Can You Flat Tow A Ford Bronco: Mechanical Requirements And Procedures
For recreational vehicle enthusiasts, the Ford Bronco represents the pinnacle of off-road capability combined with the convenience of a modern daily driver. Its rugged aesthetic and open-air design make it the ultimate “toad” vehicle for those exploring the backcountry behind a motorhome. However, not every Ford Bronco is engineered for flat towing, and misunderstanding the technical requirements can lead to thousands of dollars in transmission damage and catastrophic drivetrain failure. This comprehensive guide provides a professional analysis of which Bronco models can be flat towed, the specific mechanical steps to engage Neutral Tow Mode, and the essential equipment needed for a safe, reliable transit.
Mechanical Compatibility for Flat Towing a Ford Bronco
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The 6th generation Ford Bronco was designed with the RV community in mind, a stark departure from many modern SUVs that have transitioned to unibody, transverse-engine architectures. To understand why the full-size Bronco is flat-tow compatible, we must look at its trusted drivetrain architecture. The Bronco utilizes a longitudinal engine layout paired with a robust transfer case that offers a true mechanical neutral state.
Ford offers two primary 4×4 systems on the Bronco: the Part-Time Selectable Engagement (standard) and the Advanced 4×4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement. Both systems utilize an Electronic-Shift-On-the-Fly (ESOF) transfer case. This component is the “magic bullet” for flat towing. Unlike older manual-shift transfer cases that required a physical lever to find neutral, the Bronco uses an electronic actuator to shift the internal planetary gears into a position where the input and output shafts are completely decoupled.
Transmission Flexibility
A common point of confusion among owners is whether the transmission type affects towing capability. In the Bronco’s case, both the 10-speed 10R60/10R80 automatic and the Getrag-sourced 7-speed manual transmissions are flat-tow compatible. Because the disconnection occurs at the transfer case, the transmission itself does not experience internal rotation while the vehicle is being towed. This prevents the “dry spinning” of gears—a phenomenon that caused significant failure in the 2nd generation Ford Escape, which lacked a true neutral state and required complex lubrication pumps for flat towing.
By The Numbers
Full-size Bronco Compatibility
Bronco Sport Compatibility
Max Towing Speed
Why the Ford Bronco Sport Cannot Be Flat Towed
It is a professional necessity to distinguish between the full-size Bronco and the Bronco Sport. While they share a name and design language, their mechanical DNA is entirely different. The Bronco Sport is built on a unibody platform with a transverse-mounted engine and an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, rather than a traditional 4WD system with a low-range transfer case.
The Bronco Sport’s AWD system relies on a Power Take-off Unit (PTU) and a Rear Drive Unit (RDU). These components require the engine to be running to circulate lubrication fluid. When you flat tow a Bronco Sport, the wheels spin the internal gears, but because the engine is off, the fluid pump is dormant. Within miles, the resulting friction creates enough heat to weld internal components together, resulting in a catastrophic transmission failure.
A common pitfall occurs when owners confuse the ‘Badlands’ trim of the Bronco Sport with the ‘Badlands’ trim of the full-size Bronco. Regardless of the off-road hardware (like the twin-clutch rear drive unit), the Bronco Sport cannot be flat towed or dolly towed. It must be transported on a car trailer with all four wheels off the ground to avoid voiding the manufacturer warranty.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Enable Neutral Tow Mode
Engaging ‘Neutral Tow Mode’ is not as simple as shifting the vehicle into neutral. It is a digital handshake between the SYNC 4 infotainment system and the transfer case control module. Failure to follow this complete guide can lead to the transmission being physically locked while the motorhome pulls the vehicle, causing immediate gear-grinding and destruction.
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Neutral Tow Activation Sequence
With the Bronco hitched to the motorhome on level ground, start the engine. Press the brake pedal and hold it throughout the entire software process.
On the touchscreen, navigate to Settings > Vehicle > Neutral Tow. Follow the prompt to “Enable.” You will hear the transfer case actuator click as it shifts to neutral.
Shift the transmission to Neutral (N) and turn the engine off. The instrument cluster must display the message: “Neutral Tow Enabled – Leave Transmission in Neutral.”
Release the parking brake. Slowly move the motorhome forward to ensure the Bronco wheels roll freely without resistance or noise.
When arriving at your destination, you must reverse the process. Start the engine, go to the Neutral Tow menu, and select “Disable.” Do not simply put the car in Park before disabling Neutral Tow; the vehicle can roll because the transfer case is still disconnected from the park pawl.
Essential Equipment for a Reliable Flat Tow Setup
Setting up a Bronco for flat towing requires expert-grade hardware. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety and legal compliance. Because the Bronco’s curb weight is substantial—ranging from 4,300 lbs for a base 2-door to over 5,700 lbs for a Raptor—you must select components with an appropriate safety margin.
1. Base Plates and Tow Bars
Base plates provide the connection point between your Bronco’s chassis and the tow bar. Trusted brands like Blue Ox and Roadmaster offer specific kits for the Bronco that integrate with both the standard plastic bumper and the heavy-duty modular steel bumper. For the tow bar, I recommend a unit rated for at least 7,500 lbs. While a 5,000 lb bar might “technically” work for a 2-door, it leaves no margin for gear or the added weight of the Badlands or Wildtrak trims.
2. Supplemental Braking Systems
Most states and provinces require a supplemental braking system for towed vehicles over 3,000 lbs. You have two primary choices:
- Portable Systems: Like the BrakeBuddy, these sit on the floorboard and physically push the brake pedal. They are easy to move between vehicles but require setup every time you tow.
- Permanent Systems: Like the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo, these are hidden under the hood and activate automatically. This is the professional choice for frequent travelers.
Diode Wiring Kit
Uses the Bronco’s existing taillights for a clean, factory look. Protects the vehicle’s sensitive electronics from the motorhome’s electrical surges.
Battery Charge Line
A mandatory addition for the Bronco. The electronic power steering and braking systems can draw power even while being towed, leading to a dead battery.
Operational Limits and Maintenance While Towing
Even with the best equipment, long-distance flat towing places unique stresses on the vehicle. From my years of experience, the most common failures occur not from the act of towing itself, but from exceeding the vehicle’s operational limits. Ford specifies a maximum towing speed of 65 mph (105 km/h). This isn’t a suggestion; it is a critical limit. Above this speed, the internal components of the transfer case—which are being splash-lubricated—can overheat, leading to premature bearing failure.
Mileage and Tire Management
One benefit of the Bronco’s digital architecture is that flat towing mileage does not accumulate on the odometer when the vehicle is in Neutral Tow Mode with the ignition off. However, the tires are still covering that distance. If you tow your Bronco for 5,000 miles a year behind an RV, those are 5,000 miles of wear that aren’t reflected in your service intervals. You should rotate your tires based on “total distance traveled,” not just “odometer distance.”
✅ Pros of Flat Towing
- No heavy trailer to store or manage
- Quickest setup/breakdown at campsites
- Retains full 4×4 off-road capability
- Zero mileage added to digital odometer
❌ Cons of Flat Towing
- Significant wear on expensive off-road tires
- Risk of rock chips on front fascia/grille
- Requires drilling for base plate installation
- Speed restricted to 65 mph
Lastly, always perform a “walk-around” at every fuel stop. Check the temperature of the Bronco’s tires and the security of the hitch pins. A professional RVer knows that road vibrations can loosen even the best hardware over a 500-mile day. Ensuring your charge line is functioning is also paramount; a dead battery on the Bronco can sometimes cause the electronic parking brake to engage partially, which would be disastrous at highway speeds.
Conclusion
The full-size Ford Bronco is one of the most capable and reliable flat-tow vehicles on the market today. By utilizing the comprehensive Neutral Tow Mode within the SYNC 4 system, owners can safely decouple the drivetrain for long-distance transit. However, it is vital to remember that the Ford Bronco Sport is strictly prohibited from flat towing due to its AWD configuration and specific lubrication requirements. Successful flat towing is the result of following precise software sequences and utilizing high-quality, rated hardware. Before your next journey, consult your specific VIN-based owner’s manual to verify towing capacities and ensure your equipment is installed by a certified professional to protect your investment and ensure safety on the open road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you flat tow a Ford Bronco with a manual transmission?
Yes, the 7-speed manual transmission found in the full-size Ford Bronco is fully compatible with flat towing. Owners must still follow the electronic procedure to put the transfer case into ‘Neutral Tow Mode’ to ensure the drivetrain is fully disengaged from the wheels, preventing internal wear.
Is the Ford Bronco Raptor flat towable?
Yes, the Ford Bronco Raptor can be flat towed. Like other full-size models, it features the Advanced 4×4 system with a neutral setting. However, due to its increased width and weight (approx. 5,700 lbs), you must ensure your tow bar and base plates are specifically rated for its heavy-duty specifications.
Does flat towing a Bronco put miles on the odometer?
No, flat towing a modern Ford Bronco does not add mileage to the odometer. When the vehicle is in ‘Neutral Tow Mode’ and the ignition is in the correct state, the electronic sensors do not record distance traveled, as the engine and primary transmission components are not rotating.
Do I need a battery disconnect to flat tow my Bronco?
While a total disconnect is not strictly required by Ford, it is highly recommended to install a charge line from the towing vehicle. The Bronco’s electronic systems, including the SYNC 4 screen used to engage tow mode, can draw power during transit, potentially leading to a depleted battery.
Can I flat tow a Bronco Sport if I put it in Neutral?
No. Putting the Bronco Sport’s transmission in neutral is not sufficient for flat towing. The Sport’s AWD system requires the engine to be running to circulate lubricant through the transmission and PTU. Towing it with all four wheels on the ground will cause permanent mechanical failure.
