seuadr

first time poster, long time lurker.

i'm shopping for an F150 next spring, and i'm narrowing down a selection of features and options that i feel i need and/or want. one of the features i need is the max payload package. i have a truck camper, and with the max payload, i will be in a sweet spot for wet weight, people load and extra room for gear.

now, i see on the build tool that when you select specific combos of truck (like an XLT super cab, 8 foot bed with 3.73 gears) you get the option if selecting the may payload/max tow package. What i am looking for is if i can order just the max payload and not the max tow, to get a different final gear ratio.

anyone know?

SIC_HDPP

Assuming u want 4x4 you will get 3.31,3.55,3.73 or 4.10. Almost every model has the option for max tow. You would need 3.73 or 4.10 for max tow. Only the XLT trim has the option for heavy duty package what increases payload. I would pick a trim and get the max tow package to take advantage of the 11,300lbs towing capacity. For heavy load like your talking I would go ecoboost with Max tow. Stay with the 3.73 As they are plenty fine with the torque curve with the twin turbos.

F-250,LD

Nope, they are one in the same. It's all about the gears. Lower gears (3.73)- higher capacity, higher RPMs on the highway, more low end grunt off the line. Higher gears (3.31)- lower capacity, lower RPMs on the highway, les grunt off the line. Also in theory, lower gears will give you less MPGs at highway speeds (unloaded). With a load, all MPG rules are off.

It's a balance of gear ratios and capacity needed when spec'ing gear ratios.
If I was using a F150 strictly as a car (once in a while with a load) I would go with 3.31 gears. This is a case where bigger (lower gears/higher capacity) is not a good thing for those that don't need it.

seuadr

thanks, but you misunderstand - i don't tow anything over 5000 lbs. i want the max payload package, but NOT the max tow package.. mainly i'd like the extra payload because i have a slide in truck camper. it can get as heavy as 2000 pounds "wet" so i'd like to have the 8200 GVWR, but i have no need of the taller gears for towing, and since much of the time i'll be driving it empty, i'd like to take advantage of something like the 3.31 for better mileage.

F-250,LD

Without getting to an EcoBoost is better debate. We all know that the EB can get the best MPGs but... If the truck is always loaded heavy, does the EB still get better gas mileage? Is it truly the best engine for the job?

seuadr

but at what rate does payload capacity ~ Towing capacity? i don't ever tow anything heavy - trailer of firewood once in a while is about it. i don't have, nor plan on having a boat, travel trailer, toy hauler, etc.

i might be looking for a mythical package, and of course i can be perfectly happy with the 3.73.

SIC_HDPP

Since he will be towing under 5,000 pounds either the Eco or the 5.0 are great choices. Both are more than capable for the job. You can get the towing package (not Max tow) with the 3.31 or 3.55. If you went Eco you should be fine with the 3.31. If you go for the 5.0 I would get the 3.55 to help the engine picking up speed during starts. The mpg between to two gears and engines varies by driving style and conditions.

kulak

It looks like you get HD payload at ford.com when selecting ecoboost and 3.73 LSD. You'll get the special 7 lugs wheels.

Looks available on XL, XLT, Lariat last I checked.

I wonder if you get stuck with OEM parts like rotors for life. I don't see many 7 luggers on the roads.

TheWhiteBeast

Max payload is limited slip 3.73 and that's it, no other choices. You can get a max payload 5.0 and no max tow since its not offered.

shimmer

Not sure that the F150 is up to a 2000 pound payload in any configuration. In calculating your weights you have to remember to subtract all your gear and passengers from your payload total. I think you are in 3/4 ton territory with most box campers for this very reason. I don't mean to be the weight police however I would check your weights carefully before you take the plunge.