Trailer Tow Package vs Truck with Addons Funniness

[sts90]

This has really been bothering me because my truck does not have a tow package and is limited to 7000 LB on paper. My truck has the following addition ordered add-ons that affect tow:

• 4x4 via FX4 package
• 7/4 Pin Connector Stand
• LED Lights (Sport Appearance Package and Bed Utility Package)
• 3.5L v6 Ecoboost
• 3.55 Electricronic Lock RR Axle
• Class IV Trailer Hitch
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Extended Range 36gal fuel tank
• Max Truck Pay Load 1,771 LB (door frame sticker)

No, I did not order it but bought it off the lot because of the discount. I can't find a logical explanation for why it is not 11,300 LB. The dealer service could department could provide a reason either and agreed with me. Would I tow 11,300 LB no but maybe right below 10k if I bought a nice boat. However, not having fancy electronics in Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, and Smart Trailer Tow connector with BLIS means you are limited to 7,000 lb? I have towed heavier than 7,000 lb with a 5 speed, and less engine power with 3.55 rear end on 1/2 ton before all these electronics. I am not saying these electronics are not very helpful but gosh this seems very wrong. If I am wrong please explain what I am missing. Please see below for the supporting information.

The Trailer Tow Package is: Rating 11,300 LB

The Max Tow Package is: Rating 13,900 LB

Additional Addons not mentioned confirmed by Dealer

• Larger Brakes
• Larger Radiator
• Transmission cooler
• Floating Rear axle

Manual Tow Chart:

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[HammaMan]

When equipped with the C4 hitch and trailer brake controller, that's when your towing changes to the higher value. The lower value is without the trailer brake controller. The extras are the tow tech package.

 

[sts90]

When equipped with the C4 hitch and trailer brake controller, that's when your towing changes to the higher value. The lower value is without the trailer brake controller. The extras are the tow tech package.

My truck has both "C4 hitch and trailer brake controller" but yet limited to 7,000 lb. So I should have the 11,300 tow rating but I don't according to Ford. This is what I am looking for an answer to.

 

[Snakebitten]

I believe that the Max Tow has a larger radiator, although the Powerboost gets it regardless.

The larger rear brakes are not that significant according to the specs. And I am pretty confident that the 10r80 gets the same transmission cooler for all drivetrains. (never seen one without it)

 

[sts90]

I believe that the Max Tow has a larger radiator, although the Powerboost gets it regardless.

The larger rear brakes are not that significant according to the specs. And I am pretty confident that the 10r80 gets the same transmission cooler for all drivetrains. (never seen one without it)

Yes, I did mention larger radiator in that in a bullet list below snap shot 2 of max tow package.

I did not see the transmission cooler on my truck, where is it located?

Basically according to chart on snap 3:
Trailer tow package for 4x4 super crew 145.5 WB 3.55 RR= 11,300 lb
Max trailer tow package 4x4 super crew 145.5 WB 3.55 RR= 13,900 lb

However, my truck limited 7,000 lb tow but has all equipment that matters for 11,300. I believe it either a money grab or insurance lability check box. The tow package just does not add up on paper. Below is my door sticker.

 

[capiche87]

I have a 2023 Powerboost Platinum. It comes standard with all the tech stuff and class 4 hitch. I don’t have trailer or max tow packages. I pulled 8500lbs trailer with tractor without a problem. Truck pulls like a dream with no overheating nor stopping issues.

Honestly, I would feel safer on the road with you pulling a 10k lbs trailer with your current setup than the sh*T I saw loading up at home depot today.

 

[Snakebitten]

 

[Buyer2021]

However, my truck limited 7,000 lb tow but has all equipment that matters for 11,300. I believe it either a money grab or insurance lability check box.

You might be right but for the life of me I can't divine any reason that Ford would benefit by 'downrating' the results of the current industry-standard SAE J2807 test outcome for a given vehicle / equipment package .

If anything, it would seem the typically very influential marketing folks would push for promoting the highest tow-rating for any given vehicle supported by that test procedure which seems to be objective (as opposed to subjective / subject to arbitrary interpretation) to a very high degree.

This article describing the J2807 test (as of 2015, it might have been amended since then) may be of interest: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1502-sae-j2807-tow-tests-the-standard

I'm not so sure it's easy to discern what component differences may "matter" in that suite of tests.

I believe that the Max Tow has a larger radiator, although the Powerboost gets it regardless.

Just FYI / FWIW the workshop manual only lists one coolant fill capacity for each engine with no mention of optional capacities. These are all total coolant fill numbers (radiator, hoses, block, and overflow reservoir).

Gen 14 Engine Coolant Fill Capacity (quarts)
2.7EB = 15.1
3.5EB = 14.3
3.5PB = 15.3
5.0V8 = 13.2
3.3DT = 15.1

 

[Snakebitten]

There are 2 sizes (thickness) of radiators though. You can clearly see the difference if you can get a look at the edge of the core. I'd guess about 3/8-1/2 inch?
Might not be a volume difference, but more a cooling space increase?

I'll look to see if there are 2 different part numbers. But I know there's only one for the Powerboost.

 

[Snakebitten]

Note the exclusions:

 

[Snakebitten]

Looks like the appendix B is the Max Tow & Powerboost radiator
($30 more @ $300 VS $270)

 

[JExpedition07]

Curious why the 3.3L NA needs more coolant than the 5.0L V8 and 3.5L EcoBoost

 

[EBR]

OP @sts90, where are you seeing your 7000 pounds towing limit?

 

[HammaMan]

Ford's 'magic' variable for tow limits is the 'tow package' of which notable features are the TBC and C4 hitch. However a non-trivial number of jurisdictions require TBC or other trailer braking means above 3500lbs. The non TBC towing number is roughly 95% or so rounded to the nearest whole number, w/ 4wd models getting a bump due to naturally heavier front end. I think your belief is that it has a lower tow capacity may be due to not specifically having the exact tow package, but yet having the hitch and TBC which comprise the shift itself.

If your truck was factory delivered with the 2 variables that actually create the higher tow value but some how your vin has an arbitrary flag that incorrectly says it's the lower value, you'll have to take that up with ford directly.

 

[sts90]

OP @sts90, where are you seeing your 7000 pounds towing limit?

How ever I just need to a goose neck and bang

Magic.

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