Have any of you driven similar optioned trucks, one with and one without the HD Payload package? They are very rare around here so I can't find one to test drive to tell the difference in how it rides. I like the fact I could order a 2012 HD SuperCrew 6 1/2', but if I go with the Ecoboost I have to get the Max Tow package too. Hate those mirrors. I can get the same HD SCrew in a 5.0 with regular Tow package, but would rather have the Ecoboost. Either of those would be a compromise, and I’d hate to do that without even driving one. HD packages used to mean a really rough ride. Have they improved?

 

my experience with just added load rating 'E' tires on a stock f150 suspension is that the ride will be much rougher. no way around it with 10-ply truck tires on the thing. Others may chime in that have driven one - but my experience is it's a rough ride just from stiff tires alone (this is relative to the stock tires, as it rides about the same as my 2006 chevy with 6-ply tires)

 

Think carefully about your needs out of the truck - the ride difference may be a non-issue.

4x4 Screw 157" payload starts at 1560 without the max-tow or payload. Effective payload will be more like 1400lbs (or less) after options.
4 people x 200lbs = 800lbs leaving you with just 600lbs for cargo including tounge weight etc..

To put this in perspective my Wife's Volkswagen passat can carry 1060lbs of payload according to the sticker on the door jamb. Pretty poor showing by the F150 here...

With max payload you are starting at 2310 on the same truck. with the same people (4x200) load it leaves you with somewhere around 1400lbs for cargo including tounge weight.

I'm expecting my 157" EB Screw this week which will have both max tow/payload and looking forward to the ride.... I've been driving a 2500HD for the last 10 years so its going to feel nice to me.

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/payload/

 

I would bet the ride in the HD would be better than the non HD with 10 ply E's on. The HD has different springs, stiffer frame, better shocks and different bushings. I would suspect it would ride like an F250. I test drove a 2011 F250 and found the ride solid and comfortable. Not harsh. I have Michelin LTX/MS 2's on my F150 and air them down to 36psi when not towing. the ride is somewhat harsher than the stock P tires that came on it. Out on the highway it rides real nice, in town on the bumps it jiggles more.
Are you looking to tow? I have a 2010 f150 4x4 SCrew with 145" wb. It came with the 7650lb GVW. I have 1857lb payload. I could not get buy without the max tow. Not enough payload. If your not loading your truck up a lot then the max tow would be fine. But if you want to haul a larger TT the looking at the HD might be better. Then again if your just looking at a smaller TT and lite loads go with just the tow package. And get the integrated brake control. It works like a charm. set it and forget it.

 

deleted because it's a dup.

 

 

I don't tow much of anything, yet. I want the higher payload capacity for hauling firewood, crushed stone, topsoil, etc. Ford has the most bed capacity volume-wise, but what's the use if you can only load it 1/4 full? I've toyed with the idea of getting a dump trailer, and since I keep my trucks for 10 years I would like to have this next one capable of most things I might need from it for years to come. I like the looks of the new 17" wheels too. I don't mind the dumbo mirrors too much, but they would make it difficult (impossible) to park in my garage. The standard power fold mirrors would be perfect. Again, stuck with the large mirrors if I get the Ecoboost. Stuck with the 5.0 if I get the standard mirrors. In the end, I'm glad to have these options to choose from.

 

Kjo43 - please post your initial experiences in this thread (ride and towing/loaded stability) with the HD payload package in comparison to the 2500hd and any standard F150s you test drove. I'd appreciate it as these are a rare bird so I'll take whatever info I can get.

This is the last piece of my truck order I'm still contemplating, as I find the max tow cannot be fully utilized without the Hd payload in my specific situation.

 

With the exception of towing - you sound exactly like me. - although I am 99% sure I'm going to get a cap, so the dump/utility trailer is becoming more likely

On the mirrors - I think this is going to be a problem for my garage also - but I haven't measured yet. It seems the tow mirrors are "in demand" and I don't think it would be hard to find someone to do an even swap with you. Then you could "have your EB and garage too!"

 

I will... although my firewood for the year has been piled high already - on purpose - before the arrival of the new truck... I'm a boater, so it might be a bit, before I tow anything of substance.

Without the Screw 6.5' bed option + the payload package I would not have considered an F150 either... I'd be in a 2500HD or F250 Crew/SB getting *****ty mileage everywhere I go.