ordering shortly and have some questions
04-01-2015, 10:22 AM
#31
There are two tow packages. One, the "lower end" option has the locking rear axle, transmission cooler etc. It also has a heavier sway bar. Option is $495. This will give you a little more control while towing and is a good option for your stated tow requirements.
The other is "heavier duty" and is called Max Tow and has the "heavy duty" shocks and trailer brake controller. Sells for $795. It doesn't say so in the order guide, but having ridden in my cousin's, there is no doubt it also has higher rated springs as well. Unless you really need it and/or are comfortable with the stiffer ride, I'd consider the lighter duty option. It will work fine for you.
I note you have not indicated you want the rear step (the one in the tail gate). Given the ride height of the 4x4 it's a good idea. Given the cost of the truck, it's not expensive.
As an aside I've complained loudly to my dealer about the ride height of Ford's 4x4. I use 4x4 every day of the year at my home in Wyoming but need it for steep drives, snow and mud - I'm not going to drive Baja or the Rubicon. The electric step boards are excellent but not available on the extended cab. The others just fill up with mud and snow. That probably seems laughable to those on this forum that install big tires and jack their trucks up. I don't begrudge them, but I'll probably lower mine a couple of inches. Whatever works is best and I'm glad we have a choice.
The other is "heavier duty" and is called Max Tow and has the "heavy duty" shocks and trailer brake controller. Sells for $795. It doesn't say so in the order guide, but having ridden in my cousin's, there is no doubt it also has higher rated springs as well. Unless you really need it and/or are comfortable with the stiffer ride, I'd consider the lighter duty option. It will work fine for you.
I note you have not indicated you want the rear step (the one in the tail gate). Given the ride height of the 4x4 it's a good idea. Given the cost of the truck, it's not expensive.
As an aside I've complained loudly to my dealer about the ride height of Ford's 4x4. I use 4x4 every day of the year at my home in Wyoming but need it for steep drives, snow and mud - I'm not going to drive Baja or the Rubicon. The electric step boards are excellent but not available on the extended cab. The others just fill up with mud and snow. That probably seems laughable to those on this forum that install big tires and jack their trucks up. I don't begrudge them, but I'll probably lower mine a couple of inches. Whatever works is best and I'm glad we have a choice.
04-01-2015, 10:47 AM
#32
Member
Thread Starter
I like the power running boards. I have running fixed boards on my current vehicle. They provide little value IMO. They are too high and close to the vehicle to make entry easier. In fact, my young son has trouble getting solid footing on them because they are so close to the body. The power running boards can extend lower and further from the body without effecting clearance or overall width.
04-01-2015, 10:55 AM
#33
Member
Thread Starter
I just had a quick chat with a rep from ford.com. Here is what she said:
Me: Does the max trailer tow package change any of the suspension components?
Ford:
It does not. The Max Trailer Tow Package includes the following: 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle (axle is changed to 3.73 Electronic-locking differential if ordered with Heavy-Duty Payload Package), 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, Class IV trailer hitch receiver, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, upgraded front stabilizer bar, and upgraded rear bumper.
Me: Does the max trailer tow package change any of the suspension components?
Ford:
It does not. The Max Trailer Tow Package includes the following: 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle (axle is changed to 3.73 Electronic-locking differential if ordered with Heavy-Duty Payload Package), 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, Class IV trailer hitch receiver, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, upgraded front stabilizer bar, and upgraded rear bumper.
04-01-2015, 03:46 PM
#34
The HD Payload package is available with the longbed Lariat SuperCrew. You haven't selected your trailer yet. The payload for your build appears to be 2010 lbs. If your hitch weight is 650 lbs, for example, that comes from your payload, leaving 1360 pounds available for the weight of people and your cab and bed cargo. The HD payload package causes you to lose the KR, technology, bucket seats, but gets an additional 640 pounds of cargo. The HD Payload requires a front bench leather heated/cooled seat. With a family of 5 (and perhaps another to arrive), it made sense to me to forgo the luxuries for the capabilities, especially for longer trips. The longbed will give you more room for fishing tackle, chairs, coolers, luggage, portable wastewater tank, firewood, dirty/muddy laundry, antique shop finds, etc., that you will want to carry when vacationing but either don't want to put in a new clean camper or you won't have room for.
04-01-2015, 06:26 PM
#37
Member
Thread Starter
I don't see why I need the HD payload package for a small camping setup. I expect the trailer to weigh around 6000# fully loaded. The tongue weight should be about 750#. With a 2000# payload, that leaves 1250# for people and gear. I checked with Ford. The payload capacity includes a running vehicle with a full tank of gas. Two adults and a small child with their personal gear should weigh about 650#. (I am assuming most gear will be in the trailer.) The tonneau cover, bedrug and mats probably weight 100#. That leaves 500# for everything else that I would carry in the bed such as a small gas tank, a small generator, some firewood and anything else that is dirty or wet. I think I should be ok. Please let me know if I missed something.
04-01-2015, 06:49 PM
#38
Member
Thread Starter
Well I just looked over the payload thread. A Plattie fully equipped has a payload capacity of about 1500#. That is a lot less than is shown on the ford website. Those options sure add a lot of weight. So now I have to rethink things a little.
04-01-2015, 07:33 PM
#39
Senior Member
That is why I ordered the HD payload package on a Lariat. I am taking a family of 5 (4 adults and one grandchild) and might have a later addition as well. Add in the weight of diaper bags, play pen, toys, etc... I want the maximum seating capacity and the max payload capacity without going to a F250.