solarity

According to the documentation it does have thicker rail thickness:
Normal: .087" thick
Max Tow: .1" thick
HDPP: .11" thick

Source: P. 84 https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...tes_010815.pdf

I was surprised by this to, I was initially looking at the HDPP, though Ford limits the accessories you can put in it and I don't think I would really be towing every week.

I think the Max tow makes the most sense, not much more than the Tow Package and you get the 36gal tank, trailer controller, and 3.55 axle to boot. I see more dealers selling the Trailer Tow Package w/ the 36gal tank, controller, and 3.55 axle, than dealers selling the max tow. To me they are complete idiots as you can get all that packaged for a few hundred dollars cheaper with the Max tow. I have thought about emailing the dealers to let them know they really should get someone else who knows what they are doing to order the trucks. For me that is a deal breaker, why would I buy a truck with less ability and it cost more?

ecotow

I think frame is thicker on max payload though. (1) 8200-lb. GVWR is included with the available Heavy-duty Payload Package (627) and requires either the 5.0L 4V V8 or 3.5L 4V V6 engine. In
addition to the equipment listed above, this package also includes Super Engine Cooling, 9-channel oil-to-air auxiliary transmission oil cooler,
frame upgrade (.150 rail thickness).

dedalus5550

Few more questions. First, about this AWD kinda thingy on the Lariat and above. Is that the standard driving mode, like in the standard AWD you get with lots of other (mostly) cars? Or is there a normal 2-wheel drive mode and another more traditional 4 wheel drive mode? (Where the A4/4A thing is just a third option.) Along with this, is the Lariat more luxury and less utility? I get the added weight thing, but is it still a truck at heart? (i.e. not a crossover with AWD.) And is HPP, as someone stated above, HDPP. And why would I need that? I don't think I'll ever put all that much in the bed. Is there something I'm missing?
Thanks,
Mike Todd

mixedpuppy

A Lariate 4x4 HDPP will get you roughly 2300# depending on options. Without HDPP you're likely around 1700# for the same equipment level. So do some rough math...

7000# trailer will have roughly 900# hitch weight, probably lighter after weight distribution hitch, so say 700#. 200# per person, how many people? What else will you put in the truck? Give yourself a 20% buffer for unexpected/unknowns.

1700-20%=1360
1360-700 = 660
2 people and stuff 660-400=260
Got a loaded cargo/tool box? 260-200=60

My current Lariat has 1600# payload, after weighing at a scale we've around 300# left towing our 7000# trailer and that's only 2 people and not much cargo. Basic things we want to add would put us right at the limit.

The HDPP I've on order should end up giving us around 700# more payload to play with, a much heftier rear GAWR, etc. etc. Worth the wait for a flexible truck that we'll have for a long time.

solarity

That 1700 is a fairly loaded Lariat. I.was looking at a Lariat 501a 3.5EB Maxtow running boards with over 1800lbs. You throw in moonroof, running boards, tailgate step, liners, bed cover, and that all starts to add up. The 502a doesnt add much weight and saw one with tailgate step and running boards for well over 1700lbs. The maxtow does reduce payload, due to.the 36gal.tank. If you tow something heavy u will want the tank. There is a 10:1 ratio for payload to towing. That 60lbs tailgate step reduces your towing/payload by 600lbs. Lariat vs xlt vs xl isnt that different. The King Ranch and higher is where you start to lose payload. I think you should be fine with most F150s if you tow less than 6000lbs travel trailer, though you could tow a much heavier boat, as boats have very little tongue weight. A Lariat with around 1850 payload could tow around 7800lbs travel trailer. I was giving around 700lbs of people, gear, and hitch. From there you get a HDPP, you can tow a slightly heavier trailer, then you start getting close to the hitch limit of 1250lbs. Though you have a lot more breathing room for people.and gear in your truck. If you do all your calculations correct, you should be able to pick out the right truck and trailer. Keep in mind, if you get a trailer with 7800 max gross weight. You won't have the same people in both trailer and tow vehicle.at the same time, unless you have a clone. The best question is what trailer do.you want? That will answer most of your questions.

Zeke_in_SC

4A (AWD) is just a fourth option. I think most people (me included) usually just ride around in regular mode (2 rear wheels).

I think the Lariats and above are just real trucks with more features. When you get into the King Ranches, Platinums and Limiteds you still have a truck, but it probably appeals to the guy who wants luxury, but still can tow and carry some stuff in the bed.

BShadows

You're going to love it! I've only had it a few days now, but it's really comfortable and surprisingly easy to drive.


Also thanks for the clarification on the max tow frame thickness. I honestly had no clue, I figured why would Ford make two different frame thicknesses for the same truck.

Wingless92

The Max Tow also gets the 9.75 axle! You can get this by doing 3.73's in a non Max Tow also.

nethinim

Not an engineer but rt hand colum lists 49,300 as yield strength for sll configurations. And what exactly does LD and HD mean when factored into a tow package 53, 53a, 53b, or 53c . No pkg 5000 tow, med duty 5000 tow, heavy duty (trailor tow) 11,000, and max tow 12,200. This is like buying a mattress

Magnetic157

I was looking at the document and I don't see any designation for Max Tow with the frame specs. The 157" shows two options - HD(.1) and HPP (.11)

I don't think Max Tow has anything to do with the frame, you can get 157s without the max Tow option and according to this document you would be getting the same .1 frame as someone who does have it.