June 24, 2026

Can You Flat Tow a Ford Bronco? What You Need to Know

Flat towing a Ford Bronco is possible on every 2021–2026 model, but there are documented problems that have burned transmissions and stranded owners mid-trip that you need to know before you hook anything up.

This guide covers the full picture: what flat towing actually requires, the exact step-by-step procedure, the real issues that surfaced on 2021–2023 models and whether they've been fixed, what equipment you need, what it costs, and which Bronco builds are the safest to tow four-down.

Does NOT apply to the Ford Bronco Sport. The Bronco Sport is not approved for flat towing and has no recreational neutral tow mode. This guide covers the full-size 2021–2026 Ford Bronco only.

Can You Flat Tow a Ford Bronco?

Yes. You can flat tow a Ford Bronco — specifically the full-size models from 2021 or newer that come equipped with a 4x4 drivetrain and a transfer case that can be placed in neutral.

All 2021 Ford Bronco models are flat towing capable, regardless of which available transfer case is equipped. Both the standard 4x4 and Advanced 4x4 transfer cases can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. That was the original confirmation from Ford when the Bronco launched.

What changed is that real-world experience with the Advanced 4x4 (4A) transfer case revealed a problem that Ford has still never officially acknowledged in writing. More on that below.

The short version: flat towing a Bronco is Ford-approved and documented in the owner's manual. It works well for many owners. But it comes with caveats you need to take seriously before committing to it as your RV travel setup.

Which Ford Bronco Models and Years Are Flat Tow Capable?

All 2021–2026 full-size Ford Broncos with a 4x4 drivetrain are approved for flat towing. That covers every trim: Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, Everglades, Heritage, and Raptor. Both 2-door and 4-door configurations are included.

There are a few things that separate the safer builds from the ones with a documented track record of problems.

Manual transmission (7MT): the lowest-risk setup. If your Bronco has the 7-speed manual, the transmission stays in neutral mechanically. Even if the transfer case shifted back to 2H during a tow, it would not damage the manual transmission. The automatic transmission is what gets destroyed when the transfer case exits neutral tow mode unexpectedly.

Standard 4x4 transfer case (ESOF): generally reliable. Based on tracking failures across owner forums, reported transmission failures appear tied specifically to the Advanced 4x4 transfer case, not the standard system.

Advanced 4x4 transfer case (4A): the one to watch. This is the electronic on-demand system found on Badlands, Sasquatch, and some Wildtrak builds. Early model years (2021–2022 especially) had documented issues with the 4A slipping out of neutral tow mode while under tow, with no warning, destroying the automatic transmission on arrival. Ford issued a software update in late 2022 and again for 2024, but has never publicly admitted a defect.

Bronco Raptor (3.0L V6): Flat tow capable. Uses the same neutral tow procedure.

Bronco Sport: NOT flat tow capable for recreational towing. Do not attempt it.

How to Flat Tow a Ford Bronco: Step-by-Step

Ford calls this "Neutral Tow Mode." It is a software-controlled function that places the transfer case in neutral via the instrument cluster. There is no manual transfer case lever on the 2021–2026 Bronco.

Here are the steps from the owner's manual. The procedure is the same across 2021–2026 with minor variations by model year — always confirm against your specific year's manual before towing.

Engaging Neutral Tow Mode

Enter accessory mode: push the ignition button once without your foot on the brake
Press 2H on the four-wheel drive mode control
Depress the brake (automatic transmission) or the brake and clutch together (manual transmission)
Put the gear shift lever into Neutral
While holding the brake/brake and clutch, use the instrument panel controls on the steering wheel to select Settings
Select Neutral Tow
Press and hold OK until the confirmation message appears
Release the brake/brake and clutch
Switch off your Bronco by pressing the ignition once

If the process worked correctly, your display will say "Neutral Tow Enabled — Leave Transmission in Neutral." If you do not see this message, start the process over from the beginning. You may hear a clunk as neutral tow mode engages. That is the transfer case shifting, and it is normal.

Disengaging Neutral Tow Mode

With your Bronco still connected to the tow vehicle, switch it to accessory mode using the same process as above (press the ignition without pressing any pedals)
Depress the brake pedal completely and hold it for roughly seven seconds, then shift your Bronco into Park (P)
Continue holding the brake pedal until the display says Neutral Tow Disabled
Release the brake pedal and apply your parking brake
It is now safe to detach your Bronco from the towing vehicle
Release the parking brake and start your engine
Shift into Drive or Reverse to confirm the transfer case is out of the neutral tow position

One thing experienced flat towers all agree on: follow this procedure exactly, every single time. No shortcuts. Keep a printed copy of the latest instructions in the Bronco and follow those exactly every time. Before each trip, go into the manual online and print a new copy just in case something changed.

The Real Problems: What Owners Have Experienced

This is the part most guides leave out. It is also the most important part.

The Brake Issue (2021–2022 Primarily)

Broncos equipped with an electronic brake booster (EBB) had a problem when used with a supplemental brake system while in neutral tow mode. The braking system would time out and shut down — creating a serious safety situation on an interstate when your motorhome and toad together can weigh over 20,000 lbs.

Ford's temporary workaround required owners to first place their Bronco in neutral tow mode, then open the hood, close all doors, and wait five minutes for the vehicle to enter sleep mode. Then, locate the fuse box under the hood, remove the cover, and take out both 60-amp fuses — numbers 28 and 29.

By March 2023, Ford released an over-the-air software update to address the brake booster issue. The fuse-pull workaround is no longer required on updated 2021–2022 vehicles. However, some 2024–2025 owner's manuals still reference the fuse procedure if using a third-party supplemental braking system when in neutral tow mode. Check your specific year's manual.

The Transmission Issue (2021–2023 with 4A Transfer Case)

This is the bigger problem, and Ford has never officially acknowledged it.

Multiple owners reported their Bronco slipping out of neutral tow mode while being towed, with no warning. The owner arrives at their destination to find the transmission destroyed. In documented cases on Bronco6G and Bronco Nation, Ford denied warranty coverage — claiming the vehicle must not have been properly in neutral tow mode — even when owners had timestamped battery voltage photos and Ford app mileage records proving the Bronco stayed in neutral tow mode the entire trip.

At least one owner lost two transmissions on a 2021 Badlands, both times following the procedure exactly. A 2022 Outer Banks owner had the transmission fail after 316 miles of towing. Ford denied coverage on both.

The community's best read: the 4A transfer case on early models had a software bug that could cause it to exit neutral tow mode without warning. Ford appears to have quietly fixed this in a 2024 software update. Admitting the defect publicly would have required them to cover all the previously denied warranty claims.

What this means for you:

If you have a 2021–2023 Bronco with the 4A transfer case and an automatic transmission, get your software updated at a Ford dealer before your first tow
Run a dedicated battery charge line from your motorhome to your Bronco's battery — a dead battery causes the system to exit neutral tow mode unexpectedly, and that is how transmissions get destroyed
Before pulling out of the driveway, have someone watch that the Bronco's wheels are rolling freely and not dragging
If you're buying a Bronco specifically to flat tow, the safest configurations are the 7-speed manual, or a 2024 and newer model with the standard ESOF transfer case

Equipment You Need to Flat Tow a Bronco

Flat towing is not just a tow bar. You need five components working together, and some states legally require a supplemental braking system. Here's what goes on the truck:

1. Base Plate

The base plate mounts to your Bronco's frame and provides the attachment point for the tow bar. It needs to be specific to your Bronco's model year and bumper type. If you're running an aftermarket front bumper, confirm base plate compatibility with the manufacturer before ordering — fitment varies between the factory plastic bumper, the factory modular bumper, and aftermarket options. Roadmaster, Blue Ox, and Curt all make Bronco-specific base plates.

2. Tow Bar

Connects the base plate to your motorhome's hitch receiver. Rate it for the weight of your Bronco — curb weight runs from roughly 4,500 lbs on a 2-door base to over 5,000 lbs on a 4-door Sasquatch build. Non-binding tow bars from Blue Ox and Roadmaster are the go-to choices for this platform and connect without tools.

3. Supplemental Braking System

Most states require it. Beyond the legal requirement, it is just smart — your motorhome's brakes were not designed to stop the combined weight of the coach plus a Bronco pushing from behind. A proportional system like the Blue Ox Patriot or Demco Stay-In-Play Duo applies the Bronco's own brakes in proportion to how hard the motorhome is braking. Smoother stops, less wear on both vehicles.

4. Tow Bar Wiring / Lighting

Federal law requires the towed vehicle to display brake lights and turn signals that match the tow vehicle. A diode wiring kit splices into your Bronco's factory tail light wiring to display signals from your motorhome through the Bronco's factory LED tail lights — without cutting into the housing. Roadmaster and Blue Ox both make Bronco-compatible diode kits.

5. Battery Charge Line

This is the one most first-timers skip and later wish they hadn't. A dead battery during towing is what causes the Bronco to drop out of neutral tow mode and damage the drivetrain. Run a dedicated charge line from the motorhome to the Bronco's battery. It keeps the battery topped off and the neutral tow system active for the entire trip.

Safety Cables

Required in all 50 states. Cross them under the tow bar. If the tow bar disconnects, the cables keep the Bronco attached to the motorhome until everything can be safely stopped.

What Does a Full Flat Tow Setup Cost?

Professional flat tow installation packages for the Ford Bronco start around $4,997 at RV specialty shops. That includes the base plate, tow bar, supplemental braking, wiring, and installation labor.

DIY costs are lower. Here is a realistic breakdown:

Base plate kit: $400–$700
Tow bar: $700–$1,200
Supplemental braking system: $400–$700
Wiring / lighting kit: $150–$300
Battery charge line: $50–$100
Safety cables: usually included with the tow bar

DIY total: $1,700–$2,950 in parts. Fully installed at a shop: $4,500–$6,000.

Flat Tow vs. Using a Trailer: Which Is Better for the Bronco?

This is a real debate in the Bronco community, especially after the transmission failures that surfaced on 2021–2023 models.

Flat Towing Advantages

No trailer to back up
No extra registration or license requirements in most states
The Bronco arrives with the same mileage it left with (minus wheel rotation)
Simpler connection and disconnection at the campsite

Trailer Advantages

No transmission risk — period
Some owners found it costs about the same to buy a quality aluminum flat trailer as it does to buy all the flat tow gear
The trailer has other uses — gear, bikes, recovery equipment
If your tow vehicle breaks down off-trail, you can reload the Bronco and get it home without needing a dealer in whatever town you're stranded in
No miles on the tires, no road grime or debris hitting the Bronco for the entire haul

The honest answer: flat towing works well and is Ford-approved. Thousands of owners do it without issue. But if you have a 2021–2022 Bronco with the 4A transfer case and an automatic, or if you're not the type to follow a laminated checklist every time you hook up, a trailer removes the risk entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does flat towing a Bronco put miles on the odometer?

No. The odometer does not register miles while the vehicle is in neutral tow mode with the ignition off.

Can I flat tow a Ford Bronco Sport?

No. The Bronco Sport has no recreational flat tow mode and is not approved for four-down towing. Emergency towing on a dolly or flatbed only, and only at low speed for short distances per the owner's manual. Do not attempt to flat tow a Bronco Sport behind a motorhome.

What happens if my Bronco's battery dies while being flat towed?

This is the most common cause of transmission damage. When the battery loses power, the system can exit neutral tow mode without warning. The transfer case shifts back to 2H, the transmission tries to drive the stopped drivetrain, and you get catastrophic transmission failure. Run a battery charge line. Full stop.

Do I need a supplemental braking system in my state?

Most states require one for any towed vehicle above a certain weight — typically 1,500 to 3,000 lbs depending on the state. The Bronco exceeds that threshold in every configuration. Check your state's laws, but plan on needing it.

Is the 2024–2026 Bronco safe to flat tow with the 4A transfer case?

Based on owner reports, 2024 and newer models appear significantly more reliable than 2021–2022 models. Ford appears to have updated the 4A software. No official acknowledgment exists. Running a battery charge line and following the checklist precisely remains non-negotiable regardless of model year.

Will flat towing void my Bronco's warranty?

Not if you follow the owner's manual procedure correctly. Ford built and approved this capability. The warranty disputes that arose were over cases where Ford claimed the vehicle was not properly in neutral tow mode, not over the act of flat towing itself.

What bumper do I need for flat towing?

Any bumper works as long as your base plate is specified for it. The factory plastic bumper with or without D-rings, the factory modular bumper, and most aftermarket front bumpers all have base plate kits available from Roadmaster, Blue Ox, and Curt. Confirm your bumper type before ordering hardware.

Should I add a skid plate before flat towing on a road trip?

If you're planning to wheel the Bronco once you get to your destination, yes. A skid plate protects the transfer case and transmission cross-member — the exact components you're relying on to keep your Bronco in neutral tow mode. It's cheap insurance on a trail and smart protection for the drivetrain you're about to depend on.

What about winch compatibility with a flat tow base plate?

Most base plates mount to the frame in front of any existing winch setup. If you're running a winch on a factory or aftermarket bumper, confirm the base plate bracket fits alongside it before ordering. Some aftermarket bumpers integrate both cleanly — others require specific bracket configs.

Shop Bronco Forge for front bumpers, rear bumpers, skid plates, rock sliders, and winches and recovery gear for the 2021–2026 Ford.

This guide was put together by the team at Bronco Forge. We sell aftermarket parts exclusively for the 2021–2026 Ford Bronco and spend time in the owner forums tracking the real issues owners actually run into — including the ones most guides skip. Questions about fitment or anything Bronco-related? Reach us at contact@broncoforge.com