I have a question about the availability of the rear locking differential. I'd like to order a 2021 XLT with the 55A trailer tow package, not the 55C max tow package. Would also prefer the 2.7 ecoboost engine and the 3.55 rear differential, because I won't haul anything over a 20' bass boat. I definitely want the rear locking rear differential because of wet ramps here in Louisiana. My regular differential spins tires way too much. Is the locking rear differential available for this truck configuration? What is included in the 55A tow package?

 

What you want if you get a 2.7 is to get the 2.7 payload package and the tow package. If you get both of those options it should include the 3.73 locking rear and will be a fine truck for a 20' bass boat in fact it will pull it with quite ease. The 2.7 comes on the light frame with lower GVWR if you don't get the 2.7 payload package. A 20' bass boat can drop 400 pounds of tongue weight on your rear end and cut into your payload. Put a couple of big boys in the truck to go bass fishing along with a bunch of crap in the bed you can get dicey on payload unless you get the payload package.

 

Does anything else change with the 2.7 payload package besides the frame? Is the ride stiffer?

 

The springs will be stiffer as they are matched to the GVWR and it will be higher. It isn’t going to go from Lexus to dump truck though it is more like a 6-8 percent increase in stiffness. You won’t regret it though. The heavier frame, higher payload, and 3.73 gears will let you do a lot more truck stuff with your truck.

Most people think a bass guy never pushes a truck but it’s not always the case. Put a couple of big boys, bed cover, tool box, equipment, 400+ pound tongue weight, you can need 1500 pounds payload in a hurry. 2 full grown men with some lunch’s and a bass boat is pushing a 1000 pound requirement. It’s nice to have that extra 6-700 pound margin to bring another person or load up some gear in back. It basically put the 2.7 engine in the frame and suspension you would get with a 5.0 or 3.5.