Delavan

Canadian here.
I try to drive my truck in 2WD almost all the time, especially because there isn't a lot of snow where I live. BUT....its icy and slippery at times. I bought some "decent" ice tires and I'm telling you, it doesn't take much to get the rear to break loose (with traction control fully on). I got 300 pounds of sandbags over the rear axle too.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...a+Grip+Ice+WRT

I got the 5.0L, and I know of a dude with an EB 3.5L similar to mine. We are working at the same place, and we had a few times where the nasty little powerslide takes you by surprise. Good thing that I practiced a lot with the old man's car as a kid.... Those trucks are powerful, lighter and in slippery condition, you might need the 4x4, or the A4 (Lariat+).

My previous work truck was a 2013 3.5L EB F-150 and I got surprised once by having the turbo kicking-in during a 90 deg turn from a stop on a spot of black ice...same thing...holy...my old 1993 5.0L F-150 didn't have that kind of gusto.

Resale value is another good point for the 4x4 capability.

dedalus5550

Oh, boy. After a lot of research, I'm feeling lost here. What is A4. My first guess is all-wheel drive, but a google search turned up nothing.
Thanks,
Mike Todd

Delavan

The Lariats and more luxurious models are having the Automatic 4 wheel drive, or AWD. The torque is normally directed to the rear wheels, but due to the existence of a center differential, some power is directed to the front wheels.

http://driving.ca/ford/f-150/reviews...er-off-roading

But remember....the more luxurious the truck is, the heavier it gets. It affects payload.

solarity

Not a huge difference, the HDPP Lariat has a higher payload than the XL HDPP. To many variations in equipment, though anything above the Lariat your claim is true.

OP: The A4 is a small Audi sedan, nice car. :p

4A is 4WD Automatic. I don't think it is AWD as it only diverts power, when it detects a slip....someone correct me if I am wrong.

Magnetic157

The difference in MPG between the 3.33 and 3.55 rear end is negligible - if you plan to do any sort of towing over 5k lbs - get the 3.55 or 3.73. The 3.33 will feel very sluggish trying to accelerate with 7k lbs behind.

3.33 - great highway gear for those who rarely tow
3.55 - great in-between gear for highway / seldom towing.
3.73 - great gear for those who do a lot of daily towing / hauling

Sweetlou

Might be worth mentioning the Heavy Duty packages (Towing or Payload) are not as common, so if you are looking for a left over 2016 you might be out of luck. If you are ordering a 2017, I would order the max tow package.

My 2016 XLT came with the standard tow package and optional 3.55 E-locker gears, 36 gallon tank. I had to pay $400 to have the trailer brake controller installed at ford. I bought my truck as a "left over" and wanted it optioned a specific way, but if I was ordering new I would 100% buy the Heavy Duty Tow Package for the increased payload capacity. My 16's payload is 1750lbs and tows my 25ft 6000 GVWR trailer fine, but it's always nice to have the extra!!

Lou

dirt tracker

thicker frame?

BShadows

I don't believe the frame is thicker. I do believe you get an upgraded, heavy duty sway bar with the tow package.

71Maverick

Plus a trans cooler, 36 gal, brake controller and an upgraded rear bumper.


HPP does not appear to be available with the 5.5 bed.


BShadows, I have the same truck as you, except max tow, on order. Nice pick!




Micah

Zeke_in_SC

The models with 4A and the 8" display have the Power Distribution Screen. On it, you can see how the power is being distributed between the front and rear wheels. If it's an accurate depiction, it's a true AWD mode and not just for slippage. The front wheels are engaged quite often (generally less than the rear)...mostly under hard acceleration.