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...

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.

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

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.

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, 07:27 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?

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.

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

joolz · 31-07-2019, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris.j

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

Bumper stays on. Just the underneath cover has to be removed.

chris.j · 31-07-2019, 02:29 PM

Cheers joolz

Franco Cozzo · 07-08-2019, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

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

I'll do it for the cheap price of $1200

chris.j · 08-08-2019, 08:28 AM

I ended up buying a genuine Ford kit inc module & harness from Bayford Parts on ebay for $650.
Getting it fitted & programmed at Ford this week as with the genuine kit the rear bar has to come off, and I can't be bothered!

stoodoo · 16-08-2019, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris.j

I ended up buying a genuine Ford kit inc module & harness from Bayford Parts on ebay for $650.
Getting it fitted & programmed at Ford this week as with the genuine kit the rear bar has to come off, and I can't be bothered!

What did they quote you for install? (If you don't mind me asking) I bought a ford towbar from ford years ago and have never got around to having it installed. Had it booked in at Bayford to get fitted at the same time as the first complimentary service (Aug2016). Then common sense kicked in and I asked them how much? They quoted me around $500+ to install. I then got a quote from Rex gorell at the time and they quoted me ~$300 for the same install.

The towbar and wiring loom is still sitting in my spare room, and my tinnie is still sitting in the back yard lol.

stefcio007 · 16-08-2019, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoodoo

What did they quote you for install? (If you don't mind me asking) I bought a ford towbar from ford years ago and have never got around to having it installed. Had it booked in at Bayford to get fitted at the same time as the first complimentary service (Aug2016). Then common sense kicked in and I asked them how much? They quoted me around $500+ to install. I then got a quote from Rex gorell at the time and they quoted me ~$300 for the same install.

The towbar and wiring loom is still sitting in my spare room, and my tinnie is still sitting in the back yard lol.

I bought a tow bar for my Focus for $200 and it sat around for a while before I managed to install it. Wiring (left overs from Ford, free) is going in at the end of this month.

Prices people are quoting here are a bit eye-watering.

chris.j · 19-08-2019, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoodoo

What did they quote you for install? (If you don't mind me asking) I bought a ford towbar from ford years ago and have never got around to having it installed. Had it booked in at Bayford to get fitted at the same time as the first complimentary service (Aug2016). Then common sense kicked in and I asked them how much? They quoted me around $500+ to install. I then got a quote from Rex gorell at the time and they quoted me ~$300 for the same install.

The towbar and wiring loom is still sitting in my spare room, and my tinnie is still sitting in the back yard lol.

Getting it fitted & programmed tomorrow at Essendon Ford for $350.
I could do it myself and get the module programmed but am time poor!

**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

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

ratter · 04-10-2018, 06:19 PM

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

naddis01 · 04-10-2018, 08:13 PM

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

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

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.