Tow option question

Tried searching for factory tow option but couldn't come up with much info. I have a 2016 LR4 with HD package and will soon be towing a basecamp trailer for our camping trips. I can't find my original window sticker and unsure if the car came with the tow option. How would I know? If I don't have the tow option, I assume I have to order the towing harness from the dealer. I've read that vehicles with tow option comes with special camera angles to adjust the size of trailer and provide guidelines on the camera screen. If my car does not come with the option and I add the tow harness, would I be able to have the special towing view on camera?

The tow option from the factory would have included the wiring at the hitch to connect your trailer lights. FYI, you can get a well-made alternative wiring harness from Atlantic British for about $130 and it is one of the easier DIY projects. I don't know if it will activate any new features of your backup camera, but based on my initial comment I doubt that you have the tow option.

Do you have the hitch? Sign up for Topix and run your vin to see what options you have.

good call on signing up for topix...I did and it confirmed that my vehicle was "less tow option". I'll order the tow electrics and hopefully when the trailer is plugged in, my camera will show the guidelines when backing up.

LR4TQ said:

good call on signing up for topix...I did and it confirmed that my vehicle was "less tow option". I'll order the tow electrics and hopefully when the trailer is plugged in, my camera will show the guidelines when backing up.

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At the very least you should get a dashboard icon showing that your trailer is connected and lights are working. Not sure if a software flash is required to activate the rear camera guidance feature on a vehicle without the factory tow option.

LR4TQ said:

good call on signing up for topix...I did and it confirmed that my vehicle was "less tow option". I'll order the tow electrics and hopefully when the trailer is plugged in, my camera will show the guidelines when backing up.

Click to expand...

You will have to activate the tow software, it does not activate when installing the harness. This can be done VIA dealer or with a GAP IID tool (worth every penny they ask for).
The light on the dash, may or may not indicate a trailer is being towed. Depend on the trailer lighting.
If it is LED lighting there may not be enough current draw to indicate a trailer is attached. This can be rectified by installing a resistor inline. A quick google search will point you in the right direction.

The easier way to see if the tow software is active is when you select the camera option on the main screen, and a "tow guidance" option will be present. this will allow you to set up your trailer (length, width, axle distance and quantity, and trailer type), prior to connecting it to the vehicle.
Also keep in mind the sway mitigation is always active, regardless if the tow software is active or not.

I guess i'll find out whether the harness will activate the software or not...don't think there is consensus on this.

Another question - I bought the OEM harness but read that basically the gauge of the wires is not strong enough to charge the battery in my trailer. Is the harness from AB more suitable?

It definitely will not activate a software that isn't installed.
The Tow Assist software needs to be installed, it's not simply "activated".
I could tell you how I know this but...

The harness from AB is built to exact specification of the LR harness.
Where did you read the wiring is not large enough to charge the battery? Does your trailer employ a larger wire than industry standard?
In the EU some people install an Anderson plug if they have multiple batteries on their trailers. This may be a solution to your problem.
I tow a trailer that has an 8 battery bank for my solar panels, and they charge off of the vehicle just fine when in tow. Then the isolation switch, switches back over to the solar panels once the trailer harness is disconnected. I have never had an issue with the batteries not charging, or being discharged once i have arrived at my , typically, isolated location.

jaguardoc504 said:

It definitely will not activate a software that isn't installed.
The Tow Assist software needs to be installed, it's not simply "activated".
I could tell you how I know this but...

The harness from AB is built to exact specification of the LR harness.
Where did you read the wiring is not large enough to charge the battery? Does your trailer employ a larger wire than industry standard?
In the EU some people install an Anderson plug if they have multiple batteries on their trailers. This may be a solution to your problem.
I tow a trailer that has an 8 battery bank for my solar panels, and they charge off of the vehicle just fine when in tow. Then the isolation switch, switches back over to the solar panels once the trailer harness is disconnected. I have never had an issue with the batteries not charging, or being discharged once i have arrived at my , typically, isolated location.

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Great info - just been doing some reading some found a thread that others are having issue charging the trailer battery through the tow harness. Some even suggested running a dedicated wire just for charging purposes then again, it could just be opinions and not actual towing experience. I tried calling the dealer service dept on towing info and, as expected, they have no clue lol

Have towed two AS with our LR4 and never had an issue with any battery charging (we towed a Sport and an International). Now, that said, I did have the dealer install the factory harness/wiring at time of purchase. And don't forget you have to buy the Ford Brake Controller connector (if you are going to run brakes which I believe the Basecamp has).

FWIW I look at it like this - you are towing a $35k+ trailer depending on model. Why not spend the $800 installed (IIRC) at the dealer to protect that investment instead of relying on the forum, AB, and DIY? If something fails and you have issues with the basecamp it's on you in DIY mode, if you have the dealer do it you just paid $800 for an insurance policy.