2018 F-150 Lariat “Trailer Tow Package”
02-15-2019, 08:25 PM
#1
2018 F-150 Lariat “Trailer Tow Package”
we purchased a 2018 F-150 Lariat from Brandon ford in Tampa in June 2018. We have a light weight 21’ travel trailer, purchased in Columbus, Georgia. We bought the truck so we could tow our camper.
Our truck invoice lists “trailer tow package” ($995.00). Trailer sway control. Blis W/trailer tow monitoring. Class IV hitch, smart trailer connector and dynamic hitch assist. There is NO tow haul, as my 2014 had? There is No electronic brake module. The truck has a 3.5 eco-boost and 4x4 with a super crew cab, 157” wheel base, 10speed trans, so no question about capability!
WHAT is the “trailer tow package”? Can anyone tell me? Why would a truck with the above listed accessories not have an electric brake module?
I assumed this truck had everything we needed to tow an RV. Am told I must purchase the elec. brake module and have it installed by a Ford dealer at around $400.00.
Any suggestions or answers would be greatly appreciated. Mike
Our truck invoice lists “trailer tow package” ($995.00). Trailer sway control. Blis W/trailer tow monitoring. Class IV hitch, smart trailer connector and dynamic hitch assist. There is NO tow haul, as my 2014 had? There is No electronic brake module. The truck has a 3.5 eco-boost and 4x4 with a super crew cab, 157” wheel base, 10speed trans, so no question about capability!
WHAT is the “trailer tow package”? Can anyone tell me? Why would a truck with the above listed accessories not have an electric brake module?
I assumed this truck had everything we needed to tow an RV. Am told I must purchase the elec. brake module and have it installed by a Ford dealer at around $400.00.
Any suggestions or answers would be greatly appreciated. Mike
02-15-2019, 08:36 PM
#2
Are you sure there no tow haul? on the shifter?
The trailer brake controller is a seperate option...I know...stupid! I made sure mine came with it from factory.
As far as I'm concerned every truck with a class 4 hitch should have the trailer brake controller.
I too have a 2018 Lariat - tow haul is on the shifter - keep pushing the button until tow haul comes on.
The trailer brake controller is a seperate option...I know...stupid! I made sure mine came with it from factory.
As far as I'm concerned every truck with a class 4 hitch should have the trailer brake controller.
I too have a 2018 Lariat - tow haul is on the shifter - keep pushing the button until tow haul comes on.
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Shavum9 (02-16-2019)
02-15-2019, 09:17 PM
#3
Senior Member
Yup. That's the way Ford specs their tow packages. I think the only one that comes with the e-brake controller standard is the Max Tow pkg--which includes much of the same stuff as your pkg but also includes the 36 gal tank and a heavier sway bar...but still doesn't include the tow mirrors, which are also an add-on.
02-15-2019, 10:51 PM
#4
Junior Member
I did the same thing when I purchased my truck.. I just made sure that it had the Max Tow, which included the trailer brake controller and trailer backup assist. You CAN add the controller for a lot cheaper that $400 using Forscan and getting the switch on Ebay. If you don't have Forscan just take to the dealer and have them activate it. They should charge you one hour of labor. Still cheaper than $400.
Anyhow good luck.
https://www.ebay.com/p/2015-2019-For...d=223330406807
Anyhow good luck.
https://www.ebay.com/p/2015-2019-For...d=223330406807
Last edited by PAYOR_CO; 02-15-2019 at 10:57 PM.
02-16-2019, 10:03 AM
#5
Senior Member
Heavy Duty Trailer Towing Package is option 53A. It will show up on your window sticker as "Trailer Tow Package"
Go here: http://www.fordfleet.com/public/2018...uide%20(1).pdf
On page 16, the towing packages are listed for the F150. All three tow package options (medium duty 53B, heavy duty 53A & Max Tow 53C) have tow/haul mode.
The electric brake controller is an additional option and comes standard on Max Tow.
The button is located on the left hand side of the center console shifter near the base. You can depress it with your thumb while driving.
Go here: http://www.fordfleet.com/public/2018...uide%20(1).pdf
On page 16, the towing packages are listed for the F150. All three tow package options (medium duty 53B, heavy duty 53A & Max Tow 53C) have tow/haul mode.
The electric brake controller is an additional option and comes standard on Max Tow.
The button is located on the left hand side of the center console shifter near the base. You can depress it with your thumb while driving.
Last edited by GMC to Ford; 02-16-2019 at 10:13 AM.
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Shavum9 (02-16-2019)
02-16-2019, 10:17 AM
#6
Senior Member
I'm sure I'm going to come across as "That guy" but oh well... Eight months after buying a truck to tow a camper you already owned is a rather poor time to be determining it's not properly equipped to perform the task you bought it for. Just buy the controller and get on with camping. You'll forget the expense and be happy with hiw well the factory unit works.
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02-16-2019, 11:32 AM
#7
Senile member
Yep, the Max tow is the only one that comes with the brake controller.
No worry, for $110 for the part and a forscan modification means you can add it yourself, like I did.
I also bought from Brandon Ford.
FYI, their service department is spectacular. Totally reinforces the purchase.
btw, you have a tow haul mode. it's on the button on the shifter, before you get to sport mode. If you haven't read your owner's manual at all, you should. Sport mode makes the 3.5eb come alive.
No worry, for $110 for the part and a forscan modification means you can add it yourself, like I did.
I also bought from Brandon Ford.
FYI, their service department is spectacular. Totally reinforces the purchase.
btw, you have a tow haul mode. it's on the button on the shifter, before you get to sport mode. If you haven't read your owner's manual at all, you should. Sport mode makes the 3.5eb come alive.
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02-16-2019, 01:28 PM
#8
The 2018 has tow/haul mode (owner's manual?) but it's labeled drive mode now.
02-16-2019, 01:34 PM
#9
Thanks for the reply Perry. I guess I wasn’t clear on dates. We also have a 19’ Pathfinder Center counsel boat. We knew It would haul it, no problem. We didn’t purchase the trailer until November. When we saw everything listed on the window sticker, we “assumed” it had what we needed. Yep ***-umed!
It listed : “Trailer Tow package, extendible mirrors, smart trailer tow conn., blis W/trailer monitoring, class IV hitck, trailer sway control, pro-trailer back up asst., and dynamic hitch asst”.....now you kinda figure it has electric brakes? It was on the last 2 F-150 Lariats we owned. Yes we will purchase the electric brake module, however with all of the above, wouldn’t it be reasonable to think, brakes too?
It listed : “Trailer Tow package, extendible mirrors, smart trailer tow conn., blis W/trailer monitoring, class IV hitck, trailer sway control, pro-trailer back up asst., and dynamic hitch asst”.....now you kinda figure it has electric brakes? It was on the last 2 F-150 Lariats we owned. Yes we will purchase the electric brake module, however with all of the above, wouldn’t it be reasonable to think, brakes too?