05
Mar
As a 395 option the Tow Package including a full size spare and sway control software is a really good deal. If you cant find what you want order and get it the way you want it.
I appreciate any feedback you might have and look forward to being a member of these forums.
Can you add a tow package aftermarket. So far we havent seen anything special with the 1 from Ford. But maybe someone else has seen something I havent. Aftermarket probably be a good 300 cheaper.
If my Base Squatch goes through Ill add tow later. If my BB goes through I have tow included. It dont matter when I get my Bronco.
The Max Trailering package which gets you the full tow rating also gives you an integrated brake controller and trailer sway control that you wont get by adding an aftermarket brake controller. Bite the bullet and get the right truck for your trailer. Which is why it is HIGHLY encouraged to add the tow package to the truck when purchasing because the 650 they charge is a very small price to pay in comparison to doing an aftermarket job.
Not likely to be worth it to install aftermarket. They could easily add the physical hitch part and wiring. It is unlikely they could add the software part Sway control.
There may also be a transmission cooler difference. Thirdly depending on your sources you may only be able to tow 2000lbs instead of 3500 if it is not a factory installed tow package. I say wait and get the factory tow.
Go over to the Acadia board and search adding tow package for some good reading and understanding about the factory tow package and how to add the components if you dont have one. Remember even if you add all of the components GM will still limit your towing. Has anybody had success or even attempted to add the factory tow package after purchasing the vehicle.
Has anbody towed greater than 2000 pounds with an aftermarket setup. Would I be crazy to tow on rare occasions btw more than the 1500 pound limit. I appreciate any feedback you might have and look forward to being a member of these forums.
The HD trailer tow package is the seven pin connector trailer brake controller auxiliary transmission cooler and heavy duty radiator. You can certainly install all of those aftermarket. Thats what I did except I skipped the radiator upgrade.
It just wasnt needed for the trailer and conditions I tow under. If nothing else the dealership can at least upgrade the alternator if that is part of the OEM tow package. Then Id go to a transmission shop and see about upgrading the transmission cooler whether it is part of the OEM tow package or not.
The more cooling capacity and fluid capacity you can add the better it will be for your transmission. If you cant find what you want order and get it the way you want it. You may drive it a long time so make sure its one you are happy with.
Dont settle for one off the lot unless its only missing simple add-on items like a tonneau cover or floor mats. The tow package is not an easy dealer add. An after market towing package isnt the equivalent of a factory installed package.
Better shocks helps but the factory package also includes stronger springs and other components. I doubt the after market better brakes would be as good as the factory installed larger brakes. Still the aftermarket package is better than nothing.
Add about 100 lbs for those. That puts you at 4250 for shell frame suspension furniture appliances battery and LP. Not a lot of room 750 lbs before you hit the weight rating of an aftermarket not factory installed receiver setup.
I can confirm it is possible to add sway control. Added it myself this weekend on my 2013 SEL. The hardest part is doing the research and finding a Flex that is as close as possible to your own Flex but WITH the tow package.
I did this by comparing AsBuilt data with similar Flexes and making changes to the ICM and ABS modules using FORScan. But should you have the dealer install it or go the aftermarket route. Our recommendation is Yes buy it from your car dealer but that you should plan ahead for this.
Automakers offer a Trailer Prep-Package on all vehicles that make sense for towing. There are many adds that the factory puts into the tow package especially the wiring and fusing that IMO its not worth the perceived commodity delay or speed up it might cause. Ive never regretted a factory tow package but i have regretted the imperfection of an aftermarket tow package especially the wiring harness.
Yes the trailer brake wiring is in the drivers kickpanel but youll have to add your own connector. I doubt you got anything other than the hitch and trailer wiring. I had ordered a 13 citadel with the trailer package and they left it off.
I made them reorder one with the tow package. They tried to say they would add it. But all they were going to do was add.
The true Max Tow Package adds the brake controller 36-gallon gas tank 355 locking rear diff and an upgraded rear bumper. Technically the Max Tow package requires the 35 Ecoboost but all of the pieces were available as individual options. You really only need the hitch connectors and brake controller.
I am wondering if I should hold out for a Flex equipped with the factory tow package rather than just adding an aftermarket hitch and wiring. I know the factory unit costs over 500 but my reasoning is because the factory tow package includes Hitch receiver with 4500-lb. Rating 4-7-pin connector with wiring harness engine oil cooler and tire mobility kit.
Putting this on here to help people over the next twenty years. 300 to 400 will get you an installed 2 hidden hitch at an aftermarket place with electrical for some possibility of towing a small trailer cant predict when you might need this. As a 395 option the Tow Package including a full size spare and sway control software is a really good deal.
If your not planning on actually towing and just adding a bike rack or recovery point not having sway control and the full size spare is probably less of a deal if you go with an aftermarket hitch. If it is pre-wired the harness should be fairly easy to spot fairly good sized harnessend connector just hanging out not plugged into anything. My wifes 2014 traded it for our current 2018 back in March did not have the factory tow packagehitch and I installed an aftermarket hitch with the OEM wiring plugconnector.
We have compatible parts to give you the Class III trailer towing package but you will need to double check with Ford to make sure that it will still be okay with aftermarket equipment. I recommend going with the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch 13551 because it has a 5000 lb towing capacity which means your Flex is the limiting factor. No the towing prep package was only offered on the V6 not the I4.
I suppose you could install a larger radiator fans transmission cooler and alternator but that would not give you the extra horsepower you would need.