Trailer Tow Package and Max Tow: What are they?
01-06-2022, 06:26 PM
#71
All I know is when I selected the Max Tow Package it changed my wheel size from 18inch to 20inch.
02-04-2022, 12:35 AM
#72
Max
First off, to the OP, I chose to order the Max Trailer Tow Pkg (2 days ago) for our 22 KR 5.0 4x4, 6.5' bed. I also purchased a 22 KR that had the Trailer Tow pkg, 36 gal tank ... but 5.5 bed. Just looking at the Ford literature, it was a no brainer.
Trailer tow $1,090
36 gal tank $ 445
Electronic Locking 3.73 $ 570
$2,010
Max Tow $1,995
And Max has the heavy duty bumper (at least in my package).
The short is that if you are planning on towing a mini excavator, you never should have started with the 2.7L to begin with. And beyond that, the difference between the trailer tow, trailer technology and max trailer is $HUNDREDS, not $2,000! I mean this in a respectful way, but you are stepping over dollars to pick up pennies. I understand that you are a towing "newbie" but the information is out there, especially YouTube videos of people with REAL experience, not just ones sitting behind a keyboard offering their thoughts.
The days of manufacturers' building to customers' egos has long since been replaced by value driven engineering. I purchased a 1997 F150 when they first came out in the Fall of 96. It is a serious chunk of iron, and my daughter is driving it today and getting compliments. Many steel and solid iron chassis parts. With the Tow Package it has a larger 2 row radiator, transmission cooler, and the list goes on. Within the next few years, Ford engineers found that the single row radiator was just as efficient, so the tow packages got a single row radiator. This saved cost and weight without sacrificing performance. I am certain the coil springs that replaced the 97's torsion bars weighed ALOT less too. But I am sure the coil springs do just as well. The point is, biggest displacement and highest horsepower are no longer what sells truck. It is what they can and will do. (turbo's are a boondoggle, but I won't digress yet).
I watched the Chief Engineer for the 2021 F150 on a YouTube channel ... TFL I believe. He said that the new frame is more rigid and able to handle the larger payloads. I understood the frames were the same for all packages. He also said that there are 3 different brake packages, and the Max Tow gets the largest. I was tired and stopped watching. I'm sure there are other great tidbits. But I am inclined to believe that the Max Tow does have upgraded, more substantial components as it does have larger capacities. Payload is +300 over the Trailer Tow, if I remember correctly. Do the build and see in the summary.
Understand that there is more to towing than just getting the right ball size, transmission coolers and radiator capacities. If you are pulling a travel trailer, you need to look into weight distribution hitches and equalizers ($500 - $2,000). Around here, the state police and local PD are good about stopping people with trailers because most don't understand how to calculate weights and loads. A 1.5 - 2 ton mini excavator with trailer can be close to 7,000#. A travel trailer can be more dangerous with moderate winds. Please over learn all that goes into towing. Our BLIS, integrated brake controller and 360 cameras are no substitute for good judgement. It is more about knowing your limits and staying well within them than it is knowing which options may or may not be in your truck.
For those that have been following this thread and are anxious about ordering, take a deep breath and relax. You can still tow safely with any of these packages. People have been towing for YEARS without all these bells and whistles. Again, they are no substitute for good judgement. BUT, there is a reason that I chose the Max Tow over the other 2 packages. And there is a reason I did not choose the F250 or above.
These trucks are VERY capable compared to previous generations. My 97 Lariat 4x4 SuperCab (with 3 doors) 4.6L, 215 hp and 290 ft lb of torque, 4 sped auto, no BLIS, no 9.75 diff, 17" wheels, drum brakes on the rear, it did all that I needed it to do, and is still running strong. But these new trucks are encroaching into HD model capacities. They also have a better ride and offer more comfort features. If you don't tow every day, and this will be your daily driver, there is very good reason to consider this F150. And if you are going to have a trailer larger than a 1,000# rating, you would be wise to increase the truck's towing capabilities ... tow packages. May philosophy is to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.
For me, I chose the 5.0 over the other engines. I am not a fan of these turbos. They are not the same turbos used in semis. Manufactures are using turbos to lower the displacement of engines which helps with weight and emissions. It will be very difficult to add more power to a turbo engine while the normally aspirated 5.0 can easily handle whipple superchargers that nearly double hp and torque. The 5.0L just has better bones to start with and has room to grow. The turbo units are close to their performance peak to start with.
The Max Tow package advertises higher capacities than the other 2 tow packages. This does not happen without upgraded chassis parts. It is not a stretch for me to believe there are stronger brakes, differentials, springs and sway bars, along with a stronger bumper (bumper may be a King Ranch and above feature, but I know it is included in my ordered truck). To argue that these things do not exist is just misleading logic. It is much more difficult to prove that something does not exist, that to prove it does. Manufacturers do not list EVERY detail ... period! Find for me where the speedo on the F150 is accurate to within .5%. Or that the glass for all models are the same. Or that the rubber in the floor mats are different between the XLT and Lariat. Who knows?! But I can tell you that manufacturers don't want to get into an information war where those sales brochures go from 30 pages to 200 pages. Too much information will confuse the masses and will cause truck geeks like us to stir up more problems. "The brochure says the sway bar it is 1.75" diameter for the tow, but 2" for the max. That is not enough." And yet engineers test these components far beyond their advertised ratings and life cycles, have data to show they are more than capable. It is not a conspiracy, it is just managing the information so people like the OP don't get overwhelmed, paralyzed and don't buy. If you are really concerned about $500 (difference between tow pkg and w/ 36 gal tank, and max tow pkg) just drop the turbo, get the 5.0 and use the money you saved to to bump up to max. It is a win all the way around.
I doubt that the radiator has additional rows or has extra capacity. I doubt that we will have an auxiliary transmission cooler. Economy of scale would dictate that it is cheaper to build 1 radiator (per engine size) that will handle all cooling duties when towing or not. With JIT and Lean manufacturing, they do not need 3 different radiators for per engine. And the transmission is a computer with 10 gears, not a hydraulic pump with 4 to 6 gears. This truck has so many chips that track a gazillion processes and makes adjustments in milliseconds. It holds gears longer, or skips gears, adjust timing, and even manages airflow! Did you know there is an air dam that drops down from the bumper with speeds over 40-45 mph?! And that is on ALL models. And don't we have vents in the grill that open and close based on speed, temp and other conditions? How would an auxiliary trans cooler or larger radiator work with these new airflow "restrictions"? The point is, the OP got wigged out about things he did not have enough information about. And I don't mean that Ford was not telling him enough to make an educated choice. I am saying upgrading a truck to increase towing capacity is not about having the right "uniform", it is much more than that. And trying to second guess the engineers, I just don't see it. These trucks are more complex than the average buyer will be able to understand, and THAT is why they don't over do the information. Will these trucks perform at their advertised capacities? Yes, if you closely follow the guidelines. If you don't, no package or option will be able to overcome stupid or operator error. Buy the package that fits your needs. Don't obsess about things you probably won't be able to understand. Know that Ford pays their engineers a boat load of money to make their stuff do what they say it will. If they can deliver increased towing capacity safely without a trans cooler, 31 splines axle instead of 35, the same steering system for a package with 300# less capacity, the same size radiator, then I think you should go with it. You will be getting upgraded components, but if you are looking on forums for answers, you probably don't have enough knowledge or experience to argue with the engineers who do this day in and day out, for years on end. Pay for what you need, relax, and start looking for accessories.
Trailer tow $1,090
36 gal tank $ 445
Electronic Locking 3.73 $ 570
$2,010
Max Tow $1,995
And Max has the heavy duty bumper (at least in my package).
The short is that if you are planning on towing a mini excavator, you never should have started with the 2.7L to begin with. And beyond that, the difference between the trailer tow, trailer technology and max trailer is $HUNDREDS, not $2,000! I mean this in a respectful way, but you are stepping over dollars to pick up pennies. I understand that you are a towing "newbie" but the information is out there, especially YouTube videos of people with REAL experience, not just ones sitting behind a keyboard offering their thoughts.
The days of manufacturers' building to customers' egos has long since been replaced by value driven engineering. I purchased a 1997 F150 when they first came out in the Fall of 96. It is a serious chunk of iron, and my daughter is driving it today and getting compliments. Many steel and solid iron chassis parts. With the Tow Package it has a larger 2 row radiator, transmission cooler, and the list goes on. Within the next few years, Ford engineers found that the single row radiator was just as efficient, so the tow packages got a single row radiator. This saved cost and weight without sacrificing performance. I am certain the coil springs that replaced the 97's torsion bars weighed ALOT less too. But I am sure the coil springs do just as well. The point is, biggest displacement and highest horsepower are no longer what sells truck. It is what they can and will do. (turbo's are a boondoggle, but I won't digress yet).
I watched the Chief Engineer for the 2021 F150 on a YouTube channel ... TFL I believe. He said that the new frame is more rigid and able to handle the larger payloads. I understood the frames were the same for all packages. He also said that there are 3 different brake packages, and the Max Tow gets the largest. I was tired and stopped watching. I'm sure there are other great tidbits. But I am inclined to believe that the Max Tow does have upgraded, more substantial components as it does have larger capacities. Payload is +300 over the Trailer Tow, if I remember correctly. Do the build and see in the summary.
Understand that there is more to towing than just getting the right ball size, transmission coolers and radiator capacities. If you are pulling a travel trailer, you need to look into weight distribution hitches and equalizers ($500 - $2,000). Around here, the state police and local PD are good about stopping people with trailers because most don't understand how to calculate weights and loads. A 1.5 - 2 ton mini excavator with trailer can be close to 7,000#. A travel trailer can be more dangerous with moderate winds. Please over learn all that goes into towing. Our BLIS, integrated brake controller and 360 cameras are no substitute for good judgement. It is more about knowing your limits and staying well within them than it is knowing which options may or may not be in your truck.
For those that have been following this thread and are anxious about ordering, take a deep breath and relax. You can still tow safely with any of these packages. People have been towing for YEARS without all these bells and whistles. Again, they are no substitute for good judgement. BUT, there is a reason that I chose the Max Tow over the other 2 packages. And there is a reason I did not choose the F250 or above.
These trucks are VERY capable compared to previous generations. My 97 Lariat 4x4 SuperCab (with 3 doors) 4.6L, 215 hp and 290 ft lb of torque, 4 sped auto, no BLIS, no 9.75 diff, 17" wheels, drum brakes on the rear, it did all that I needed it to do, and is still running strong. But these new trucks are encroaching into HD model capacities. They also have a better ride and offer more comfort features. If you don't tow every day, and this will be your daily driver, there is very good reason to consider this F150. And if you are going to have a trailer larger than a 1,000# rating, you would be wise to increase the truck's towing capabilities ... tow packages. May philosophy is to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.
For me, I chose the 5.0 over the other engines. I am not a fan of these turbos. They are not the same turbos used in semis. Manufactures are using turbos to lower the displacement of engines which helps with weight and emissions. It will be very difficult to add more power to a turbo engine while the normally aspirated 5.0 can easily handle whipple superchargers that nearly double hp and torque. The 5.0L just has better bones to start with and has room to grow. The turbo units are close to their performance peak to start with.
The Max Tow package advertises higher capacities than the other 2 tow packages. This does not happen without upgraded chassis parts. It is not a stretch for me to believe there are stronger brakes, differentials, springs and sway bars, along with a stronger bumper (bumper may be a King Ranch and above feature, but I know it is included in my ordered truck). To argue that these things do not exist is just misleading logic. It is much more difficult to prove that something does not exist, that to prove it does. Manufacturers do not list EVERY detail ... period! Find for me where the speedo on the F150 is accurate to within .5%. Or that the glass for all models are the same. Or that the rubber in the floor mats are different between the XLT and Lariat. Who knows?! But I can tell you that manufacturers don't want to get into an information war where those sales brochures go from 30 pages to 200 pages. Too much information will confuse the masses and will cause truck geeks like us to stir up more problems. "The brochure says the sway bar it is 1.75" diameter for the tow, but 2" for the max. That is not enough." And yet engineers test these components far beyond their advertised ratings and life cycles, have data to show they are more than capable. It is not a conspiracy, it is just managing the information so people like the OP don't get overwhelmed, paralyzed and don't buy. If you are really concerned about $500 (difference between tow pkg and w/ 36 gal tank, and max tow pkg) just drop the turbo, get the 5.0 and use the money you saved to to bump up to max. It is a win all the way around.
I doubt that the radiator has additional rows or has extra capacity. I doubt that we will have an auxiliary transmission cooler. Economy of scale would dictate that it is cheaper to build 1 radiator (per engine size) that will handle all cooling duties when towing or not. With JIT and Lean manufacturing, they do not need 3 different radiators for per engine. And the transmission is a computer with 10 gears, not a hydraulic pump with 4 to 6 gears. This truck has so many chips that track a gazillion processes and makes adjustments in milliseconds. It holds gears longer, or skips gears, adjust timing, and even manages airflow! Did you know there is an air dam that drops down from the bumper with speeds over 40-45 mph?! And that is on ALL models. And don't we have vents in the grill that open and close based on speed, temp and other conditions? How would an auxiliary trans cooler or larger radiator work with these new airflow "restrictions"? The point is, the OP got wigged out about things he did not have enough information about. And I don't mean that Ford was not telling him enough to make an educated choice. I am saying upgrading a truck to increase towing capacity is not about having the right "uniform", it is much more than that. And trying to second guess the engineers, I just don't see it. These trucks are more complex than the average buyer will be able to understand, and THAT is why they don't over do the information. Will these trucks perform at their advertised capacities? Yes, if you closely follow the guidelines. If you don't, no package or option will be able to overcome stupid or operator error. Buy the package that fits your needs. Don't obsess about things you probably won't be able to understand. Know that Ford pays their engineers a boat load of money to make their stuff do what they say it will. If they can deliver increased towing capacity safely without a trans cooler, 31 splines axle instead of 35, the same steering system for a package with 300# less capacity, the same size radiator, then I think you should go with it. You will be getting upgraded components, but if you are looking on forums for answers, you probably don't have enough knowledge or experience to argue with the engineers who do this day in and day out, for years on end. Pay for what you need, relax, and start looking for accessories.
Last edited by texski; 02-04-2022 at 12:36 AM. Reason: spelling
02-04-2022, 06:07 AM
#73
Senior Member
Well thats a mouthful.
I'll be towing a 18' dual axel enclosed trailer with 1200 lbs in it on Monday to make a delivery in Vermont. Its all I want to tow with a half ton. I have a 18' aluminum flat bed car hauler with my 3000 lb kubota on it. Thats all I want to haul/tow with a half ton truck. Thats what I feel safe pulling and towing. To everone else. Load'um up, stack'um high, pull the 40' elite presidential tail dragger camper. Thats fine. I'll wave when I meet ya.
I'll be towing a 18' dual axel enclosed trailer with 1200 lbs in it on Monday to make a delivery in Vermont. Its all I want to tow with a half ton. I have a 18' aluminum flat bed car hauler with my 3000 lb kubota on it. Thats all I want to haul/tow with a half ton truck. Thats what I feel safe pulling and towing. To everone else. Load'um up, stack'um high, pull the 40' elite presidential tail dragger camper. Thats fine. I'll wave when I meet ya.
02-05-2022, 11:52 AM
#74
Magic is what they are.
12-08-2022, 07:39 PM
#75
Junior Member
What? No HDPP on new truck? Oh no!
Previous models of F 150 I have owned including my 2015 lariat 3.5 EB had two (or more) options for better towing capabilities including trailer tow package and Heavy-Duty Payload Package. I had clicked to build when I ordered my 2022 king ranch and wondered how I missed HDPP as it isn't on the window sticker either. When you select Max Tow package, it includes many upgrades like 3.55 e lock and add in continuous damping and it also changes other things too that impact handling/towing capabilities and load capacity. The package price is not limited to what they include. Example, you can't get Max Tow Package and 18" wheels.
I towed my boat (9900lbs with trailer) to Michigan and back to Florida with the 2015 F150. It did a fine job, but the truck probably was overloaded with packed interior, bed and passenger. I was uncomfortable/nervous driving north but more comfortable return trip.
I can tell this 2022 is going to be considerably better for towing as it has Max Tow and a much-improved suspension with the continuous controlled damping system. Anyone else have an issue where wheel well liner, passenger side, doesn't fit properly with continuous control damping suspension? The right shock tower (or whatever it is) has a connector that causes the liner to buckle and flares it outward towards the tire. I think the fix is to cut a hole in the liner, which stinks. It doesn't rub the tire; I also considered a hot air gun to see if I could properly distort the liner.
Oh - great site. I have been a reader for years but recently signed up. I really loved my 2015 Lariat, but this 22 King Ranch is incredible. Terrible dealer experience.
I towed my boat (9900lbs with trailer) to Michigan and back to Florida with the 2015 F150. It did a fine job, but the truck probably was overloaded with packed interior, bed and passenger. I was uncomfortable/nervous driving north but more comfortable return trip.
I can tell this 2022 is going to be considerably better for towing as it has Max Tow and a much-improved suspension with the continuous controlled damping system. Anyone else have an issue where wheel well liner, passenger side, doesn't fit properly with continuous control damping suspension? The right shock tower (or whatever it is) has a connector that causes the liner to buckle and flares it outward towards the tire. I think the fix is to cut a hole in the liner, which stinks. It doesn't rub the tire; I also considered a hot air gun to see if I could properly distort the liner.
Oh - great site. I have been a reader for years but recently signed up. I really loved my 2015 Lariat, but this 22 King Ranch is incredible. Terrible dealer experience.
12-09-2022, 08:56 AM
#76
HDPP is not available in the fancy trims, XL/XLT only. You didn't miss it, just wasn't there.
12-10-2022, 07:50 AM
#78
Senior Member
So I created a build and placed my order on 12/09/21 for a 2022 F-150 XLT with the 2.7 and 3.55 non-limited slip. I went with the Tow Tech Package and the 302A High among other things. I wasn't targeting being able to pull a house off of it's foundations, I just liked the trailer backup assist and the cameras, etc. I'm newer to towing so the priority was not running over/into things more than being able to tow 15,000 lbs. I'm going from a Tacoma to the F-150 because I'm going to buy a TT this summer and will start potentially building a new house soon...towing excavating equipment (small), lumber, etc. I needed something better than the Tacoma.
A week ago, I started really pinning down how much I could tow with the truck I built (I know a little late, but I'm learning as I go here) : 7,600lbs, not great. So I went into the dealership yesterday to upgrade to the 3.5L and to go from the non-limited slip 3.55, to the 3.55 locker. I joked "why does that Tow package exist? All it says it includes is":
• 7-pin Wiring Harness; Includes 7-pin-to-4-pin Adapter
• Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist – Not included on XL Base; Requires Tow Technology on XL High.
• Trailer Brake Controller
• Tailgate LED (Standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector includes BLIS® with Trailer Tow Coverage where BLIS® is Available
Between the 302a package and the Tow Technology Package, I have all of these options in the build already. That's when my salesman finally decided to share that any of the tow packages come with a radiator upgrade, transmission oil cooler, and a sway bar upgrade. Then he threw in there "I think the Max Tow comes with better springs, I'm not sure". He's young, nice kid; but surprisingly, he's not the only one who didnt know. I've reached out to other dealers, checked forums, called and chatted with Ford...they just rattle off the things mentioned above, no radiator upgrades, coolers etc. Eventually I did get a girl on a chat conversation with Ford who actually stated "No, for 2021 or 2022 the Tow Packages do not include any of the radiator, suspension, or oil cooling upgrades you've mentioned".
I would love a radiator upgrade, better sway bar, trans cooler, even better springs. I unfortunately cannot find ANYTHING in writing that actually says those things come with the 2021 or 2022 Max Tow or Trailer Tow packages on the F-150s. My salesman seemed insulted that I wasn't just taking his word for it, but I told him "I'm not spending $2,000 on a Max Tow Package, then just crossing my fingers and hoping it includes something other than what I already have".
My point? Does anyone know for sure what actually comes with these Tow packages? (outside of what they list on the build site) The price they're charging tells me my salesman may be correct, but it's bizarre that FORD wouldn't say that on their website.
Sorry, long post. This is probably part question, part venting
A week ago, I started really pinning down how much I could tow with the truck I built (I know a little late, but I'm learning as I go here) : 7,600lbs, not great. So I went into the dealership yesterday to upgrade to the 3.5L and to go from the non-limited slip 3.55, to the 3.55 locker. I joked "why does that Tow package exist? All it says it includes is":
• 7-pin Wiring Harness; Includes 7-pin-to-4-pin Adapter
• Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist – Not included on XL Base; Requires Tow Technology on XL High.
• Trailer Brake Controller
• Tailgate LED (Standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector includes BLIS® with Trailer Tow Coverage where BLIS® is Available
Between the 302a package and the Tow Technology Package, I have all of these options in the build already. That's when my salesman finally decided to share that any of the tow packages come with a radiator upgrade, transmission oil cooler, and a sway bar upgrade. Then he threw in there "I think the Max Tow comes with better springs, I'm not sure". He's young, nice kid; but surprisingly, he's not the only one who didnt know. I've reached out to other dealers, checked forums, called and chatted with Ford...they just rattle off the things mentioned above, no radiator upgrades, coolers etc. Eventually I did get a girl on a chat conversation with Ford who actually stated "No, for 2021 or 2022 the Tow Packages do not include any of the radiator, suspension, or oil cooling upgrades you've mentioned".
I would love a radiator upgrade, better sway bar, trans cooler, even better springs. I unfortunately cannot find ANYTHING in writing that actually says those things come with the 2021 or 2022 Max Tow or Trailer Tow packages on the F-150s. My salesman seemed insulted that I wasn't just taking his word for it, but I told him "I'm not spending $2,000 on a Max Tow Package, then just crossing my fingers and hoping it includes something other than what I already have".
My point? Does anyone know for sure what actually comes with these Tow packages? (outside of what they list on the build site) The price they're charging tells me my salesman may be correct, but it's bizarre that FORD wouldn't say that on their website.
Sorry, long post. This is probably part question, part venting
12-10-2022, 01:25 PM
#80
Seems like Ford is really limiting a full on work truck to just the XL series, or pushing into the Superduty. I haven't looked at F-150, but the Superduty XL you can get it close to an XLT trim with a package if you want the 6.8 engine and still have an XL.
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Atlee (12-10-2022)