How to tell if a Ford Ranger has a tow package?
The quickest way to know is to look for a Class IV hitch and a factory trailer wiring harness (typically a 7-pin connector), and to check whether an integrated trailer brake controller is present on higher trims. The window sticker or the vehicle’s build sheet is the most reliable confirmation.
What a tow package typically includes
Ford's Tow Package for the Ranger adds towing hardware and wiring to support pulling trailers. While features vary by model year and trim, the package commonly includes the following items:
- Class IV hitch receiver (usually a 2-inch receiver)
- Factory trailer wiring harness, typically including a 7-pin connector and sometimes a 4-pin option
- Trailer brake controller on select trims/years (integrated into the dash or offered as an option)
- Potential auxiliary towing enhancements on some configurations, such as a transmission cooler or upgraded cooling components
If you spot these components, the Ranger is likely equipped for towing with the Tow Package; exact inclusions can vary by year and trim, so verify with documentation.
How to verify on your Ranger
Use these steps to confirm the presence of a Tow Package on your specific vehicle.
- Check the Monroney window sticker for “Tow Package” or “Trailer Tow Package” and look for a Class IV hitch and a 7-pin wiring harness listed under equipment.
- Inspect the rear of the vehicle for a Class IV hitch receiver and a 7-pin trailer wiring connector near the hitch. If only a 4-pin connector is present, the Tow Package may be incomplete or absent.
- Inside the cabin, look for a trailer brake controller (a dedicated control or dial) and/or a Tow/Haul mode indicator on the instrument cluster. The presence of a brake controller often signals the Tow Package on many Rangers.
- Consult the owner's manual or Ford's official online resources to search for Trailer Tow features tied to your model year; this can help confirm the package.
- Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to obtain the exact factory build sheet or window sticker from Ford or trusted VIN services to verify a Trailer Tow Package.
- If you remain unsure, contact a Ford dealership with the VIN; they can pull the official equipment configuration from Ford’s database.
Following these steps should yield a clear answer about whether the Ranger has the Tow Package.
VIN/build sheet verification
Note: The VIN-based route is the most reliable method for definitive confirmation, since exterior cues can be affected by aftermarket modifications or unusual trims.
Summary
In practice, a Ford Ranger with a Tow Package is typically identifiable by a Class IV hitch, a factory trailer wiring harness (7-pin), and, on higher trims, an integrated trailer brake controller. The window sticker or VIN build sheet provides the most authoritative confirmation, with on-vehicle cues offering quick, initial clues.
