I'm looking at upgrading my 2014 to a new 2019. I'm wanting something more heavy duty than what I have but don't want to go to a F250. Anyone with experience on the HDPP or Max Tow. These trucks are hard to find so I might special order. Is there a significant difference in the standard trucks vs these packages?

 

Max tow is only available with the 3.5 EB. It is a requirement for HDPP when equipped with the 3.5. If you are going to order one, order the HDPP with the 3.5 and get the best towing package Ford has to offer. If you want the 5.0 though you cannot get Max Tow.

 

Also, I believe with HDPP, you must go with a 6.5’ bed, if that matters. (This gets your overall dimensions closer to a 3/4 ton). I’ve heard ride is harsher when unloaded with this package as well.

Personally, if I were looking for something that heavy duty, I would just get an F250.

 

You can get the 8' box and a supercab together but not a supercrew with the 8' box. The trucks have heavier frames, an extra leaf spring, stronger rims, 3.73 rear end and it gives you 7850 lbs GVWR. Add the 3.5L Eco and you can get the Max Tow package.

 

Both packages are substantially different. If you are near F250 levels of payload requirement and you can deal with the limitations of HDPP (only available on 500A Lariat or less, etc.) then that's the way to go. I wouldn't buy an F150 that wasn't Max Tow at least.

 

Anyone have experience with these packages and can compare them with the standard package?
Is it noticeable?
Night and day difference?

 

I had a 2016 crewcab 5.0 with 6.5 bed, and now have a 2019 crewcab 3.5EB with 6.5 bed MAX TOW and HDPP.

My wife noticed the 2019 is a bit harsher than our previous 2016. This is likely due to the stiffer rear suspension (4 leaves instead of 3) and, as we too often forget to point, tire pressure of 48 psi instead of 39 psi.

Max tow package has little to do with ride quality, if nothing.

The 48 psi recommended with HDPP is to carry the load at GVWR of 7850 pounds. At curb weight (empty bed and cabin, no trailer), there is no need to maintain such high tire pressure, so I ride my HDPP truck at « standard » pressure of 39-41 psi as daily driver. Ride quality is then on par with standard F150, IMO. I just have to be vigilant to increase them back to 48 psi before camping trip (camping truck weight of 7600 pounds).

 

You are over-estimating the significance of the max tow package. It's...it's not a big deal. You can get almost everything max tow has to offer by combining the regular trailer tow package, 3.55 locking axle, and 36 gallon fuel tank. Max tow does have a little more but I doubt you'd notice and it does not increase your GVWR or payload capacity and only increases GCWR and theoretical max trailer weight by 2,000 lbs but you're pretty much guaranteed to run out of payload before you hit that anyway (and you can easily get a non max tow with a rated trailer weight north of 9k lbs anyway).



If you want something more heavy duty than the typical half ton truck or typical F150, the only thing to consider here is the HDPP. The HDPP is, in the United States, only available at XLT 301A or lower. You'll need the long (157") wheelbase truck as well.

 

One thing you glossed over in your comparison of Max Tow vs adding options to the other tow packages is the package discount. Go to the build site and do as you said in one scenario and then build a Max Tow package truck. Which one is the better value? Don't forget there are engineering improvements to support the Max Tow ratings I.E. thicker frame rails and a receiver hitch with a higher rating.

For the OP and anyone else considering a tow vehicle as a regular driver. Because I use my truck for more than towing, ride and mileage were BIG, HUGE factors in my decision. I think a Max Tow equipped truck will get the most for occasional tow/loading needs.
To address comments on the wheelbase the further the axles are apart the better the truck will handle while towing. Look through all the posts of complaints from people towing with a 5.5' bed (145" WB ).
If you are towing / loading heavy or have a concern you may be overloading then think about an HDPP. As Nicklaus pointed out and I have to agree the ride of an HDPP is mostly affected by the tires provided. Both stiffer sidewalls and higher air pressure requirements of "C" rated tires make it more harsh. I got a set of Copper ATS load range "C" tires mounted on an extra set of rims and the ride is markedly smoother.
Also, mileage aside, I couldn't put up with the ride quality of a 3/4 ton truck.

 

Best to get both packages. Most likely have to order it.