bee SAFE

Trying to verify my truck's weight capabilities. I have a 2020 F-150 Super Crew, 5.5 bed, 3.5L ECOBoost, 3.55 axle, Max Trailer Tow Package (53C), 7000# GVWR package, and 18 inch wheels.

The towing guide lists my towing capacity as 10,500 and GCWR of 16,200, but that doesn't reflect the max tow package. If you include max tow package, you get GCWR of 18,200 and a tow capacity of 12,500; but the tow capacity has a footnote saying that requires 20" wheels.

The owners manual doesn't mention 20" wheels at all, and gives a 18,100 GCWR for my configuration, then it gives you the formula for towing capacity, not a specific number.

The Ford Order guide has a note: Max GCWR/Max Tow only achieved on SuperCrew® equipped with 20” Wheels. These trucks will also come equipped with max springs, steering gear and upgraded stabilizer bar for this configuration.

I can't find that info anywhere else and in the towing guide it says that the 53C equipment package (max trailer tow) includes upgraded rear axle, rear bumper, and front stabilizer bar.

Does getting the 20" wheels actually include other components as well? Is it the same things added in the 53C package? If so, why is there a difference of 2,000 lb of GCWR because of wheel size?

Any information is appreciated.

I don't actually plan on towing anything over about 7.5k, but want to understand exactly what is on my truck and what the real limits are.

thanks!

Ricktwuhk

What does the payload sticker on your door jamb say? Ignore all the printed materials, your capacity is lower.

bee SAFE

The sticker has 7000# as the GVWR and the axle ratings, but nothing on GCWR or towing.

bee SAFE

Also, the sticker under the bumper has 13,200 towing capacity, but I'm pretty sure that's too high. Also, the frame has the sticker that says 'HD' on it.

16IngotFX4

Sticker on the driver door jamb.

A category called "payload". That is the maximum you can carry in your vehicle, including the tongue weight of the trailer you plan to tow.

Depending on your trim level XL vs. Platinum, you can haul a travel trailer no more than 9,000lbs. That's probably conservative. I've overweight in my 2016 with 7050 GVWR if I connected an 8500 lb trailer and carried people and things in my truck cab/bed.

bee SAFE

It's a Lariat. The payload is 1768 lbs. I understand that the tongue weight of the trailer is part of that, so if i have a 7500# trailer with about 750# tongue weight, I have about a 1000# of people/cargo that i can carry.

Ricktwuhk

Except you are missing 100 pounds for weight distribution hitch, and 10% tongue weight should be more like 13 to 15%.

And if you modified the truck at all, added tonneau cover, floor mats, etc. all further lower capacity.

rd.king

The weight variance between 20 and 18 inch tires comes down to side wall flex and bead integrity with a larger circumference.
It's more about stopping than about pulling.
The GCWR varies depending on the model configuration of the truck.
Just because a truck has the 53C max towing package doesn't mean it has the maximum tow rating.

bee SAFE

Ok. got it. Can we get back to the root question; does adding 20" wheels change anything else on the truck? Do they put a different 'upgraded front stabilizer' since one of those is already included in the 53C package? If there are additional upgrades to the chassis or suspension, I kind of just want to understand it because just putting on 20" wheels to me shouldn't make a 2000# difference in GCWR. I bought my truck with the understanding that I was getting as close to the max towing/GCWR as possible with a Super Crew F-150. I wasn't given the information that adding 20" wheels was critical to maxing out the capabilities. Just trying to verify what the factors are that affect that number.

bee SAFE

Thanks rd.king.

So, you are saying that the tires on a 20" wheel would be more stable/weight bearing and that is why it's 2000# different? Because that additional stability allows better stopping power? Can I upgrade to 20" wheels to get those benefits or are there other differences in the truck if they add 20" wheels at the factory?