Towing options difference?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
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Thanks guys. There definitely is a difference somewhere in that bumper/hitch assembly between the Max Tow and others. I opened Ford's towing guide, as opposed to looking at towing specs within Ford's web site. In that towing guide there are footnotes for all of the different tow ratings, and there you can clearly see that the Max Tow package has 1,100-1,400 lbs higher tow rating than no Max Tow. That's a big difference.
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,534
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From: South St. Louis county, Mo.
My 16 has the regular tow package but someone ordered the 36 gallon tank and 3.55 e-locker. Doesn't make any sense to me why they would do that rather than get the Max Tow package.
BTW I bought it used with 9k miles.
BTW I bought it used with 9k miles.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 425
Likes: 63
From: Twin Cities
I think Max Tow is only a 3.5eco option
I have a 5.0 and the dealer basically made a similar package with regular tow, brake controller, 3.55 E locker, ect
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 50
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From: middle TN
if you're ordering I would suggest getting the max tow, it's kind of a no brainer if that's what you want.
my truck has the standard tow with 3.55 E and 36 gallon tank, trailer brake, etc. I don't remember the sticker, don't want to ever see it again
, but it probably cost more than just getting the max tow. mine was a lot truck though, I did not order.
my truck has the standard tow with 3.55 E and 36 gallon tank, trailer brake, etc. I don't remember the sticker, don't want to ever see it again
, but it probably cost more than just getting the max tow. mine was a lot truck though, I did not order.
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2012
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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.
The reinforcements behind the bumper are upgraded, thats why you can't tell the difference, the bumper shell and plastic hides it, but there is a thread floating around somewhere that shows the differences between the bumpers, and hitch for the Max Tow vs standard.
The frame is not different on Max tow, only HDPP offers a thicker frame.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 767
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From: Maryland
I just bought an 18 Platinum off the lot, actually the dealer had to find it but it was ordered with the 36 gallon tank and 3:55 with no max tow? It really makes no sense. I never tow so it makes no difference to me but wow it saved about 200.00 on a 65,000 dollar truck.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 824
Likes: 180
You get a thicker frame, more towing capacity, and all the other stuff. If you try to do the standard trailer tow package and then add everything else like the 3.55, TBC, and 36Gal tank, you will end up spending a lot more money and have less capability. I think it is in excess of $1,300 of the MSRP. I SMH at dealers who order a Trailer tow package w/ the 3.55, 36 Gal, and TBC separately on a 3.5EB. Who ever ordered that should be shot.