I just bought an 06 scab FX4. I thought that it had the tow package but it turns out it does not. The dealership said they would put a reciever on at cost. But I was wondering if all I needed was the receiver I could probably do it myself. I think they are just bolt on. Only if all the wiring is done will I attempt this. Otherwise I am super psyched about the truck. I am going to this truck from a Dodge Dakota 3.9L V6. What does it mean when the sticker states 4 pin trailer wiring. Thanks to my new brothers of Ford truck owners.

 

Check this out http://www.accessconnect.com/trailer_wiring_diagram.htm

 

Im sorry I guess i was not explaining it very well. What I want to know is if the dealer tells me they will install a receiver for me at their cost which is like 200 dollars. Cant I just buy a receiver for 129 dollars and bolt it on myself, or is there more to it than that. I was looking at the JC whitney catalog and they had them cheap that say they are custom fit and just bolt on.

 

Yes, you can buy one, and most, if not all, are direct bolt ons. Just make sure the one you purchase is a no drill application. With this truck, I would recommend looking into a class 4 hitch if you plan to use the upper end of it's tow rating. As to the wiring, I know the earlier (2000-2003), had the 4 pin connector even if they did not come with the tow package, so you may have the flat 4 connector back there already. If you don't, you can get one that is as simple as unplugging and installing it inline into the taillight connector at the rear of the bed. I'm not sure what would be required to wire a 7 pin, however.

 

You may be able to find the harness, from ford, that plugs into the trucks wiring without having to splice it in....

Since your truck does not have the towing package, ie - larger cap radiator, trans cooler and so on, be careful how much weight you tow.

That class IV hitch is what comes with the towing package. It's intergrated into the truck frame and is what the rear bumper bolts on to. But the towing package has additional items that make it just that, a towing package.

Without the other towing package items, I would not tow at or near max capacity.

 

I wonder if they can put the items on( radiator and trans cooler) as an aftermarket item or does this have to done at the factory. How much can I tow with just the receiver.

 

Take a look in your owners manual, it will list capacities depending on your trucks equiptment, i.e. which engine, gear ratio etc.
As far as adding bigger radiators and trans. coolers aftermarket now would cost a small fortune.
A typical class lll hitch is rated at 3500 to 6000 lbs depending on the hitch.
Your truck will handle anything the hitch can.
Unless you plan on towing ALL the time, that new F150 is a beast, it'll do the job.
6000 lbs is a lot of trailer.

 

Mostly I will just be towing a few snowmobiles or four wheelers with a trailer. Also occasionally a travel trailer. I just want to make sure that I get the right setup and dont want to be in a position where I am towing something that I should not be. I guess I will buy a class four reciever and bolt it on myself if I can save some green over the dealer price. I have not picked the truck up yet from the dealer so I cant look it up in the manual. Thanks for the replies.

 

Buy a good hitch and bolt it on. The harness should be available for the 7 pin. Upgrade your tranny cooler.

I have a guy at work who has a 2004 4x4 Lariat. He had only the 4 pin and swears that his truck has the towing package. His tranny cooler is smaller than mine with the towing package.

Why there would even be an option of a towing package is beyond me. Every full size truck should have the towing package.

As far as what you can tow, everything depends on "when properly equipped" if you add the equipment aftermarket, you will be rated at the lower ratings.

 

Because the tow package is not needed for pickup up the kids at school, or going grocery shopping. Thats all most of the trucks get used for anymore. Or to say "I have a truck", because I can afford it, and thats the only reason.

I agree with you, you should buy a truck based on your need for it. And if you NEED it, there's a real good chance you have a trailer to hook to it............

 

I dont currently do a lot of heavy stuff with my truck, but the towing package is not an option. I need to be able to use it when I need it. It doesnt hurt anything by having it. The gear ratios are about the same, it just gives better cooling and charging. What truck doesnt need that?

 

If you PM me with an e-mail address, I'll e-mail the 06 F-150 manual in PDF format (3.7mb). I got it off the My Ford website. You need a VIN to register for it.

Let me know.....

 

I think I have a fairly complete picture of what you have on your mind.

It is arbitrarily assumed that F250 and above will be used for serious towing. This is why the factory wiring harness has a connector for a brake control right under the dash panel by the wheel.

In F150 - the flat fourway is there because it is assumed you are not going to go out and get a huge rig to tow with it. A travel trailer though will require a seven way plug, and the difference is that a flat four is only intended to operate brake lights, marker lights, and turn signals.

The seven way plug also has a twelve volt connection for charging the travel trailer battery, AND ALSO a connection for a brake controller to connect to the electric brakes on the travel trailer. The center pin on a seven way is for reverse lights, but not all trailers have them, usually only the great big monsters like ALFA fifth wheels.

If your travel trailer DOES NOT HAVE electric brakes, you can probably get away with using a flat four - to - seven way adapter, you can find them at many auto parts stores. But BEWARE! THEY DO NOT HAVE A MEANS FOR BRAKE OR CHARGE connections. Those have to be hardwired, and you need to know what you're doing.

The charge wire needs a relay and slow blow self resetting 20 amp fuse. The fuse protects the alternator of the truck, and the relay is only switched when the engine is running. This is to prevent the truck battery from being run down.

The brake connection calls for the installation of a brake controller ($90.oo and up. PRODIGY is likely the best of them). The brake control needs 12V from the battery, a good ground, a signal from the brake pedal switch (NOT A BRAKE LIGHT WIRE!!!), and finally, the blue wire goes back to the trailer plug connector.

Most connectors come with a wiring diagram. BE SURE that you know the difference between the truck connector (socket) and the trailer connector (plug). Because it is very possible to wire them clockwise instead of counterclockwise (In other words - BACKWARDS) if you are not careful.

If you choose to wire it for reverse lights (which CAN be taken off a reverse light wire) my advice is to TIN that wire with a soldering iron. Otherwise they usually break off.
You'll see why once you have done one....

~Greywolf

PS: MAKE SURE YOUR GROUNDS ARE SOLID. Not just for the trailer connector, but also for the brake controller. Trust me - you'll go nuts chasing a bad ground if they aren't right.