Buying new Max Tow off the lot??

[cisco23]

long time lurker first time poster

have a 157 lariat pb w/o max tow on order with a scheduled build week of 9/25

trying to get ahead of the game here as strike threatens - lots of trips planned for this fall and not willing to wait additional months

found a couple trucks on lots within 200mi with similar enough builds to mine w/ the exception of MAX TOW. three questions:
1.) is there a consensus that mid-year 2023 builds don't have the axle bolt problem? dug through tons of threads but can't figure it out
2.) how can I figure out the build date of a non-special order truck (no blend on the window sticker)
3.) is there a noticeable ride quality difference between the Max Tow and regular PB axle assuming no FX4 or lift planned?

thank you!

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[Bob Violence]

I can't provide any specifics to your 3 questions, but I believe it is the general consensus of the forums that if you are getting a PowerBoost, the Max Tow package is wasted money, as the PB has everything needed to tow 11,000 lbs, even though you will see the 7,000 lb limit tossed around.

There are numerous threads both here and the other F150 forum that are discussed ad nauseam about all the individual items that come standard on the PB.

I think the only thing my truck is missing from the Max Tow package is the HD rear axle (which I consider dodging a bullet), and the slightly larger rear brakes. My PB has the larger radiator, 3.73 rear end, 3 leaf springs, better bumper, sway bar, etc, etc.

 

[Buyer2021]

1.) is there a consensus that mid-year 2023 builds don't have the axle bolt problem? dug through tons of threads but can't figure it out

I won't hazard a comment on "consensus" but based on a tracking thread on the 'other' forum it's clear that the reported occurrence of bolt failures on MY 2023 is a bare fraction of those reported for builds through May 2022.

2.) how can I figure out the build date of a non-special order truck (no blend on the window sticker)

Lacking any hints on the window sticker you're gonna have to get the driver's door open and see the build month/year on the door-frame EPA Compliance sticker.

 

[HammaMan]

Max tow only reduces the payload of the PB. As for failures, they seem to be occurring less than other years. This may be due to a higher grade bolt being used but I suspect the underlying issue that's causing the bolt shearing is unchanged.

I'd wait until your build date to see what happens personally. Not sure how far apart your order is vs the truck on the lot. The max tow option for the PB doesn't match what it provides -- FX4 doesn't offer anything either outside of a cheap skid plate.

 

[dafish]

You might consider what the actual tow rating is. I'm apparently brain dead today, for I can't tell what a PB w/3.73's tow rating is:

2023_Ford_F-150_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

Snip below: Std bed 4x4 PB wo/Max tow. Is it 11,000lbs or 8,300? I'm inclined to think I'm missing something, but darned if I can see it. BTW, either way Max Tow doesn't seem to mean much in a PB, and I'm not including it on my draft order.

 

[Supercub]

I have a 2021 PB with the tow package, and a 2022 with the Max tow package. The 21 has a Bilstein level kit, the 22 does not, yet. They feel quite different and did prior to the level kit. the max tow feels more like a 3/4 ton in stance and ride. Other than the tow package difference, the trucks are identical builds, lariat fx4’s. I just towed a cargo trailer from NV to Alaska with the 22 and not a problem.
Your mileage may vary.

 

[Calson]

long time lurker first time poster

have a 157 lariat pb w/o max tow on order with a scheduled build week of 9/25

trying to get ahead of the game here as strike threatens - lots of trips planned for this fall and not willing to wait additional months

found a couple trucks on lots within 200mi with similar enough builds to mine w/ the exception of MAX TOW. three questions:
1.) is there a consensus that mid-year 2023 builds don't have the axle bolt problem? dug through tons of threads but can't figure it out
2.) how can I figure out the build date of a non-special order truck (no blend on the window sticker)
3.) is there a noticeable ride quality difference between the Max Tow and regular PB axle assuming no FX4 or lift planned?

thank you!

My 2022 has the Max Tow and all it adds is one extra leaf spring at the rear wheels. My understanding is that the axle bolt problem is specific to the powerboost trucks.

I replaced a Chevy Traverse SUV that had an extremely smooth ride for a SUV with AWD, with the F-150 with its passenger tires and the truck had an even more comfortable ride. If I was blindfolded and put in the passenger seat and road down even a very rough road I would not think I was in a pickup truck.

I had great difficulty finding a F-150 4WD with the 3.55 gears, 6.5 ft bed, electronic locking rear differential, and the 36-gallon gas tank. Found only one truck at the time and it had a Super Crew cab which I hate with the longer wheelbase and larger turning radius. If I was ordering a truck it would be with the supercab with the shorter wheelbase.

 

[powerboatr]

long time lurker first time poster

have a 157 lariat pb w/o max tow on order with a scheduled build week of 9/25

trying to get ahead of the game here as strike threatens - lots of trips planned for this fall and not willing to wait additional months

found a couple trucks on lots within 200mi with similar enough builds to mine w/ the exception of MAX TOW. three questions:
1.) is there a consensus that mid-year 2023 builds don't have the axle bolt problem? dug through tons of threads but can't figure it out
2.) how can I figure out the build date of a non-special order truck (no blend on the window sticker)
3.) is there a noticeable ride quality difference between the Max Tow and regular PB axle assuming no FX4 or lift planned?

thank you!

all window stickers have a build date on the lower part near the price
if you download the sticker for the truck you can see the build date or the date real close to actual build date
some dealers hide the window sticker unless you click more details etc then it pops up
or you may have to fill out a form...i do this often and use an old phone number and email to avoid the sales calls
i keep up with whats on lots or being delivered pretty close in my orbit of 100 miles
never know when a unicorn pops up

 

[madsend81]

You might consider what the actual tow rating is. I'm apparently brain dead today, for I can't tell what a PB w/3.73's tow rating is:

2023_Ford_F-150_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

Snip below: Std bed 4x4 PB wo/Max tow. Is it 11,000lbs or 8,300? I'm inclined to think I'm missing something, but darned if I can see it. BTW, either way Max Tow doesn't seem to mean much in a PB, and I'm not including it on my draft order.

Don't feel bad. I had to stare at that chart for a good 20 min before I figured it out.

The table on the left is for conventional trailers. The one on the right is for gooseneck and 5th wheels. The tow rating for the PB w/o Max Tow is 11,000 lbs. If you want to tow a 5th wheel with your PB, your limited to 8,300 lb. Your payload capacity will also be a factor with 5th wheels.

 

[dafish]

(*&%$^&%=

sigh..... How in the hell did I miss that.

Thanks (feeling stupid).


Yea, that would end Max Tow. No reason to lose any payload, and that would pay for the CCD suspension

 

[HammaMan]

Curious if 24s figures are lower still. Just not seeing any posts on the standard axle having any issues with loads. 24 isn't allowing tow mirrors to option with the PB motor.

 

[cisco23]

I have a 2021 PB with the tow package, and a 2022 with the Max tow package. The 21 has a Bilstein level kit, the 22 does not, yet. They feel quite different and did prior to the level kit. the max tow feels more like a 3/4 ton in stance and ride. Other than the tow package difference, the trucks are identical builds, lariat fx4’s. I just towed a cargo trailer from NV to Alaska with the 22 and not a problem.
Your mileage may vary.

appreciate this - I'm coming out of a 3/4 ton and would like to get as much ride comfort as possible. I don't mind the boat-y float

 

[Supercub]

appreciate this - I'm coming out of a 3/4 ton and would like to get as much ride comfort as possible. I don't mind the boat-y float

I will add, I just installed the Ford Performance level kit. Set at the 2.5 setting it raised the front within 1/2’’ of level. I’ve done this to my 21 PB as well and like the solid feel that comes from it. Still rides nice but firmer in the corners and breaking. Interestingly, i found the Max tow package gets you a 1’’ axle stub and big nut on the front instead of the small little one on the non max.

 

[HammaMan]

I will add, I just installed the Ford Performance level kit. Set at the 2.5 setting it raised the front within 1/2’’ of level. I’ve done this to my 21 PB as well and like the solid feel that comes from it. Still rides nice but firmer in the corners and breaking. Interestingly, i found the Max tow package gets you a 1’’ axle stub and big nut on the front instead of the small little one on the non max.

That's 4x4 stuff, not max tow. Max tow should be avoided in 21-23 unless you want broken axles down the road. Max tow is such a great package, it's been removed from the 24s until they can redesign it.

 

[Supercub]

That's 4x4 stuff, not max tow. Max tow should be avoided in 21-23 unless you want broken axles down the road. Max tow is such a great package, it's been removed from the 24s until they can redesign it.

I have a news flash for you, i own a 21 and a 22 lariat Powerboost. the 21 has the small nut and has the tow package! The 22 has the max tow package and the big nut and stub sticking out the center as you saw in the picture. So mr.
FORD everything why is that? Please enlighten me.

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