Yes, you can flat tow a Ford Bronco. But there have been many Ford Bronco owners who destroyed their transmissions by doing it wrong, so we're going to do our best to inform you about what to do and what to avoid.
Here is everything you need to know before you hook anything up.
Quick note: This is for the full-size 2021-2026 Ford Bronco only. The Bronco Sport is not flat tow capable. Do not try it.
Which Broncos Can Be Flat Towed
Every 2021-2026 full-size Bronco with a 4x4 drivetrain is Ford-approved for flat towing. Not that surprising, right? Every trim, both door configs, Raptor included.
That said, not all Broncos are equal in terms of flat-tow risk. Read the breakdown below:
7-speed manual transmission
This is probably the safest setup. The transmission stays in neutral mechanically. Cool right? Even if the transfer case shifts back to 2H while you are rolling, no damage will be done to the trans, so everything should be alright as long as you do everything right.
Standard ESOF transfer case with automatic
Generally reliable. The transmission failure stories that have been told are almost exclusively tied to the 4A system, not ESOF.
Advanced 4x4 (4A) transfer case with automatic
Now this is the one to watch. The 4A on 2021-2023 models had a documented issue in which it would slip out of Neutral Tow Mode mid-trip with no warning. The automatic transmission has no mechanical protection if that happens. It just destroys itself. Scary right?
Ford issued software updates in late 2022 and again for 2024. They have never officially acknowledged a defect. Owners who lost transmissions and had documented proof were still denied warranty coverage. We will get into that below.
How to Engage Neutral Tow Mode
There is no manual transfer case lever on the 2021-2026 Bronco. Neutral Tow Mode is software-controlled through the instrument cluster. Follow this procedure exactly, every single time.
Engaging Neutral Tow Mode
- Push the ignition button once without your foot on the brake. Accessory mode only.
- Press 2H on the 4WD mode control.
- Depress the brake fully (automatic) or brake and clutch together (manual).
- Shift the gear selector to Neutral.
- While holding the brake, navigate to Settings on the steering wheel controls.
- Select Neutral Tow.
- Press and hold OK until the confirmation message appears.
- Release the brake.
- Press the ignition once to shut the Bronco off.
Your display should read Neutral Tow Enabled. Leave Transmission in Neutral. If you do not see that message, start over. The clunk you hear when the transfer case shifts is normal.
Disengaging Neutral Tow Mode
- Enter accessory mode.
- Hold the brake for about seven seconds, then shift into Park.
- Keep holding the brake until the display confirms Neutral Tow Disabled.
- Apply your parking brake, then disconnect from the tow vehicle.
- Start the engine and shift into Drive or Reverse to confirm everything is out of tow mode.
Keep a printed copy of this procedure in the Bronco. Every trip, same steps, no shortcuts.
The Real Problems Owners Have Hit
The brake booster issue (2021-2022 primarily)
Early Broncos with an electronic brake booster (EBB) had a problem with supplemental braking systems in Neutral Tow Mode. The braking system would time out and shut down mid-highway. That is a serious safety issue when the combined weight of your motorhome and Bronco can top 20,000 lbs.
Ford pushed an OTA software fix in March 2023. If you have a 2021-2022 Bronco, confirm that update was applied before your first tow. Some 2024-2025 manuals still reference a fuse-pull procedure if you are using a third-party braking system. Check your specific year's manual.
The transmission issue (2021-2023 with 4A transfer case)
This one is more serious. Multiple owners reported arriving at their destination to find the transmission completely destroyed. No warning, no error codes, nothing. The 4A transfer case had slipped out of Neutral Tow Mode somewhere on the highway.
Ford's response? Warranty denied. The position was that the vehicle must not have been properly placed in Neutral Tow Mode. Owners with timestamped battery voltage photos and Ford app records proving the truck never left tow mode were still denied.
Our read: the 4A had a software bug that caused it to exit tow mode without notice. Ford appears to have fixed it quietly in the 2024 software update. No public acknowledgment, no retroactive coverage for owners who already paid for transmission replacements.
If you have a 2021-2023 Bronco with the 4A and an automatic, do these things before you tow anything:
- Get the latest software update at a Ford dealer.
- Run a battery charge line from the motorhome to the Bronco's battery. A dead battery drops you out of tow mode.
- Have someone watch that the Bronco's wheels are rolling freely before you pull away from the campsite.
If you are buying a Bronco specifically to flat tow, the 7-speed manual or a 2024+ model with the standard ESOF transfer case are the safest choices.
Equipment You Need to Flat Tow a Bronco
You need five things. All five. Not four.
Base plate
Mounts to the Bronco's frame and connects to the tow bar. It is model year and bumper specific. If you are running an aftermarket front bumper, confirm base plate compatibility before ordering. Roadmaster, Blue Ox, and Curt all make Bronco-specific plates.
Tow bar
Connects the base plate to the motorhome's hitch receiver. Rate it for your Bronco's curb weight, 4,500 to 5,000+ lbs depending on config. Non-binding designs from Blue Ox and Roadmaster are the standard choice.
Supplemental braking system
Required in most states and genuinely necessary. A proportional system applies the Bronco's brakes in proportion to how hard the motorhome is stopping. Blue Ox Patriot and Demco Stay-In-Play Duo are the go-to options.
Tow bar wiring and lighting
Federal law. The Bronco needs to show your motorhome's brake lights and turn signals. A diode wiring kit splices into the factory tail lights without cutting anything. Roadmaster and Blue Ox both make Bronco-compatible kits.
Battery charge line
This is the one people skip and later regret. A dead Bronco battery exits Neutral Tow Mode without warning. That is a destroyed transmission. Run a charge line from the coach to the Bronco's battery and do not think about it again.
What does the whole setup cost?
At a shop doing full professional installation, budget around $5,000. DIY breakdown:
- Base plate: $400 to $700
- Tow bar: $700 to $1,200
- Supplemental braking: $400 to $700
- Wiring kit: $150 to $300
- Battery charge line: $50 to $100
DIY total: roughly $1,700 to $2,950 in parts.
Flat Tow vs. Trailer: Which Is Actually Better
Flat towing wins on convenience. No trailer to back in, no extra registration in most states, simpler hookup, and the Bronco keeps its mileage.
A trailer wins on risk elimination. Zero transmission exposure, and some owners found a quality aluminum flat trailer costs about the same as the full flat tow kit. The trailer also carries gear, bikes, and recovery equipment when the Bronco is not on it.
Flat towing a Bronco works. Thousands of owners do it every weekend without issue. But if you own a 2021-2022 with the 4A and an automatic, or you know yourself well enough to admit you will not follow a laminated checklist every single hookup, a trailer removes the risk entirely. That is a real option worth considering.
FAQ
Does flat towing put miles on the Bronco's odometer?
No. With the ignition off and the truck in Neutral Tow Mode, the odometer does not move.
Can I flat tow a Ford Bronco Sport?
No. The Bronco Sport has no Neutral Tow Mode and is not approved for four-down recreational towing. Do not try it.
What happens if the battery dies while towing?
The system drops out of Neutral Tow Mode without warning and the automatic transmission starts trying to drive a spinning drivetrain. That is total transmission failure. Run the battery charge line. There is no version of this where skipping it makes sense.
Do I need a supplemental braking system?
Almost certainly yes. Most states require one for towed vehicles above 1,500 to 3,000 lbs depending on the state. The Bronco is over that in every configuration. Budget for it.
Is the 4A transfer case safe to flat tow on a 2024 or newer Bronco?
Owner reports suggest 2024 and newer models are meaningfully more reliable than early production. The software appears to have been fixed. We still recommend running a battery charge line and following the procedure exactly every time regardless of model year.
Will flat towing void my warranty?
Not if you follow Ford's procedure. Ford approved this capability. The warranty disputes that arose were over Ford claiming the procedure was not followed correctly, not over the act of flat towing itself.
Does my bumper matter for flat towing?
The bumper itself does not matter, but the base plate has to be specified for your exact bumper type. Factory plastic, factory modular, or aftermarket all have different base plate kits. Confirm before you order. Browse our front bumpers for the Ford Bronco if you are still running factory plastic and want an upgrade that pairs cleanly with a tow setup.
Should I add a skid plate before flat towing?
If you are wheeling at the destination, yes. A skid plate protects the transfer case and transmission cross-member, the exact components keeping your Bronco in Neutral Tow Mode. Cheap insurance on anything that involves a trail.
- Shop Front Bumpers for Ford Bronco
- Shop Skid Plates for Ford Bronco
- Shop Rock Sliders for Ford Bronco
- Shop Winches and Recovery Gear for Ford Bronco
About This Guide
This was put together by the team at Bronco Forge. Our founder spent time as a Ford salesman before launching Bronco Forge, giving us firsthand knowledge of how Broncos are sold, what buyers get wrong, and what dealers don't always tell you. We sell aftermarket parts exclusively for the Ford Bronco and spend time in Bronco owner communities tracking the real issues owners run into. Questions about fitment or anything Bronco-related? Reach out at contact@broncoforge.com or (909) 772-8050.
