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Factory Tow Package

Old Aug 8, 2012 | 09:29 PM
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Factory Tow Package

How can you tell if you have the factory town package as opposed to an aftermarket hitch, etc.?
My 06 FX4 has what looks like a factory hitch, light hook up, and what looks like a tranny cooler mounted up front.
What else came with the factory tow package?
Is there any stickers on the truck that would indicate that the vehicle is equipped with the package? Thanks for your help.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 09:33 PM
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Get your original window sticker here:

http://researchmaniacs.com/VIN-Numbe...cker/Ford.html
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by glc
Get your original window sticker here:

http://researchmaniacs.com/VIN-Numbe...cker/Ford.html
I tried that and it said that my VIN number was not found in the system.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 10:33 PM
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If you have the factory tow package you will have a small silver Radiator mounted between the Main Radiator and the Front Bumper.

Don't have a real good pic with me and I'm not near the truck, but you can kind of see it in the bottom of this pic:

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Also, your rear bumper mounts and receiver will be combined. The rear bumper will actually bolt to the receiver which then bolts to the back of the frame. There is also a 7/4 pin Electrical socket built into the hitch.

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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by doodlebug
I tried that and it said that my VIN number was not found in the system.
It only works for 5 model years old or newer.

Youve got the factory towing package. Any F150 with a factory hitch has it. Since yours is an FX4 its got alot of options.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 11:23 AM
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Did the factory tow package come with a brake controller inside the cab, or was that something you had to add yourself? Are these trucks set up with the wiring so that you can just plug in your controller when you mount it?
 
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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by doodlebug
Did the factory tow package come with a brake controller inside the cab, or was that something you had to add yourself? Are these trucks set up with the wiring so that you can just plug in your controller when you mount it?
The factory tow package option comes with the pigtail you need to easily wire in an electric brake controller, but the controller itself does not come with the package.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 02:01 PM
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Ok, thanks for the information. I was looking closer at the hitch this morning and found the "Ford" logo on the plug for the trailer lights, so I'm certain now it is the factory package.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 02:40 PM
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There wasn't a factory brake controller available in 06 for the F-150. You need an aftermarket controller with the Ford pigtail, and you may need to install a couple fuses/relays.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by glc
There wasn't a factory brake controller available in 06 for the F-150. You need an aftermarket controller with the Ford pigtail, and you may need to install a couple fuses/relays.
Ok, thanks. Any specific brands you can recommend?
 
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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 05:56 PM
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A lot of guys like the Tekonsha Prodigy units.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 07:26 PM
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Get the Prodigy (either the original one or the newer P3) and pop for the extra $$ for the pigtail and all you have to do is plug it in. You will find the plug under the dash and should be right next to where the plug in for the computer port is.

As was mentioned, you'll have to also make sure there are some additional fuses and a relay or two installed. These are the ones under the hood. You'll find a diagram in your owners manual if you have it or you can find them online too.

Mitch
 
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Old Aug 9, 2012 | 08:34 PM
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the wiring for a trailer brake controller is in a bag in my glovebox.
 
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Old Aug 10, 2012 | 01:13 AM
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Thanks again to all for the good information and the recommendations. Going to try and get on this real soon. I don't care to haul too much without trailer brakes.
 
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