camper. Sure hope Ford is paying attention to this test and future customers. Love that the FJ is the benchmark as I’m looking to add the Bronco to my Toyota family of vehicles.

[@jabroni6199]

Just use sport mode. It has nearly the same shift characteristics. Not as good as a dedicated tow/haul mode but a whole lot better than normal mode.

[@wat3rdog25]

@@jabroni6199 great to know. Thanks.

[@Shadow_Wolf_190]

You want to add a Bronco what Toyota models do you have?

[@wat3rdog25]

@@Shadow_Wolf_190 16Tundra and an 18 Sequoia both with the 5.7. Love em both.

[@timmypstyle]

I like the Andre and Tommy combination on these videos. You guys seem to keep it more interesting with solid info. Add Nathan in there too sometimes. Any combo of those 3 i think are the best.

[@gijoecam]

I really believe this type of 'downhill' towing test is really more a reflection of the wind resistance than any particular towing capability. Obviously those systems that will downshift to hold speed are different.

[@enz6312]

Andre, the 1980's called, they want their sun glasses back......great video...love the sin glasses👍👍👍

[@fenceman53]

Take that same trailer up with the Russian 4x4 van for some comic relief

[@jasonreed7642]

my Outer Banks has a tow mode on it. It came factory with the hitch system.

[@goomgoom5504]

Really great video! Andre and Tommy you two present really well together, probably the best combination of presenters at TFL.

[@lukestoyz]

That same adapter that they used on the FJ is what I had installed on my FJ at Uhaul and wired to a standard brake controller. It wasn’t that expensive and was a simple job for them. I would have installed it myself but ran out of time for a trip.

[@davidhillbrand2302]

Realizing that the FJ does not have a tow/haul mode, you should use manual shifting. The driver should know how and when to intervene.

[@rickyjohnson1034]

in the real world. Just slow to about 50 Mph and use fourth and just climb.

[@heathwirt8919]

@@rickyjohnson1034 Correct, the driver must find the speed and gear that the vehicle can maintain without over stressing the engine, transmission, brakes and cooling system. Taking a few more minutes to get to the top is not going to make a difference.

[@deandesrosiers6857]

Tommy and Andre and showing more chemistry and this video has great flow. Fun to watch! Now I am late for work. I have a Wildtrak with the 2.7 and 10 speed. The Wildtrak has SPORT mode and it holds high gear going downhill so I assume it would do better. I have not towed yet but I have the factory tow kit. The 35’s are strangely solid when cornering. My hard top is not squeaking. The 10 speed is an amazing beast. It has a manual shift mode and I would be able to manage downhill shifts better. I guess now I have to do some math to get my proper tow rating lbs. thanks guts, amazing video as always.

[@bradenstuart4074]

Let’s see 4 Runner TRD Pro vs Bronco vs Wrangler rubicon!

[@JLswatchthis]

392 wrangler

[@OG-SoaringFalcon]

FYI, the 2024 Bronco is prewired for both the hitch (7 and 4 pin onnector) and the TBC. It was a nice surprise when we took delivery of it. The hitch kit is $300 and the TBC is $350, the tow module in the hitch kit does need to be activated by the dealer or via Forscan!

[@frh-freerangehuman]

**all 1970’s station wagons towing campers “hold my beer”

[@unclebob7937]

Hells yes! Those old wagons with big blocks could tow as good or better than newer pickups. Remember the old accessory towing mirrors? Good times and cheap gas! 👍😎🏁

[@1FiftyOverland]

@@unclebob7937 but using 3x more fuel

[@unclebob7937]

@@1FiftyOverland I'm curious to see how the direct inj. Dual turbo's heads hold out over time and miles.

[@1FiftyOverland]

@@unclebob7937 I have almost 116,000 miles on my 2015 2.7l f150. Loaded down for camping alot its holding up. We dont have hardly any failures of the 3.5 or 2.7l Ecobeasts

[@johnlincicum6390]

@@1FiftyOverland nah, they'd be almost idling up the hill with a Ford 460 and a C6 transmission, and old Buick Electra 225 with a 455 and TH400 sure would too.

[@michaeldobson8859]

I used a solid plastic adapter on F250s. Why build a special harness? Doesn’t sound right to me.

[@walterlynch4820]

Great video. At 7.8 mpg, the 2D Bronco with the 16.9 gallon tank will have to be refueled about every 100 miles (assuming refuel at 1/4 tank).

[@Sir......]

youre not climbing an ike gauntlet the whole trip.....

[@mikehub6664]

@@Sir...... towing my 6k travel trailer at 65mph netted a 10.9mpg avg for me. I had a 200mi range avg on my 2010 pathfinder. Seems like a reasonable expectation when towing near the max capacity. It’s about the same for a 9k trailer on a v8 f150.

[@jimaudette445]

Ford offers a brake controller in their accessory catalog. It's a complete plug and play under the dash. You can also buy a controller from RedArc with their custom wiring harness that plugs in the same location. If you have the Ford factory trailer tow package all the wiring is there from the factory.

[@tman1129]

Great video! You can get a 4 pin to 7 pin adapter at Walmart...

[@ahmedhishamdr8485]

Andre really really loves towing!!

[@michaelstringer1840]

I'm curious how the manual with the 2.3 would be towing.

[@philtripe]

fine for around town or a short camp trip... Highway is a different story

[@douglas685]

@@philtripe Eh I disagree. 3500lbs isn't much and the 2.3l has 325lbft of torque with 91 octane. Probably plop it in 4th at around 3500rpm where the turbo really starts producing and cruise up whatever hill you're climbing.

[@markbroad119]

I did have a 30' horse trailer which was a 4 pin connection. However if you splice the brake wire into the brake lights it will work with your tow brake controller.

[@ALMX5DP]

Looks like that 10k ft thing is just a note to tell owners that their truck wont perform the same at altitude, not to restrict towing to save any component or overheating. From 2021 F-150 owner's manual. "Your vehicle could have reduced performance when operating at high altitudes and when heavily loaded or towing a trailer. When driving at elevation, to match driving performance as perceived at sea level, reduce gross vehicle weight and gross combination weight by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m) elevation."

[@wade7959]

Thanks for the comment. That makes it more clear.

[@ckl8a]

I get that you drive them all in the same manner for consistency to compare different trucks, but especially in the case of the FJ, with no tow/haul mode, I would like to see another run where you do some manual shifting and see how it actually tows. if my truck's not going to grade shift for me, I'll pull it down a gear or two to save my brakes, and if it's constantly hunting for the right gear on the way up, I'll just put it in the right gear and leave it there. even for trucks with tow mode, it would be cool to see how well it works compared to the driver taking control

[@arnoldalexanderguzman8215]

We need to see the FJ at max towing now. 🙏🏻😊

[@waqarawan1418]

Not made for towing - recon send both to trans aus trip. I am certain only only one will return lol :)

[@CA.papaBear]

This isnt an insult towards you guys but to the guys that designed the 2021 ford bronco: Wtf were you guys thinking? A mustang with an ls swap is better than seeing the orphan of the toyota land cruiser/jeep. To you guys who made this video, still awesome. :)

[@brianmccarthy8215]

I’m surprised you guys didn’t use a scanguage to monitor the other temps on the fj

[@SuperBigman714]

Saturday mornings with TFL! 🙌

[@146348]

So where’s the Bronco vs Jeep towing (comparison) video?

[@johnmiller7682]

I've seen you us the FJ as a comparison, many times. I think the big thing is that, an FJ with low miles, is going to run you between 30 and 40k. I've seen a few for as low as 15k. But those have well over 100k, up to 200k miles.

[@devinbender8428]

Cheapest FJ in the USA, 4x4 automatic trans under 45k miles is $38,500 That’s mid level Bronco money. Average price is mid to high $45k

[@colinhoward74]

It just goes to show , the FJ is still a beast

[@02hreblue30]

archaic

[@Malc664]

Welcome to the towing world Tommy, now you know of the Drop On 3.5 tonne hitch. DO35 has been the pick for towing offroad.

[@johndeerefarmer4483]

Good video. Thanks. Ford does offer a trailer brake controller in the Build and Price. Look at the bottom under Accessories

[@theseb1979]

Yup. Lumens brake controller $339 option

[@ragnarocks9121]

I kept screeching and screeching at my TV that a controller can be had from the factory.

[@devinbender8428]

No real point. No state requires a trailer brake unless your over 3500lb. All it would help with is saving your car brakes

[@johndeerefarmer4483]

@@devinbender8428 It would help greatly in towing in the mountains like TFL does

[@devinbender8428]

@@johndeerefarmer4483 most new cars have engine braking when going down hill. So unless you have to stop fast going down hill, it won’t make much of a difference. Just don’t drive like a maniac.

[@nnns415]

Great video. S=D/T, S=60 (maintaining), D=Fixed, So T will always be around 8 mins.

[@pernell4351]

Like see how the manual transmission one will do.

[@JF-rf9fx]

That 4.0 wailing up the hill is what I hear in my nightmares😫

[@stout_tossme7541]

She is loud. Every time mine shifts down I cringe. Lol.

[@kelvinhill9874]

I’d be really curious how a non Sasquatch (but otherwise identical) version, would perform in the same conditions.

[@jakethesnake1503]

Whats the diff... Different tires.

[@rydfree]

@@jakethesnake1503 Different gearing

[@wade7959]

I'm also curious, but let's be honest. Who doesn't want the sasquatch package...nobody. Even if smaller tires makes a towing improvement, it won't change purchase decisions. Everyone I know that's interested in the Bronco wants the sasquatch package.

[@phild9813]

By the same token, everyone who wants a Wrangler wants a Rubicon. But it turns out that most don’t buy one. I think the same or similar will apply to the Bronco. If they ever make enough to find that out.

[@mardamek]

@@phild9813 That's so true. When talking about cars and thinking of what you'd like, you always consider nothing but the best trim. Then, when it's time to make a purchase, and reality sets in, a whole new set of factors and considerations start coming into play and you end up with something way more modest (or on a rare occasion, with more options than you considered before).

[@05EVORS]

You guys need to do a magnuson boosted 4.0L either a 4R or an FJ buy itself as a reference. It transforms the vehicle for a mere $6k at 350hp. It makes them perfect up grades and saves the transmissions from hunting. Mines in Socal you can use it but im sure there are dozens in Colorado you can borrow!

[@redhotstanger]

I have a 2017 Ford Transit T150 Ecoboost, in cruise control, it will grade shift and hold speed, I wonder if the Bronco would do the same with cruise control on?

[@garys2157]

Is it the 3.5 with the ten speed?

[@redhotstanger]

@@garys2157 its not, its the 6 speed.

[@TigersPops]

I live in Colorado and have a NOBO 10.5 if you ever want a smaller camper to tow in a video that’s in the 3,500lb range let me know! Live the vids, keep’em coming!

[@jh77sly]

Now I wonder what my 93 Crown Victoria would rate on the Ike. It's rated at 4000/5000 towing (without/with weight distributing hitch).

[@nickknee3515]

Them Crown Vicks are beast, with that V8 I'm sure can tow the moon.

[@jh77sly]

Stopping it is the key though. I know it can pull it. But I wanna know if it'll stop it.

[@nickknee3515]

@@jh77sly If it still has drum brakes all around I would alittle worried.

[@jh77sly]

4 wheel disc, but front vented and rear solid.

[@VARITHMS]

My 18 wheeler oil temp runs up to 250° all the time climbing. 275° getting hot, 300 it goes into limp mode. We don't run synthetic oils in the engines. Ford typically uses a synthetic blend.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

andre has the same cold I had a week ago lol! i sounded exactly the same.

[@wade7959]

You sounded like a Russian with a Buhanka! 😜

[@grantinsley]

@tfltruck Not sure about the Ford electronics in the US but the Ranger 10 speed in South Africa shows the gears permanently if you are in D and press the + on the gear lever. You can then also restrict the amount of gears that are available to use by pressing the - on the gear lever allowing for engine braking. We don't have Bronco's here so I have no way of checking for you, but take a look.

[@chrisb5986]

The 2.7 with the 10-speed tows very well in my F-150. I would love one of those Broncos. The FJ is rubbish for towing.

[@joesprague1464]

Should I ditch the FJ and my off road trailer that I tow behind it? Does anyone want this rubbish? 2014 FJ trd with 2015 off road trailer.

[@earl60446]

@@joesprague1464 In my area, a 2014 FJ has a asking price of about$33k to $36K. So yes, a lot of people want a FJ. 6 months ago those prices were lower.

[@joesprague1464]

@@earl60446 Perhaps then I'll suffer through a few more years of ownership of the fj that "tows like rubbish".It has 60k miles on it and has been dealer maintained.I have maint records also.Altho I wouldn't feel honest dumping it on someone else.

[@earl60446]

@@joesprague1464 Always thinking of your fellow man.

[@fritty9927]

@@joesprague1464 love the sarcasm 😄

[@marnielarocque9412]

Hello TFL from B.C Canada. Just a thought about the noise made by the hard top for the Bronco, A friend of mine in 1991ish had a Dodge 3/4 ton diesel and his truck made a sound just like the New Bronco and it was not really a rattle but a snapping sort of squeak. The plastic on the "A" pillars would make that rattling sound in the summer because the plastic was effected by the heat and would expand and come loose, and so had to bet tightened, and in the winter the owners had to loosen the screws that held the plastic or the plastics would crack. So tighten in the summer and loosen in the winter. I think the plastics used for the hard top is doing this, but the roof panels clamp on so you can`t loosen and tighten the top. If i had a Bronco that made this noise i would bond a very thin cloth on the panels that would get clamped and separated the 2 plastic sufaces.

[@mbiker345]

Man this makes me miss my fj.

[@christianglaude6659]

Lol For a second, thought I was watching "Off the Ranch"

[@jimmyspencer4019]

Can't believe u had to get that 4 pin to a 7 custom made. I had a 2007 canyon a few years back with a 4 pin and went to farm and fleet and bought a 4 to a 7 pin.

[@fritty9927]

Likewise

[@dobermanracing]

Uhaul even sell them for like $25

[@jabroni6199]

They’re all over Amazon too

[@gerardor1702]

Autozone sells them

[@jmanlinc]

I can make one for $10 cad in 30 min including the time to drive to princess auto and by the parts. But realistically I just convert any 4 pin to 7 pin permanently

[@johngrodski4158]

You guys are so fun to watch that I'm not into towing but I still enjoy your video

[@rerod650]

@tfltruck back with the 80s and 90s trucks before “tow/haul” button it was standard practice to always tow locking out the overdrive. Does the manual of these two newer vehicles but no tow/haul say anything similar or do they recommend towing in overdrive?

[@ToyotaNutjob]

Good question

[@ryanmartinage]

Many vehicles do recommend to put it in a certain arrangement for towing. My tundra I believe is supposed to be put in s4

[@MrLuisinho90]

Toyota recommends to lock out of overdrive on the FJ Cruiser while towing, so I believe this recommendation in vehicles w/o tow-haul mode remains true

[@devinbender8428]

Locking out O/D wouldn’t help the 2/3 3/4 shifting.

[@morrisonjohnw]

I’m always impressed with our 4Runner on that pass. The downhill speed limit is around 90mph for summit county locals though…just watch out for that one heaved section in the second to last right turn.

[@wheelerk2012]

Nice! Now when are you taking the Bronco to MOAB?

[@slipknot2022000]

I like the on screen tow rating and payload rating. Nice add👍

[@brly4542]

I wish I knew what Ford did to the 2.7 in the Bronco, cause it's seems very asthmatic compared to the same engine in the f150. Let it breath Ford!

[@socalson7492]

In what way? It’s got twin turbos ramming air down its gullet.

[@vincefairleigh6899]

I don’t know why Ford didn’t put the 3.5L in it…

[@raionshishi8290]

I don't see how this is the case, where did you get this notion ?

[@brly4542]

@@raionshishi8290 I've driven both and considering the f150 is heavier it's much faster and has a lot more grunt off the line, and the F150 was a 2015 with a 6 speed

[@bobhart5669]

curt industrie s makes a brake controller that plugs into your 7 pin connector and wifi"s with your phone for manual brake operation. doesn't require an internal dash mounted brake controller. works great on my 2020ranger.

[@NoNumberListed]

Tommy is trying very hard to sell people a FJ

[@Russellsvinylcafe]

Because it's the better option despite being 7 years older

[@CoyoteFTW]

@@Russellsvinylcafe - No it’s not, not even close you’re a Toyota fanboy

[@triumphrider9396]

@@CoyoteFTW You know nothing

[@leesonneville1817]

Man 68 dB pulling a trailer uphill is a dream. My old Montero sits at about 100 dB on the highway. We actually wear earplugs.

[@RCPropaganda]

so people can still just get a cold, who knew.

[@000Virtual]

Bronco vs Wrangler Rubicon vs 4 Runner TRD Pro. Love the new look of the Bronco and think it might be best to wait to fix a few problems they have. Guy up the road just hit 550,000 miles on his 4 Runner and he is not easy on it. Wish I would have got one of those Toyota YJ's but have no room inside of them. They go for a fortune now and last maybe long like the 4runner.

[@valet132011]

I love the new bronco...just wish it could tow alil more.

[@michaelfoulkes9502]

3500 lbs is pretty weak.

[@douglas685]

I do love though that it kept the 3500lb for the 2 door with manual transmission and 2.3l. That's a huge plus for me as that's exactly what I'm ordering. I feel like 3500lb for the 4 door with 2.7l is weak sauce though. Especially considering the bronco is supposed to be a truck replacement/alternative. I feel like they should offer a max tow pack with 5,000 limit, even if it means things like tightening up the rear suspension on that package and beefier F150 cooling.

[@richcreager7877]

Those tow numbers are way less than what it's capable of towing. I have a Sasquatch and have had 5000 on it and never had a problem. Now I wouldn't try IKE Gaunlet with that much but here in Missouri piece of cake

[@MeEntertainmentJo_876]

Hey question for you: can we get an Ike Gauntlet of all the DRW gas powered trucks for 2022? Ford has a crew cab, lb, drw super duty with the 7.3L, and Chevrolet and Ram also have the same trucks with the 6.6L and 6.4L respectively. I think it would make an interesting video: who is the king of gas haulers?

[@WW-wf8tu]

Very interesting test. And new information about the nuances of the Bronco. Strange the gearing indicator disappears so you do not know what gear you are in. Very loud experience with the rag top. Get over the Buhanka bug soon Andre. lol

[@fretless05]

For the record, the FJ was built after 2014, it just wasn't sold in the US after that year. Sales of the FJ were finally discontinued in Japan (the last market) on 1/31 2018.

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

It's really weird but FJs are still available brand new (at least 2020) in the ME and SE Asia...

[@nafsucof]

i’d put an oil cooler with a fan on the bronco if it were mine.

[@TheChaztor]

Id put some gauges on the FJ.

[@TheChaztor]

@camry v6 Id get a real user name. You pick camry really not even supra or something fun?

[@TheChaztor]

@camry v6 "i love all cars" goes to Ford review throws shade at Ford.

[@oocombz]

Well since I have one of these on order it's good to know that I didn't get the hitch to delay it any longer. Lol 🤣 my family literally looked at me weird when I told them that I was going to keep my truck and have the bronco with getting rid of my commuter car. From what you guys have shown here I definitely need to keep my F-150 for when I tow.

[@carlouimet1420]

Too bad Toyota no longer manufactures the FJ Cruiser. Despite a 2014, it remains relevant. For my personal choice, if Toyota still made any, I would choose this model long before the Bronco.

[@almohndes9]

Actually Toyota is still manufacturing the FJ Cruiser but it's not being sold in the US , they are still sold new in select other markets.

[@TheSkinnyMechanic]

@@almohndes9 and if Toyota doesn’t want to give us what we want then they shouldn’t get anything from us for now on. Make them feel the pinch of no one buying their vehicles

[@jmanlinc]

@@TheSkinnyMechanic Toyota is giving people what they want, the fj is a novelty vehicle which tend to sell okay for the first couple years then plummet. The Bronco will likely suffer the same fate in the future.

[@TheSkinnyMechanic]

@@jmanlinc doubtful. Seeing as the market for an fj is still pretty brutal I’d say there plenty out there mad at Toyota for nixing it

[@jmanlinc]

@@TheSkinnyMechanic the market is only strong because so few were sold in the first place. Kind off like the ford excursion and the h2. All have a cult following in the used market but suffered from poor new sales numbers. People who buy new vehicles don't always value the same things that the used buyers do

[@timlong1462]

You should get an OBD II scan tool to see trans and oil temps on vehicles that don’t have display options for that. I bet the FJ was up there on the trans temp with all that shifting. Would probably be just fine if you manually selected a proper gear though.

[@CrimeVid]

Hold on a minute ! Ford are only saying “ to maintain sea level performance” ! who is going to expect that at 11,000 feet above msl ?

[@ALMX5DP]

Yeah noticed that too and had to check out an F-150 owners manual to verify. "Your vehicle could have reduced performance when operating at high altitudes and when heavily loaded or towing a trailer. When driving at elevation, to match driving performance as perceived at sea level, reduce gross vehicle weight and gross combination weight by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m) elevation." So it's labeled as just a "Note" and not a Warning, and likely there just so owners dont complain that their trucks dont tow as well at 10k ft as they do at sea level.

[@therealjohnsmith4811]

@@ALMX5DP Ram says the same just in a different way- “Ram trucks equipped with Cummins Intercooled Turbo Diesel engines will have a minimal power loss at high altitude. These ratings must be decreased by the weight of any optional equipment, trailer hitch, cargo in the tow vehicle, and passengers other than the driver”

[@KMBlaster]

Why didn't you put this up against a 2021 4Runner? I know the drive line is the same as the FJ, I have owned both and have a 2020 4Runner. I so much want a Bronco, but the towing capacity is a concern for me

[@BraeburnTV]

I wonder if Ford is still working on the Bronco Warthog, and what engine it’ll have

[@FATDADDYSACK]

What people have Said so far is it will have the 3.0 eco boost, low 400s hp and high 400 ft lbs of torque

[@aws2468]

@@FATDADDYSACK What doesn't make sense that Jeep slapped a 392 into the wrangler. Just a rumor but if ford is gonna compete, it would be powered by the st 3.0 EB or the 5.0 since they both make the same power

[@DeanJohnson67]

not sure when this was recorded but I was keeping an eye out in-case as I was on this exact route on 8/7 and again on 8/17 in the stock JT-R w/4klb travel trailer behind! definitely hunted gears a-lot in places on the uphills but did a great job downshifting on the downhills! Total 1/way trip length was 1100 miles avg was 9.5 mpg east to west and return west to east was 10.2 mpg.... don't know it's name but coming back from leadville theres a sharp u turn uphill that I couldn't hit 50mph on and was near redline!