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Towing options - LOOK BEFORE YOU ORDER!!

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Old 08-30-2014, 03:20 PM
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Default Towing options - LOOK BEFORE YOU ORDER!!

First I'd like to thank kbass24emtp for help and info on this subject, who originally brought this to attention in the order thread.


When selecting tow options it is very easy to overlook and pay more then needed for towing options. Basically if you pick two out of three options below it will be cheaper to get max towing package even though you might not think you need it.

Trailer tow package = $495
Trailer brake controller (67T) = $275
3.55 axle (XL9) = $470

Combined = (495+275+470) = $1240

Max trailer tow package (53C) = $795
(Includes trailer brake, 3.55 axle, transmission cooler in tow package and upgraded bumper)

If you select max tow with these options you automatically save $445. If you select them individually when you order it will not change it automatically to show savings.

Where I was at (495+275) = $770 w/o 3.55 axle. So for $25 more I could get the 3.55 axle along with upgraded bumper.


Hopefully this helps some people out and saves some people some extra money.

Last edited by Nelliott787; 08-30-2014 at 03:24 PM.
Old 08-30-2014, 09:07 PM
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Assuming you're going for the 3.5L EcoBoost, you may want to compare the towing capacities for the 3.31 rear end to the 3.55 option. Based on 2014 specifications, there is an insignificant gain in towing capacity by selecting the 3.55. I suspect that is due to the low end torque of the EcoBoost engine not being sensitive to torque drop as the rpm drops. The advantage of course of the 3.31 rear end is better fuel economy when you are not towing. See this link:


http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/g...F150_Sep11.pdf


My conclusion based on 2014 specs is that the 3.31 is the better choice with the turbo engine, unless you are really desperate for that last 100 lbs of capability. Totally different story if you are selecting the non turbo 5.0L V8. There is a huge increase in towing capability by selecting the 3.55 gears.
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Old 08-30-2014, 09:40 PM
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$275 for trailer brake controller... Well slap me silly or call me a cab! Ford sure is proud of this new truck. $230 in previous model.

Last edited by ymeski56; 09-05-2014 at 10:39 AM.
Old 08-30-2014, 10:38 PM
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I read somewhere that upgraded trailer tow mirrors were a standalone option for the 2015, is this correct? I figure it's somewhat relevant, I have had my sights set on a max tow truck because I like the bigger mirrors.
Old 08-30-2014, 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by DavidKR
I read somewhere that upgraded trailer tow mirrors were a standalone option for the 2015, is this correct? I figure it's somewhat relevant, I have had my sights set on a max tow truck because I like the bigger mirrors.
Ya, It's option 54 letter code depends on your trim level and cost is from $90 to around $400. For the upper level lariat, KR and platinum, they're around $140.
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Old 08-31-2014, 07:57 AM
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Max tow also includes e-locker rear end!
Old 08-31-2014, 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Ron AKA
Assuming you're going for the 3.5L EcoBoost, you may want to compare the towing capacities for the 3.31 rear end to the 3.55 option. Based on 2014 specifications, there is an insignificant gain in towing capacity by selecting the 3.55. I suspect that is due to the low end torque of the EcoBoost engine not being sensitive to torque drop as the rpm drops. The advantage of course of the 3.31 rear end is better fuel economy when you are not towing. See this link:


http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/g...F150_Sep11.pdf


My conclusion based on 2014 specs is that the 3.31 is the better choice with the turbo engine, unless you are really desperate for that last 100 lbs of capability. Totally different story if you are selecting the non turbo 5.0L V8. There is a huge increase in towing capability by selecting the 3.55 gears.
Except that if 3.55's are Max Tow next year, the tow rating will be higher than the 3.55's are now (~11,200 for max tow vs ~9500 now). Also, with max tow you typically get a payload bump (which also means heavier springs, something the OP didnt mention).
Old 08-31-2014, 11:13 AM
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When you buy any vehicle there are numerous packages available, so you need to see what's in each and how the economics work - it's not limited to towing-related packages. There are also often discounts for packages as Ford pushes them.

I configure my vehicles on sites like Edmunds which are smart enough to tell you things like this, although they may not be setup for the 2015's yet.
Old 08-31-2014, 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Ricktwuhk
When you buy any vehicle there are numerous packages available, so you need to see what's in each and how the economics work - it's not limited to towing-related packages. There are also often discounts for packages as Ford pushes them.

I configure my vehicles on sites like Edmunds which are smart enough to tell you things like this, although they may not be setup for the 2015's yet.
Old 08-31-2014, 03:30 PM
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I agree with your math, but if I'm reading the order guide correctly. 53C requires the 3.5 EB. I don't think you can get a 53C with a 5.0.


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