Ford towbar fitting prices just wow.

joolz · 03-10-2018, 07:02 PM

My wife is getting a 2018 Mondeo sedan/hatch Friday. We wanted a 1600kg towbar fitted. Ford quoted $1200 which I though was quite pricey. Anyways I picked up the entire kit including ECU harness, 7pin flat plug and towball from BTA for $333 to install myself. Yes almost $900 cheaper and the estimated time to fit is just 1 hr. No Ford service person gets paid $900 p/h...

GTLEGEND · 03-10-2018, 09:18 PM

You still someone to program the TRM (trailer module) to the vehicle...

**solarite_guy** · 03-10-2018, 10:33 PM

Sounds like a business opportunity to me.

deesun · 04-10-2018, 12:19 AM

Since when were Ford options or ANY manufacturers options cheap?

mike_nofx · 04-10-2018, 07:57 AM

Well it’s quite a rare car

Itsme · 04-10-2018, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

You need still someone to program the TRM (trailer module) to the vehicle...

Correct but programming does not justify the inflated high price from the ford dealer.

Tonz · 04-10-2018, 09:16 AM

you should read what VW owners are expected to pay. There are towbar specialists, do a great job.
12 months ago booked my FG ute in 1 hour later, fitted and coded for 1/4 price Ford were after.

csv8 · 04-10-2018, 09:31 AM

My Captiva Holden 2 tonne heavy duty towbar was $825 fitted wiring included. Cheaper than other quotes which surprised me.

wodahs · 04-10-2018, 11:28 AM

my 2018 trailhawk was around the $900 mark for a H/D reece hitch aftermarket
the dealer wanted $1500 for their supply and fit but manged to get it in the sale price of the vehicle at the quoted price of $500

GTLEGEND · 04-10-2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Officemanager

Correct but programming does not justify the inflated high price from the ford dealer.

No my point was to advise the OP that him/her fitting the kit is not the end of the job and wanted to make sure they knew it had to be programmed if they did not already know.

What some people don't also understand is a lot of OE genuine parts are more expensive than the aftermarket equivalent as the testing requirements are a lot harder for the vehicle manufacturers. Any part has to pass relevant crash and durability tests that most aftermarket manufacturers don't have to adhere to. Testing costs a lot of money and that has to be amortized into the parts price.

It would be interesting to see if the breakdown of parts and labor, theoretically labor should be the same regardless. But I would be aware of cheap tow bar parts...

Itsme · 04-10-2018, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

No my point was to advise the OP that him/her fitting the kit is not the end of the job and wanted to make sure they knew it had to be programmed if they did not already know.

What some people don't also understand is a lot of OE genuine parts are more expensive than the aftermarket equivalent as the testing requirements are a lot harder for the vehicle manufacturers. Any part has to pass relevant crash and durability tests that most aftermarket manufacturers don't have to adhere to. Testing costs a lot of money and that has to be amortized into the parts price.

It would be interesting to see if the breakdown of parts and labor, theoretically labor should be the same regardless. But I would be aware of cheap tow bar parts...

To clarify aftermarket manufacturers do have to adhere to crash & durability tests to satisfy insurance companies and ADR requirements otherwise your vehicle can be at risk of not being covered.

One thing I do know which I did not mention is surprisingly how prices can be different between dealers and sometimes prices can be negotiated lower as I have done this myself numerous times with dealers.
Your reason for high price still does not cut it with me, just pure greed at times as dealers are known for this.
I too do know people that have worked for dealers in all levels.
At the end of the day it is up to the customer if he or she thinks they are getting a fair deal or to purchase an aftermarket product which can be just as good as the oem product.

Cheers

ratter · 04-10-2018, 06:19 PM

Many dealers will have aftermarket tow ads fitted by subcontractors to price match

joolz · 04-10-2018, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

You still someone to program the TRM (trailer module) to the vehicle...

BTA never mentioned anything about programming the TRM.
So what will happen if it's not done?
I see on the UK models there is something with fog lights.

My FG was easy to fit apart from having to remove the bumper. No issue with wiring in the 7 pin harness. The Mondeo is just 6 bolts and no need to remove bumper.

GTLEGEND · 04-10-2018, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Officemanager

To clarify aftermarket manufacturers do have to adhere to crash & durability tests to satisfy insurance companies and ADR requirements otherwise your vehicle can be at risk of not being covered.

One thing I do know which I did not mention is surprisingly how prices can be different between dealers and sometimes prices can be negotiated lower as I have done this myself numerous times with dealers.
Your reason for high price still does not cut it with me, just pure greed at times as dealers are known for this.
I too do know people that have worked for dealers in all levels.
At the end of the day it is up to the customer if he or she thinks they are getting a fair deal or to purchase an aftermarket product which can be just as good as the oem product.

Cheers

Agree with your point that some dealers do overcharge (well try to anyway) and some of their charges are blatant rip offs and their mark ups ridiculous, but generally the OE parts are more expensive than the aftermarket for that reason of the testing the OE's do.

As for ADR OE manufacturers have a stricter regulations than the aftermarket. OE's have to crash test and have different standards to the aftermarket if they want to sell a part, aftermarket do not. For example the Mustang supercharger, the OE's have to meet static and drive by noise regulations where as the aftermarket only static. That's why Ford could not bring it to market, yet Herrod or the alike can as it passed the static, but not the drive by at certain speed. I don't think people like BTA would crash test every model of car they make tow bars for, they could not afford to (the cost to crash test a car is astronomical). But why would they, they don't have to, they only have to adhere to Australian Design Standards. That does not mean the part is no good, but how that part stands up in a crash and the effects on ANCAP rating is not known. It just means the part has to be made with certain materials and dimensions.

GTLEGEND · 04-10-2018, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joolz

BTA never mentioned anything about programming the TRM.
So what will happen if it's not done?
I see on the UK models there is something with fog lights.

My FG was easy to fit apart from having to remove the bumper. No issue with wiring in the 7 pin harness. The Mondeo is just 6 bolts and no need to remove bumper.

Not programming the TRM basically means the vehicle does not know when the vehicle is towing when its towing. This can affect ABS, stability control, trailer sway mitigation, AEB etc and other driving aids if any is fitted to your vehicle when you are towing.

joolz · 04-10-2018, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

Not programming the TRM basically means the vehicle does not know when the vehicle is towing when its towing. This can affect ABS, stability control, trailer sway mitigation, AEB etc and other driving aids if any is fitted to your vehicle when you are towing.

So it detects when a trailer is fitted when the trailer plug is inserted and adjusts any of the above you mentioned.
What would the difference be with a fully loaded car (5 passengers and loaded boot) as opposed to just a driver and 400kg trailer for the above stability stuff? Sorry for the questions as the FG has no issues with this even towing a 1500kg caravan.

I guess my main question is that all the lights will work on the trailer via the supplied ECU but the above may not work as well with a trailer?

naddis01 · 04-10-2018, 08:13 PM

The trailer lights may not work if it's like the Ranger.

GTLEGEND · 04-10-2018, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joolz

So it detects when a trailer is fitted when the trailer plug is inserted and adjusts any of the above you mentioned.
What would the difference be with a fully loaded car (5 passengers and loaded boot) as opposed to just a driver and 400kg trailer for the above stability stuff? Sorry for the questions as the FG has no issues with this even towing a 1500kg caravan.

There is a big difference. 400 kg on wheels behind a vehicle especially when braking and swerving has a different effect on a vehicle then 400 kgs sitting stationary inside the vehicle. The dead mass inside does not have energy to push on the vehicle like a trailer does (especially if its not braked) which can cause a car to jack knife etc.

You would most probably not notice any difference during normal driving, its more under an emergency situation that the system will help (not necessarily save you in every situation as it does have its limits).

As for the FG well to be honest, the Falcon is a bit primitive to a 2018 Mondeo MD in terms of driver aids etc. It does not have a TRM and just controlled by the BCM, all it does on a Falcon is operate the lights. Even the reverse cut out to stop reverse sensors beeping when a trailer is connected is a simple magnet on the trailer plug door that operates as a simple reed switch to break contact when the door is opened and the trailer harness is plugged in. The good old Falcon does not have the type of technology and safety systems that can help aid the vehicle in those types of situations. There was never any programming required on a FG Falcon.

If its any help, attached below is the Mondeo wiring fitting instructions. Had to do it in two parts as it was too big as 1?? You will see the 3rd point on the last page (page 7) it instructs to program the IDS ( I think this is a bad translation as some of the instructions sort of don't make word sense). This is for the genuine wiring only not the physical towbar.

MD Mondeo Trailer Wiring Pt1.pdf

MD Mondeo Trailer Wiring Pt2.pdf

GTLEGEND · 04-10-2018, 08:37 PM

I guess my main question is that all the lights will work on the trailer via the supplied ECU but the above may not work as well with a trailer?[/QUOTE]

Not sure with an after market ECU, but on the genuine one yes, the lights will work, but not the safety aids.

If you read your owners manual under trailer towing, the below information is stated:

Only use the Ford approved trailer wiring kit (including the trailer wiring module) when towing with your vehicle. Using generic trailer wiring kits may prevent the correct operation of the rear parking sensors (where fitted) and could damage the electrical systems of your vehicle.
Aftermarket load levelling kits or weight distribution hitches are not suitable for use on the Ford approved towbar.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible nose weight, e.g. vertical weight on the tow ball. Failure to adhere to this warning could result in loss of vehicle control, serious personal injury or death.

Trailer Sway Control

If the trailer begins to sway, the stability control warning lamp flashes and a message appears in the information display. The system applies the brakes to the individual wheels and reduces engine torque to aid vehicle stability.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Check the vertical weight on the tow ball and trailer load distribution. See Engine Specifications. See General Information.
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed is too high, the system may turn on multiple times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.

Itsme · 04-10-2018, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

I guess my main question is that all the lights will work on the trailer via the supplied ECU but the above may not work as well with a trailer?

Not sure with an after market ECU, but on the genuine one yes, the lights will work, but not the safety aids.

If you read your owners manual under trailer towing, the below information is stated:

Only use the Ford approved trailer wiring kit (including the trailer wiring module) when towing with your vehicle. Using generic trailer wiring kits may prevent the correct operation of the rear parking sensors (where fitted) and could damage the electrical systems of your vehicle.
Aftermarket load levelling kits or weight distribution hitches are not suitable for use on the Ford approved towbar.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible nose weight, e.g. vertical weight on the tow ball. Failure to adhere to this warning could result in loss of vehicle control, serious personal injury or death.

Trailer Sway Control

If the trailer begins to sway, the stability control warning lamp flashes and a message appears in the information display. The system applies the brakes to the individual wheels and reduces engine torque to aid vehicle stability.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Check the vertical weight on the tow ball and trailer load distribution. See Engine Specifications. See General Information.
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed is too high, the system may turn on multiple times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.

Why do some ford dealers offer aftermarket products that contradicts the owners manual?

GTLEGEND · 04-10-2018, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Officemanager

Why do some ford dealers offer aftermarket products that contradicts the owners manual?

Because they are their own business entity and are pretty much free to do as they please, be it right or wrong. Just like a person fitting illegal components to their personal car, you can buy it, fit it but the responsibility is on you if it fails or you get caught. Most dealers will do what ever they can to make money even if it goes against Fords recommendations, its just they cant claim warranty against Ford if they do so. They would rather sell the cheaper product then not get a sale at all hoping that there will be no issue later on. Stopping a dealer from being able to do this I think is against anti competitive laws or the alike as they are a separate business to Ford in their own right.

joolz · 11-10-2018, 08:14 PM

Towbar all fitted and no issues with lights. Just have to get the TRM programmed. GTLEGEND the PDF files you put up look nothing like the wiring in the 2018 mondeo but thanks anyways.

GTLEGEND · 11-10-2018, 10:12 PM

This is the MC one, is that the same? Post 13 cant post it twice.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11459382

Crazy Dazz · 14-10-2018, 01:26 AM

So you're buying a new car, and you asked them for the price to fit an OEM accessory that would then be covered by the full Ford Factory warranty. Presumably you didn't bother attempting to negotiate that price?
And yet you appear puzzled that the OEM product was significantly more expensive than some random 3rd party DIY kit?

Have you just arrived from another planet? Where they don't have car dealers?

Thank God you didn't ask for a price for OEM floor-mats, you might have needed an ambulance.

GTLEGEND · 14-10-2018, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

So you're buying a new car, and you asked them for the price to fit an OEM accessory that would then be covered by the full Ford Factory warranty. Presumably you didn't bother attempting to negotiate that price?
And yet you appear puzzled that the OEM product was significantly more expensive than some random 3rd party DIY kit?

Have you just arrived from another planet? Where they don't have car dealers?

Thank God you didn't ask for a price for OEM floor-mats, you might have needed an ambulance.

To add to this a 5 year unlimited warranty. I am sure the non genuine would only be around 12mths/20K?

happy1 · 14-10-2018, 03:31 AM

Hi,
There are other car brands that wants a lot more than $1200 for a genuine tow bar kit supplied, fitted and programmed.

As mentioned by others the add-ons is one of the ways the factory and the dealers make profit on a new car sales. However, BEFORE you sign the purchase contract for your new car you should negotiate the total price including required add-ons. One guy I know got his tow bar at cost, where the dealer agreed to sell and fit a factory towbar at no profit just in order to secure a sales of a new car.
Cheers,

joolz · 15-10-2018, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

This is the MC one, is that the same? Post 13 cant post it twice.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11459382

I believe it's an MD. July 2018 build.

joolz · 15-10-2018, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

To add to this a 5 year unlimited warranty. I am sure the non genuine would only be around 12mths/20K?

BTA offer a lifetime warranty.

chris.j · 31-07-2019, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joolz

BTA never mentioned anything about programming the TRM.
So what will happen if it's not done?
I see on the UK models there is something with fog lights.

My FG was easy to fit apart from having to remove the bumper. No issue with wiring in the 7 pin harness. The Mondeo is just 6 bolts and no need to remove bumper.

Newbie here, sorry to dig up an old thread, joolz you mention no need to remove the rear bumper to fit the towbar. Is that correct?
I've just purchased a genuine kit and going to fit this weekend.
Cheers

**Burnout** · 31-07-2019, 09:58 AM

May give you an idea:
http://fordforums.com.au/showpost.ph...&postcount=395