6G Flat Tow Issues?

[Scoop]

I'm finally jumping into the 6G arena! We're in the process of getting a 2022 Badlands Sasquatch - used with 6K miles. This Bronco has a brand new tranny due to a flat tow issue. Previous owner had been towing it all over the CO and the Northwest this summer. Claims 20 plus successful hook ups and tows with no issues. Then the tranny was destroyed! Ford denied the warranty claim saying operator error. PO says he followed the same procedures every time and got the "ready to tow, put in neutral" message every time.

Anyone else had an issue with flat towing? PO also says he knows of several others experiencing this.

New tranny works very well so I'm not concerned with getting a lemon. Just curious if this is a software issue on the flat tow setup procedure or a one-off fluke? I would eventually like to be able to flat tow behind our Class A but until I see a more definitive answer I'll probably be trailering!

 

[ep67bro]

Is it the auto trans or manual? I too have heard of some people having issues flat towing them but cant remember what trans the issue was with. Try joining the Bronco 6G internet group, tons of info on that page not nearly as friendly as hear bunch of trolls and fire starters but if you weed through it there is good info.

My first 6g was a Velocity blue Badlands witht he 2.7 auto non SAS. I traded it for my 2 door Black diamond. I have had three 6G and all were good. My wife has over 35,000 miles on her 2022 Black diamond 4 door 4 cyl auto trans, 2" spacer lift and Wildtrack wheels and tires. It has been trouble free, been to Ruasch Creek and did any trails I wanted with ease. I am very happy with it. Good luck with yours and the flat towing.

 

[njy229]

This thread on the 6G site was started a couple days ago. Seems like a lot of frustration with flat towing.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/ford-claims-flat-towing-our-4-mo-old-bronco-destroyed-the-transmission-not-covering-under-warranty.81100/

 

[okie4570]

Being able to flat tow the new bronco was highly advertised by Ford, and in typical 6G Ford fashion, they've had issues with it, won't own up to it, and it's always the customers fault. Couple examples below, but there's several threads on that forum. Honestly I wouldn't flat tow it.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...ansmission-not-covering-under-warranty.81100/
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/flat-towing-with-without-issues.79635/

 

[Scoop]

This thread on the 6G site was started a couple days ago. Seems like a lot of frustration with flat towing.

http://[URL]https://www.bronco6g.co...ansmission-not-covering-under-warranty.81100/

[/URL]

Wow, that first post is the exact scenario that happened to this PO.

 

[Scoop]

Is it the auto trans or manual? I too have heard of some people having issues flat towing them but cant remember what trans the issue was with. Try joining the Bronco 6G internet group, tons of info on that page not nearly as friendly as hear bunch of trolls and fire starters but if you weed through it there is good info.

My first 6g was a Velocity blue Badlands witht he 2.7 auto non SAS. I traded it for my 2 door Black diamond. I have had three 6G and all were good. My wife has over 35,000 miles on her 2022 Black diamond 4 door 4 cyl auto trans, 2" spacer lift and Wildtrack wheels and tires. It has been trouble free, been to Ruasch Creek and did any trails I wanted with ease. I am very happy with it. Good luck with yours and the flat towing.

2.7L auto.

 

[ep67bro]

I have the 2.7 Auto in my two door Black diamond. Only got 9,000 miles but its been good so far. Plenty of power and smooth. No problems to date but I have not flat towed it.

 

[okie4570]

Wow, that first post is the exact scenario that happened to this PO.

I've kind of quit following the issues over the last few months, but I can't think of any "isolated" 6g issues. As soon as someone would post up a thread "Hey I have a problem with.....", folks would quickly respond with "so do I". Our 22' 2D Badlands with Sasq and 2.7l has 33k on it, no issues other than some window issues at first. I don't think many have flat towed with their bronco, making the issue seem isolated imo.

 

[ared77]

I happened to see a camper coming towards me Saturday and as it went by noticed it was flat towing a 6G Bronco. First one I've seen with my own eyes.

 

[Scoop]

The problem appears to be battery getting drained by a brake controller and when the battery gets low the system goes out of neutral tow.

I use an NSA Ready Brute its all mechanical and use wireless remote controlled lights

http://[URL][URL]https://nsarvproducts.com/

[/URL][/URL]

http://[URL][URL]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0936C6SCZ/?tag=classicbroncos-20

[/URL][/URL]

so far no issues except the time it would not go into neutral tow, believe it was the operator error and or in a slight bind due to terrain.

there is a TSB out for pulling fuses but there was an issue with brake boost on the 2.7 and an ABS software update , might be a dealer update not over the air I have not confirmed mine is updated yet , I have dealer appointment in October will have it checked then.

I also use a Rock hard 4x4 bumper for towing.

Interesting diagnosis of the problem. Is this pretty much confirmed?

Also interesting brake controller. How does it work? Is the cable somehow routed to the brake pedal?

 

[67sport]

One of the very few people I know with a 6g destroyed the trans by flat towing, he claims he did it exactly as outlined by Ford. Even had the dealer check out his setup.
When it failed, Ford wouldn't cover it. He is currently suing.

 

[BluebroncoNC]

So simple really, if you are going to flat tow anything, make sure it is a manual. Do not tow an Automatic.

Compounded by the fact you can purchase a manual Bronco. Loved the way it shifted when I test drove one. It shifted better than my Ford Focus RS.

 

[okie4570]

So simple really, if you are going to flat tow anything, make sure it is a manual. Do not tow an Automatic.

Compounded by the fact you can purchase a manual Bronco. Loved the way it shifted when I test drove one. It shifted better than my Ford Focus RS.

No manual if you want a v6 though.

 

[BluebroncoNC]

No manual if you want a v6 though.

True enough. I've owned both, and my perspective, not much of a difference to me between the two with 1 caveat. Before it was totaled, I did not get a chance to take the 4 banger out on the trails. Had not owned it long enough, >wipes a tear< before that unlicensed, uninsured guy hit me, while stopped, in the rear going 40. Everywhere else, the difference between the two isn't much. One could always toss in the extra Ford Performance upgrade to boost the output on the 4 banger. >shrugs<

Edit: Oh, and both my G6's where 2 dr, not the larger 4dr.

You are correct though, to each his own.

 

[ep67bro]

Yeah it stinks no manual with the 6cyl. I have both the 4 and 6 cylinder both are autos. V6 is more fun to drive especially in sport mode. ( the Badlands does not offer Sport mode from the factory but it can be added with Forscan, at least thats the way the 2022s were) I had a 6cylinder badlands 4door non sas and it was certainly faster than my wifes 4cylinder black diamond 4door. But like others have said in daily driving it is fine. I would not hesitate to have either motor.

Crazy to hear about all the flat tow issues. That really hurts the bronco in that RV market. I agree that Ford should have learned a little more from Jeep with some of these things.

 

[Scoop]

. . .

Crazy to hear about all the flat tow issues. That really hurts the bronco in that RV market. I agree that Ford should have learned a little more from Jeep with some of these things.

If it's truly the low voltage issue then I think that may not have been anticipated by the Ford design team. I think the big missed opportunity is not making the Sport flat towable. Perfect size to tow and Jeeps are about the only vehicles are are flat towable nowadays.

 

[ared77]

I've seen two more being flat towed behind campers, one was just minutes ago on Winchester bypass.

 

[Scoop]

OK, I picked up the Bronco yesterday. PO said his brake system was totally independent of the Broncos electrical system so it did not draw down the battery. He didn't think this could be the cause of his failure. I will not be flat towing until Ford addresses this and comes up with a definitive solution.

This issue aside, I'm loving the 6G Bronco!

 

[Tiko433]

Thinking old school here , could you disconnect the drive shaft?

 

[rguest3]

No manual if you want a v6 though.

NO Manual Transmission available at all for a few months now. Regardless of engine choice.

NO Base model available now as well.