2023 HDPP vs Max Tow

[SRHAGEN]

At least in 2020 and 2021, ordering the 3.73 gearing automatically gets you the standard 9.75” rear diff/axle. Even regular cab shortbeds with 3.73 will get the 9.75”

For Max Tow and possibly some of the Powerboost trucks, the 9.75” will be the HD version.

It looks like you have the standard 9.75” axle with the L6 axle code, meaning that it is 3.73 with the electronic locker.

I have no idea if the standard rear brakes are larger than the previous gen. but the HD9.75” axle won’t clear 17” rims.

I noticed right away it had bigger brakes on the rear than my 2016 model. I’m guessing it’s just more standardization of components. My 2016 rolled easier with 8.8 in but had that clunk too. The new 9.75 doesn’t clunk ever.

I read recently on this site there are 3 21/22 rearends. Model a, b, c in 3:73 ratio. Evidenced by the tag on axle.

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[LCMM55]

The numbers look okay.

Just watch what else you carry in the cab and box so you don't exceed payload.

How far would your be travelling and what kind of terrain? Flat or hilly?

I think a 29' trailer is right at a half tons limits. (Just my opinion)

Personally, I wouldn't tow anything longer than a 26' trailer with a half ton. 24' is really my comfort level. But I might be a paranoid tower. I like to leave a lot of leeway....

Have you already towed this trailer?

I have not towed on any highway yet. Just from my home to the storage lot in Myrtle Beach, SC. In the spring will be headed to Florida, Houston,TX then the Denver area. My older tow vehicle was a 2004 suburban with 5.3 133k miles 3.73 rear and very tired with a screaming rear end. 18 years of towing took it's toll. The winds in Kansas were brutal in Sept 2021. That is why I bought the 2021 used 7000 mile F150 powerboost with much more towing capacity with the payload package. I am pretty sure it can tow 11,000 pounds (according to Ford)with 3.73 locking diff 302a XLT by keeping the wt down on the bed. It does have sway control and brake control built in. I was very close the year before, ready to pull the trigger on a new 2020 F250 with the 7.3 gasser and thought $53k was too much, move ahead to Jan 2022 and $55,900 for a used XLT Powerboost, 4WD, Sport and Off Road, 360 cams and cloth interior. The 1619 pound cap is close to full a full travel mode. 2 people, all the junk RVers carry with them will be a challenge. I probably over loaded my 2004 sub alot over 18 yrs. I am looking forward to towing with it on the interstate and back roads.

 

[hotrodmex]

It is a 9.75B rear end and I think the brakes are bigger.

For the current Gen, brakes are the same between the 8.8 and the regular 9.75.

 

[SRHAGEN]

For the current Gen, brakes are the same between the 8.8 and the regular 9.75.

I guess it would accept a 17” wheel if I ever chose to go that way.

 

[Calson]

The HDPP provides 3 leaf springs at the rear whereas my Max Tow equipped truck has only 2. The standard F-150 has only 1 leaf spring. I have found a good aftermarket solution to increasing the payload of my truck.

The HDPP provides a payload capacity that in prior years was in the realm of a F-350 truck. The F-250 category seems superfluous with the current Ford trucks. I found it interesting when shopping for a "super duty" truck in 2011 how all GM/Chevy 2500 and 3500 trucks had a 99% overlap in components which was not the case with Ram or with Ford. Adds needless ordering and production complexity for little to now real world gain.

In the past the GCWR determined the DMV fees but at least in California with trucks it is the GVWR that determines what one has to pay and ALL pickups, even something like the Maverick, are classified as commercial vehicles and subject to a minimum $1,000 surcharge.

 

[LCMM55]

Hoping to get some myths and confusion cleared up here.
I have ordered a 2023 F150 CREW 6.5 bed, 3.5 EB, FX4 with Max Tow. I did not see HDPP (Heavy Duty Payload) on order site and was told by dealer that HDPP was only available on XL trim. I have seen posts on this site stating that Max Tow includes bigger axle, springs, etc. I believe this is incorrect and a common myth (Assumption). I am hoping I am wrong and something has changed for 2023? Are any of the HDPP components now included in the Max Tow Package? I was hoping to get a 2100lb+ payload.
My TT has a 900-1000 tongue weight and a 1600lb payload isnt going to cut it.
If ford just flat out discontinued this option on XLT and above they are going to lose a ton of the RV 5th wheel and TT customers.
Very frustrated at Fords confusing and misleading tow specifications and packages.
Any first hand feedback will be appreciated.

I am adding a AIR-LIFT AIR BAG Ultamate kit to my 21 powerboost with a factory 1619 payload rating(option on the truck is the PAYLOAD PACKAGE) I BOUGHT USED JANUARY 2021. $400 kit with jouce bumper buit in. My trailer is 7700 with a hitch wt of 1000. The the actual hitch will hold 1160, class 5. All I need is a max of 500 additional payload capacity. The kit will carry 5000 pounds. I don't need that much. Will be installing in a few days.

 

[jordandev]

I am adding a AIR-LIFT AIR BAG Ultamate kit to my 21 powerboost with a factory 1619 payload rating(option on the truck is the PAYLOAD PACKAGE) I BOUGHT USED JANUARY 2021. $400 kit with jouce bumper buit in. My trailer is 7700 with a hitch wt of 1000. The the actual hitch will hold 1160, class 5. All I need is a max of 500 additional payload capacity. The kit will carry 5000 pounds. I don't need that much. Will be installing in a few days.

Will airbags help you tow that load better than with no airbags? Yes, very likely.

Will airbags increase your payload capacity by 500? No.

Also... PowerBoost was not available with the HDPP so not sure what that payload package option you saw was but it wasn't HDPP.

 

[DT444T]

Will airbags increase your payload capacity by 500? No.

100% This!

Adding parts does NOT increase payload, and it's important to me that people understand this.

These companies need to stop advertising it that way because people think that's the case. I'd hazard a guess that this is why you see so many broken frames from airbags.

 

[Snakebitten]

But many of these aftermarket items DO address the weak points of our trucks when managing the Payload.

I'm honest with myself about what the Payload of my F150 actually is, but I also know that the truck could be way nicer to drive while burdened than Ford equipped it to be.

 

[LCMM55]

Will airbags help you tow that load better than with no airbags? Yes, very likely.

Will airbags increase your payload capacity by 500? No.

Also... PowerBoost was not available with the HDPP so not sure what that payload package option you saw was but it wasn't HDPP.

Ya , i know its not the HDPP. Here is a picture of the options from my detailed sticker. I will include the occupants and cargo stats.

 

[hotrodmex]

Here is a picture of the options from my detailed sticker.

FYI, All the GVWRs are listed like that, where it says #XXXX GVWR Package. It's just a function of what model you purchased, and only really an "option" when it's the 2.7 Payload Package or HDPP.

 

[LCMM55]

FYI, All the GVWRs are listed like that, where it says #XXXX GVWR Package. It's just a function of what model you purchased, and only really an "option" when it's the 2.7 Payload Package or HDPP.

My Powerboost with The "trailer tow package" has a extra leaf spring and class 5 Hitch with a 1160 max hitch weight. Sorry about repeating my self. My neighbor has F150 with only the V6 TT and his truck only has 2 leafs.

 

[hotrodmex]

My Powerboost with The "trailer tow package"

Roger. When you mentioned "payload package" and talked about payload capacity, I thought that's what you meant.

Towing packages don't affect official payload, which is part of the issue where some people have gotten into trouble looking to tow 10k without thinking about actual payload capacity and tongue weights.

That's more of a general statement and not for you, specifically.

 

[Pedaldude]

Airbags and extra springs increase the spring rate, which reduces the amount that the truck squats in the back.

While it won’t increase payload, it does help weight distribution by putting more weight on the front axle that would have otherwise been on the rear axle.

GAWR is arguably the more important number when loading your truck because it’s the factor most overlooked.

If you put the full payload your sticker lists on the door sticker and it squats the rear enough, your rear axle is going to also start seeing weight that would have otherwise been borne by the front axle and you can easily bust your rear GAWR because the front end is too light and the steering will suffer from the poor loading.

These numbers are all static loads on level ground and take into account a safety factor for when going up and down hills, braking/acceleration and going around turns or on off camber roads.

A man has got to know his limitations and it’s good practice to know and stay within the limits of your truck and drive safety. I’ve see a lot of silly shit out on the road and just because one person gets away with something, doesn’t mean everyone will. It’s also nice to not even be near GVWR or GCVWR because it helps in those situations that you don’t want to be in.

Good luck everybody and drive safe!

 

[OffRod150]

But many of these aftermarket items DO address the weak points of our trucks when managing the Payload.

I'm honest with myself about what the Payload of my F150 actually is, but I also know that the truck could be way nicer to drive while burdened than Ford equipped it to be.

It doesnt matter what add a leafs or airbags you put on, it will not increase your GAWR. Your axle can only carry so much weight no matter how many devices you install to decrease sag and squat. Be careful and mindful of the GAWR as much as the Payload.

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