Thanks for the compliments on the truck.....I absolutely agree that this could be a U.S. or regional thing and yes you can get all of the items that would make your truck meet the max tow rating without specifically buying the max tow package. The only thing is it may impact the GVWR rating on the door sticker since it wasn't configured as such from the factory floor. I don't think mirrors are going to help you tow more I was just speaking from my own personal experience when shopping for my truck. The only way to get one with the max tow was to get one with the bigger mirrors in one of the 3 packages at least in my region.

 

There are several other threads on this. After reading through several of them, I think the one thing you cannot add to a truck build, without selecting max tow, is the upgraded rear bumper. The trailer hitch is really what is being upgraded, but the hitch on the F150 is integrated into the bumper. The max tow hitch has higher weight ratings than the regular tow pkg hitch.

 

These are items that are included in the Max Tow Package for the Lariat with 6.5ft bed through 2014.


Max Trailer Tow Pkg - Chrome Mirror

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 7,700 lbs Payload Package
• Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
• Power Telescoping Trailer Tow Side Mirrors
• Includes power folding, power glass, heat, memory, turn signal, clearance lights and chrome skull caps.
• Upgraded Radiator
• Includes 7-pin wiring harness, class IV trailer hitch receiver and upgraded rear bumper.