Max Tow Package or not

[Moseh]

I have a 2017 and I got the max tow. Wish It had the HD cargo package also. If it's in your budget... get both, even if you have to order it. It's not like you can add it later.

[jimp]

Well, it's all over as the end result is I'm the proud owner of a 2018 F150 XLT, 10 spd AT, 3.5EB, 3.55 EL axle, SC cab 145" WB with 20" wheels.

Door jam sticker says 1756# of CC, window sticker says:
7000#GVWR pkg
Trailer backup assist
Trailer Tow Pkg
FX4 pkg
36gal fuel tank
integrated trailer brake controller
Trailer sway control

Max trailer tow pkg is not listed on the sticker, but with the 3.55 gearing, 36g fuel tank and TBC, that equates to the Max tow pkg based on my reading and understanding the 2018 Ford Tow guide. I just paid a bit more for those options on an individual basis vs the Max Tow Pkg, but still have the capacity. The max tow pkg is about $1000 less vs adding the individual options, which equates to more profit for Ford.

I have ~350 miles on it so far, rides and drives great, used 16 gal of gas, and the display said 21.x mpg for a new motor. This is for a mix of city traffic, running errands, cruising on some 2 lane backroads thru the mountains, 4 land divided hwy, and interstate at 65-75 mph.

Scheduled to swap the GH for the new MR2410RL this coming Thursday, so I need to get more miles on the truck between now and then. Going with the Equalizer WDH from the dealer. This will be a new experience for me pulling a trailer this size. I have towed a single axle boat trailer for 3 decades, but nothing this large. Will definitely be a learning experience for me.

[TxLoser]

New truck day is always a good day. Sounds like a great setup. Enoy the truck and new trailer.

[95jersey]

Originally Posted by jimp

Well, it's all over as the end result is I'm the proud owner of a 2018 F150 XLT, 10 spd AT, 3.5EB, 3.55 EL axle, SC cab 145" WB with 20" wheels.

Door jam sticker says 1756# of CC, window sticker says:
7000#GVWR pkg
Trailer backup assist
Trailer Tow Pkg
FX4 pkg
36gal fuel tank
integrated trailer brake controller
Trailer sway control

Max trailer tow pkg is not listed on the sticker, but with the 3.55 gearing, 36g fuel tank and TBC, that equates to the Max tow pkg based on my reading and understanding the 2018 Ford Tow guide. I just paid a bit more for those options on an individual basis vs the Max Tow Pkg, but still have the capacity. The max tow pkg is about $1000 less vs adding the individual options, which equates to more profit for Ford.

I have ~350 miles on it so far, rides and drives great, used 16 gal of gas, and the display said 21.x mpg for a new motor. This is for a mix of city traffic, running errands, cruising on some 2 lane backroads thru the mountains, 4 land divided hwy, and interstate at 65-75 mph.

Scheduled to swap the GH for the new MR2410RL this coming Thursday, so I need to get more miles on the truck between now and then. Going with the Equalizer WDH from the dealer. This will be a new experience for me pulling a trailer this size. I have towed a single axle boat trailer for 3 decades, but nothing this large. Will definitely be a learning experience for me.

I just got a 2018 XLT 3.5 with 3:55 with a similar config but with 7050 GVWR. I also don't have max tow package but all of the components otherwise optioned in...funny how that works. Mine has the 18" vs 20" tires. I tow a 6450lb (dry) Jayco 273 with a tongue around 1045lbs. Payload is 2040lbs. It tows fine, but I had to add air bags to the rear. I would suggest this ASAP. Air Lift makes a base kit for a couple hundred dollars which helps significantly.

[dennis b]

Originally Posted by jimp

Well, it's all over as the end result is I'm the proud owner of a 2018 F150 XLT, 10 spd AT, 3.5EB, 3.55 EL axle, SC cab 145" WB with 20" wheels.

Door jam sticker says 1756# of CC, window sticker says:
7000#GVWR pkg
Trailer backup assist
Trailer Tow Pkg
FX4 pkg
36gal fuel tank
integrated trailer brake controller
Trailer sway control

Max trailer tow pkg is not listed on the sticker, but with the 3.55 gearing, 36g fuel tank and TBC, that equates to the Max tow pkg based on my reading and understanding the 2018 Ford Tow guide. I just paid a bit more for those options on an individual basis vs the Max Tow Pkg, but still have the capacity. The max tow pkg is about $1000 less vs adding the individual options, which equates to more profit for Ford.

I have ~350 miles on it so far, rides and drives great, used 16 gal of gas, and the display said 21.x mpg for a new motor. This is for a mix of city traffic, running errands, cruising on some 2 lane backroads thru the mountains, 4 land divided hwy, and interstate at 65-75 mph.

Scheduled to swap the GH for the new MR2410RL this coming Thursday, so I need to get more miles on the truck between now and then. Going with the Equalizer WDH from the dealer. This will be a new experience for me pulling a trailer this size. I have towed a single axle boat trailer for 3 decades, but nothing this large. Will definitely be a learning experience for me.

I have to disagree with you on this. The maxtow package will give you a higher payload and max towing of over 11,00 pounds verses the 7,00

[SkyBound]

Among other things. MaxTow package gives you higher GVWR, a larger transmission cooler, and a better hitch rated to carry higher tongue weights. You can mimick it, but you can't replicate it.

dennis b: we are twins! LOL

[95jersey]

Originally Posted by SkyBound

Among other things. MaxTow package gives you higher GVWR, a larger transmission cooler, and a better hitch rated to carry higher tongue weights. You can mimick it, but you can't replicate it.

dennis b: we are twins! LOL

Not on a 2018 F150. Read the OEM specs.

The only thing the Max trailer package gives you above the standard trailer tow package is 36-gallon fuel tank and auxiliary engine oil cooler.

you still get the trans cooler, class 4 hitch and larger front stabilizer bar and 3:55 gears and all the other bells and whistles on standard tow package. The fuel tank has nothing to do with capability and could actually lower your payload specs. The only benefit is the oil cooler.

[Quantum]

Originally Posted by dennis b

I have to disagree with you on this. The maxtow package will give you a higher payload and max towing of over 11,00 pounds verses the 7,00

I have the MaxTow and it does not increase your payload numbers. It only increases your tow capacity.

You need to by the Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP) to increase the payload.

[K2tiger]

You will be glad you ended up with the 36 Gal fuel tank. The 3.5 is a beast in the F150, but it really likes fuel when towing. Very glad I got the extended range fuel tank.

The discussion got me interested, so I looked it up. My 2015 does not have the Max Tow, but is rated to tow 11,700lbs, has a hitch capacity of 1110lbs (when distributed) and a payload of 1740lbs. It also has the transmission cooler, trailer brake controls, etc. The only thing missing is the aux engine cooler.

[Jim Smyth]

Its a great vehicle but I just got rid of mine due to sway and bow wave upset issues. I wish I knew about this web page beforehand.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...018/specs.html

If your buying a different year just change it in the URL. I wish you luck with your 150 but mine didnt work out.

[Dave.H]

Originally Posted by jimp

A F250 won't fit in the garage. I've thought of it but a F250 still won't fit in the garage.

That just means more room for tools!

[jimp]

I've got a detached shed that has enough tools to do most stuff but with current vehicles being so tech oriented, you also need a couple masters degrees in IT to change the oil and clean the windshield. LOL

TO Jim S:
Everyone has their own perception of what is a good pulling truck/TT setup, and what is not. Sometimes people with very similar TT's have totally different experiences and expectations. It could be due to the hitch, the design of the front cap, how it's loaded or not loaded, there are lots of variables to setting up the rig. Sometimes it just doesn't work out and you have to move on. I've only towed mine <5x's so far, all are short trips, without any real surprises. I hope you find the right truck to pull your rig.

[Dave.H]

Originally Posted by jimp

I've got a detached shed that has enough tools to do most stuff but with current vehicles being so tech oriented, you also need a couple masters degrees in IT to change the oil and clean the windshield. LOL

One masters is sufficient. Having access to the right electronic tools makes all the difference.

I agree with your assessment on TV. That's why there are options out there. I have my reasons to have what I have, you have yours and everyone else has their own. As long as folks are educated and recognize what they are getting into then there are many ways to get the job done safely.