Tow package plus 3.55 vs max tow pack
#21
#22
Boys, boys, I'm as confused as ever now on the F150's Max Tow, Tow Package, etc. mess.
I've been of Ford's site to build a truck, been reading this and other F150 forum sites several years, and daggnabbit, Ford just makes it confusing to me old haid. Anyway, when (when, that is) I finally do get my finances in order enough to buy a new truck, I'm getting the Max Tow and Max Payload package, whatever that takes! Unless I get the 2.7, which seems like a mighty good engine! Even if I get that one, I want the heaviest duty 2.7 Ford makes...
I've been of Ford's site to build a truck, been reading this and other F150 forum sites several years, and daggnabbit, Ford just makes it confusing to me old haid. Anyway, when (when, that is) I finally do get my finances in order enough to buy a new truck, I'm getting the Max Tow and Max Payload package, whatever that takes! Unless I get the 2.7, which seems like a mighty good engine! Even if I get that one, I want the heaviest duty 2.7 Ford makes...
* seems to be hard to get (delays)
* won't let you have a crew with the 5.5' foot bed or a SC with the 6.5' bed (requires 157")
* can't get the XLT 302A package
My intention was to do a factory order with the HD payload + max tow on a crew w/6.5' bed. Instead, I bought a left over 2015 SC + 6.5' bed +302A. Having put it in my garage, it barely fits (due to other things I have in the garage) and in retrospect I would have a lot more rearranging to do w/the longer wheelbase.
All of this is documented in the 2016 order guide. ANYONE thinking of ordering a 2016 should be looking at it to better understand restrictions on options.
#24
1. I wanted to get a crew cab, but also wanted to get a 6.5' bed as a use the truck for truck like things (like carrying wood). I knew I could factory order a 16 w/both, but it would take considerably more $ given the current XLT incentives, extra $ for crew and extra $ for 6.5' bed on crew. So, I prioritized the 6.5' bed over the crew, figuring my son will soon be sitting in the front vs the back seat. Another advantage of the SC is a better payload rating w/o the HD payload package. My truck is at 2049# (on the yellow payload sticker) whereas I've seen some crews around 1600#. This makes a significant difference in what I can legally tow in a real-life scenario.
2. I went around and around FOREVER on the engine choice. I drove my nephews 2011 3.5L EB (crew, 6.5' bed) with over 100k miles. It towed my 20' flat bed + Kubota L series tractor like it was nothing. But I was still worried about having turbo's (due to a bad 80's experience with a turbo charged vehicle), so I also was considering the 5.0 L V8 (old school). I also liked the idea of the 2.7L EB based on reviews and think Ford might be underrating its towing (on purpose) for market segmentation purposes. In the end, I went with the 3.5L EB.
3. The vehicle I ended up with has the 3.31 gear ratio. However, after driving it with the 3.5L EB, it has plenty of pep for me. I'm not drag racing with my truck, I have a 94 Camaro LT1 350 6-speed manual for that. [Editors note: That car has 275 hp (205 kW) and 325 lb·ft. It's frickin amazing that the 2.7L EB has more hp and more torque than my Camaro. Although the Camaro was pretty decent with a 5.7 second 0-60 straight from the factory and a 140+ top end.] I don't know how it will feel towing as I haven't done so yet, but think I will be fine and dandy given the 3.5 EB torque curve. If I had gone with the 5.0L V8, no way would I want the 3.31 ratio.
4. No moonroof. Wanted one. However, after reading the horror stories with leaking etc, glad I didn't get one. Man, my 1994 (22 years old) Camaro T-tops don't leak yet Ford's new 2015/16 system does. Pathetic.
#25
5k towing is putting a ball on the bumper in front of the license plate.
Both tow packages add a hitch which increases the capacity substantially. The Max Tow Pkg adds a marginal increase to the normal tow package and many prefer the 3.55 gears that come with that package.
Both tow packages add a hitch which increases the capacity substantially. The Max Tow Pkg adds a marginal increase to the normal tow package and many prefer the 3.55 gears that come with that package.
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
And "includes" a few things which my truck came with:
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector
#26
From the Ford site:
• Upgraded rear bumper
• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (this is standard on some models)
The following are the same as the normal tow package and are included in the Max Tow
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness (Same as normal tow package)
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler (Same as normal tow package)
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver (Same as normal tow package)
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher) (Same as normal tow package)
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar (Same as normal tow package)
I didn't feel the 3.55 and bumper were worth the cost difference because I don't tow often and doubt I'll need the additional 1,000 lbs of capability when I do tow (10,700 vs 11,700 for 4x4 156.8" WB SCrew). The Platinum already has the integrated trailer brake controller.
Either tow package will get you over 5,000 lbs because that is the max for towing via the bumper only. The tow package will get you to anywhere from 7,100 to 12,200 (12,200 requires payload package and 3.73 gears).
• Upgraded rear bumper
• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (this is standard on some models)
The following are the same as the normal tow package and are included in the Max Tow
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness (Same as normal tow package)
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler (Same as normal tow package)
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver (Same as normal tow package)
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher) (Same as normal tow package)
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar (Same as normal tow package)
I didn't feel the 3.55 and bumper were worth the cost difference because I don't tow often and doubt I'll need the additional 1,000 lbs of capability when I do tow (10,700 vs 11,700 for 4x4 156.8" WB SCrew). The Platinum already has the integrated trailer brake controller.
Either tow package will get you over 5,000 lbs because that is the max for towing via the bumper only. The tow package will get you to anywhere from 7,100 to 12,200 (12,200 requires payload package and 3.73 gears).
#27
The hitch itself doesn't seem to make the difference. I have a Lariat which came standard with a class IV hitch and the tow rating is still 5,000 pounds. Tow package would add:
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
And "includes" a few things which my truck came with:
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
And "includes" a few things which my truck came with:
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector
#29
Senior Member
#30
I think I figured it out. People keep calling it the "max tow" package but what they really mean is the HD Payload Package. I went to Ford's build page and there is nothing called the Max Tow Package. There is only the Tow Package (which I have, plus some extras) and then there is the HD Payload Package. I do not have the HD Payload Package.