Looking at available trucks (6.5' bed Plats are hard to find!) and I have found a few but none with the FX4 package. Is it really worth it? I will be towing my bass boat every weekend and I see they have "stiffer" shocks maybe? The skid plates don't do much for me and the downhill accent stuff might help, but I'm thinking not. Just don't want a really soft rear end....even thought the ones I'm looking at are all Max Tow Package.
THanks!

 

Not worth it IMHO…

and I own an FX4

 

In earlier years, the FX4 would option a 3.55 rear end. I do not konw if that is still think, just make sure you get what you think you need if you omit the FX4. Read the brochure, it should identify what is included.
Never mind the shocks, they are nothing fancy on an FX4.

In my 2016, 3.55 gears were included if the vehicle was optioned with Max Tow or with FX4. If I had to order one in 2016, I would have needed to request my gear ratio if I omitted both options. I know some of that has changed in recent years so make sure to do your homework is all.

"worth it' it terms of skid plate and shocks....nah.

The downhill braking thing is only for 25 and slower, or 35 and slower, I think 25. Tow mode will act similar but not as aggressively.

 

2020 FX4 here. It was worth it to me. That package and year also came with the ELD rear axle, 3:55 I think it was, I opted for the 3:73 instead. The hill descent is cool, but I've only played with it a couple times. Skid plates are a joke, especially the fuel tank plastic one. That "oh so cool" fender sticker came off pretty quickly too.
They "say" the front shocks were something special, maybe, maybe not, I didn't think so, they were switched out within 500 miles to a pair of coilovers.
I got what I wanted out of that package, so there's that.

 

coulda got that for a fraction of the cost without buying the FX4 package

 

Ya, likely, but I got out of it what I wanted. Might impress someone if I ever decide to sell it, probably have to buy a new set of stickers though.

 

The decal alone is worth it.
Seriously. Look at the run-of-the-mill badged '4X4' and it is just...blaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh. The FX4 decal is frankly so much cooler looks far better, and I've not seen one come off or even fade, my last one was over 10 years old and was perfect. Hill descent is something I have used many times but that is circumstantial; if you don't drive where you have the need regularly then, no big deal if you don't have it. The skid plates are very functional, even the plastic one under the fuel tank...that piece is VERY rugged in reality and far better than having nothing protecting a...plastic... fuel tank. Sure, in 99% of normal driving you'd never need the skid plates, and yes there are aftermarket ones available that are likely more robust, but at the same time it's nice knowing they are there. There's been debate on the shocks on various forums since I bought my first FX4 back in 2010, lol! They definitely aren't 'soft' though.

As for the cost of the option, meh...that's a personal choice. When I bought my 2010, the FX4 was the upgraded package, so there is at least the impression that it's more 'elite' than a 4X4 badged vehicle, lol! I would never consider a non-FX4, let's put it that way. And frankly, you'll regret not doing it every time you see one.

 

I ordered mine and didn't want the FX4. I didn't want hill decent control, don't care for Rancho shocks, and the FX4 skid plates are there just so they can say it has skid plates I guess. I got max tow instead, which included the 3.55 gear ratio & locking rear differential. I think the hill descent control is silly. In every other 4wd I've been in, 4-LO has always gave plenty of slow-down on the steepest hills, especially anything I would take this truck on. After having my truck for 4 years, I've found that to be true. In a few months I'm upgrading shocks, tires, & adding skid plates, so maybe I can justify FX4 stickers then?

 

I liked the FX4 trucks back when it was a trim level (my 2004 and 2011 were FX4). They were good looking trucks with decent options and features.

For the 13th and 14th gen F-150s, FX4 is no longer a trim level. It is an option billed as the "Off-Road Package". To me, this package is not worth the cost. It would not deter me though if I was shopping for a used F-150.

 

Looks like higher, stiffer, electronic locking diff, hill descent control, decal. How many dollars does it cost?

Here's 2019.

https://www.kimbercreekford.com/blog...rent-from-4x4/

"What are the special features of the FX4 package?

FX4 attunements generally include an improved suspension, skid plates, stronger Ranchero shocks, a higher ground clearance, and a limited slip rear end. Most have automatic 4×4 shifting on the steering column as well."

The FX4 package on the 2019 F-150 includes:

• 31 Electronic-locking rear-axle with 5.0L V8 engine, 3.5L V6 EcoBoost® engine, or 3.0L V6 PowerStroke® Diesel engine
• 55 Electronic-locking rear-axle with 2.7L V6 EcoBoost® engine
• 4×4 “FX4 Off-Road” bodyside decal
• Hill Descent Control™
• Off-road tuned front shock absorbers
• Skid plates: fuel tank, transfer case, and front differential
• Floor Liners – Tray Style