Looking at an '18 ecoboost, there are two towing packages and I am wondering if one is just a combination of other options resulting in slightly less cost or if there are additional differences.


Max Trailer Tow package $1295
includes
• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear-axle
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• 36 Gallon fuel tank
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Engine oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Tailgate LED
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
• Upgraded rear bumper


Trailer Tow package $995
includes
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist (not included on XL Base)
• Tailgate LED (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar


I've highlighted what I see different in the descriptions (with the exception of the brake controller as that is included in a platinum anyway). Noting that the 3.55 axle and larger tank are separate options, does the Max Trailer Tow package really include an upgraded bumper and oil cooler vs the Tow package or is it really that Ford didn't include these in the description?


While looking at window stickers online I've seen plenty of examples of trucks with the regular tow package that also had the 3.55 and larger tank...


Thanks

 

Yes, Max Tow adds everything you bolded over the standard Trailer Tow. When you see Trailer Tow trucks that have the 3.55 and 36 Gallon, they added them as individual items, they are not part of the trailer tow package.

My truck has trailer tow but the 36 gallon and 3.55 Locker were options.

From what I recall from others, it's generally a better deal to just get the max trailer tow package if you want the 3.55 and 36 Gallon, but someone may be able to correct me if wrong. Mine was already built not ordered or I would have probably gone that route.

 

I am not sure on the 15+ trucks, but Max tow also had an upgraded hitch with a 1250(?) pound capacity, while the tow package was 1150(?) pounds, and the non tow 1050 pounds.

The 16 I have has the standard tow package and 1110 pound hitch.

 

other difference was in your list - Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

 

If you compare the thickness of the metal in the receiver hitch between the standard and Max Tow Packages (which includes the Upgraded Rear Bumper) you will find that it is noticeably thicker with the Max Tow Package. I can't see that the bumper itself is Upgraded but the strength of the Receiver Hitch sure has been. Just look at that part of the receiver hitch where one attaches the safety chains and you will see the difference in metal thickness. The price of the Max Tow Package is less than if one would order things separately and then you still would not get the "Upgraded Rear Bumper'. The bumpers look the same to me between the two configurations but maybe the attachment points are stronger with the Max Tow Package.

 

I wouldnt buy one of these trucks without the max tow, but thats just me.

 

I seem to remember that another member here did a comparison of the tow and max tow last year and the only difference in the hitch was the angle of the chain attachment points. No differnec in the thickness....

 

Same one I think also mentions that the frame of the max tow is actually thicker too. There are slight differences in the receiver, nothing significant the but they are different. Overall, for the price can't beat what you get with max tow.

 

Kinda apples and oranges but I noticed the 5.0's all have the engine oil cooler with an 8 quart capacity, at least the ones I've seen as well as my 15. That's a good option for longevity even without towing regularly.

 

I have the trailer tow package on mine rather than the max trailer tow. The biggest differences I noticed is that

1. I have the 3.31 gear ratio.
2. Slightly less towing capacity.
3. A trailer brake controller isn't guaranteed, but is an option.