On most window stickers I see either of the following

Max trailer tow package @ $1195, which includes a 3.xx electronic lock rr axel (at no add'l cost)

or

Heavy Duty tow package @ $895 AND 3.xx electronic lock rr axel for another $470 (total of $1365)

The question:
What does the extra $170 buy on the Heavy Duty tow & Axel combo? Is it the engine oil cooler? The less expensive max trailer tow package includes a presumably more expensive upgraded rear bumper and the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Both window stickers include Pro Trailer Backup Assist.



Heavy–Duty Trailer Tow Package With Pro Trailer Back-up Assist

$895
The Heavy–Duty Trailer Tow Package With Pro Trailer Back-up Assist. is required for towing over 5,000 lbs, and is optional on XL, XLT, LARIAT, King Ranch® and Platinum.

Includes:

• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Engine oil cooler (3.5L V6 Ti-VCT only)
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar


Max Trailer Tow Package

$1,195
Max Trailer Tow Package includes:

• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
• Upgraded rear bumper

 

Upgraded rear bumper and Integrated Trailer Brake Control

 

Both window stickers include "Trailer Brake Controller"

Is the "Integrated" trailer brake controller something different?

 

Where are you getting that max tow is less expensive? You have the prices in your post...

 

The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller can be ordered as a stand alone option as long as the vehicle is equipped with option 53B Class IV Trailer Hitch or 53A Trailer Tow Package. If the vehicle does not include either, it can not be ordered.

The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is included in 53C Max Trailer Tow Package.

 

The ford options are so confusing... that description makes it look like you have to have 3.55s (cant get 3.73s if you wanted them with the max tow)

Find a single option you want? Get it with this one package (prob full of crap you dont want and expensive).... but wait theres more!... this package conflicts with a different package that you want! So now you have to choose, or spend even more money and try to get a platinum that just has everything you wanted (plus a lot more) because its the only way to get all your options without causing conflicts.

damnit ford.

 

Part of my job duties require me to spec our Ford Fleet vehicles. It is easy to make a very costly mistake if you don't understand how packages are bundled, what they include or exclude. Not something you want to do with a hangover.

 

I just read on another thread the max tow is only the 3.5 EB.... EVEN BETTER!

 

Max trailer tow package @ $1195, which includes a 3.xx electronic lock rr axel (at no add'l cost)

or

Heavy Duty tow package @ $895 AND 3.xx electronic lock rr axel for another $470 (total of $1365)

 

There is good news about the Integrated Trailer Brake Control. It can be added to a vehicle that is already equipped with 53A or 53B by the dealer for about the same $$$ as including it with the vehicle at time of ordering.