Wannafbody

The hitch is different on he Max Tow. The regular tow package has a tranny cooler too. I think the radiators are the same.

phantomblackgto

Yea, I've read that in the Ford literature too. My regular tow package has all of those features except the upgraded rear bumper and powerscope trailer tow mirrors. Not sure how a different bumper and mirrors would add 1,600 lb payload rating. I'm pretty sure I remember reading a discussion somewhere about the heavier rear springs and them questioning why it wasn't listed in the Ford specs for the max trailer tow package. Something about when you get the Ecoboost and max trailer tow, you also get some of the features of the heavy duty package (i.e., heavier rear springs). The same 3.5 Eco and same 3.73 gear have the 1,600 lb payload difference between regular tow and max tow, so powertrain doesn't seem to account for the difference. It has to be something else. Springs would make sense to me to account for the additional payload. A different bumper and mirrors would not. I've just never been able to find any authoritative source to confirm this.

joedotmac

How is it determined to have a 1600 lb payload difference between the two trucks?

tcp2

There is a difference between the Max Tow package and Heavy Payload package. You can get Max Tow without the heavy payload package. Not sure if you can get heavy payload without max tow though. Max tow without the payload package has exactly the same springs and load capacity as a truck without regular tow or no tow at all. Max tow does not change the load capacity ON the truck at all. Only the Heavy payload can do that. It changes what you can tow behind the truck.

The heavy payload package has stronger springs (3 leaves in the back), heavier axles with 7 bolt rims and possibly higher tensile strength steel in the frame(not 100% sure about that). I have a 2009 regular tow screw as my personal truck and drive a 2013 Heavy payload Screw as a company vehicle. Both XLTs. My payload is 1360lbs. My work truck payload is 2231lbs. They have exactly the same radiator and transmission cooler.

Attached is a built with both packages shown.

phantomblackgto

Sorry, towing capacity is increased by 1,600 lbs. Payload capacity is increased by 380 lbs. with max tow package. I'm guessing heavier springs could equate to higher tongue load capacity which could equate to higher tow capacity. Just a guess.

phantomblackgto

Not true, at least in the states.

DirtDawg

By referencing "3 leaves in the back", is that 3 primary plus 1 helper or 3 total? If the latter, then Max Tow seems to have those springs as shown on my new truck....

nemosdad

DirtDawg, I have the same two primary leafs as well. 157" wheel base.

In Canada, at least in 2011, Max Tow package necessitated the "heavy duty payload package". However in 2011 that was the #7700 gvwr, not the
#8200.

A while back someone posted the differences in springs and found the heavy duty springs to be thicker (not wider) than non heavy duty's.

missionman

Im flying out to pick up a 2013 157" wb, xlt, crew, max tow. no fluffy options taking up payload, no b.s., payload appears to be 1672lbs

excited to pick it up and go camping next week to see how it tows/pulls compared to my 3.55 5.0 scab

DBL Boost

I beleive the tow rating is only going to be 400#'s more