Max Tow Option, $395

[flixden]

I am wondering what the "Max Tow" option for $395 really adds (screenshot below)?
The description from Ford is not very conclusive, and I haven't found a clear answer either using the search function of the forum.

Does it increase the GVWR/payload and/or towing capacity rating, especially for the powerboost?
Any other reason to pay or not pay for it?

Thanks much!

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[Davexxxx]

Especially for a PB, it is an expensive doodad and at one time, an almost certain problem with that particular axle but that may no longer be the case.

Once the axle bolt shear problem, came to be known as wide spread, most of us ordered the tow package but not max tow.

 

[Buyer2021]

The Max Tow option with the 3/4-float axle also includes slightly larger rear brake rotors (350x24mm vs 336x20mm). That may have some bearing on the trailer rating per SAE J2807 (maybe sightly better performance on the brake fade test due to increased heat dissipation?).

Max Tow also adds a slightly different ('HD') rear bumper assembly which supports a higher-rated hitch receiver in some cases.

Not commentating one way or the other about whether or not that makes the option 'worthwhile', just noting the differences FYI.

 

[flixden]

So looks like it doesn't affect GVWR, and maybe not even the official tow rating.
My conclusion here is maybe to skip that option, and use the $400 for something else. Thanks for your responses!

 

[Aonarch]

So looks like it doesn't affect GVWR, and maybe not even the official tow rating.
My conclusion here is maybe to skip that option, and use the $400 for something else. Thanks for your responses!

The max tow axle is problematic.

The Tow Haul still gets the larger 9.75" rear end, just not the 3/4 float from the max tow.

 

[Buyer2021]

So looks like it doesn't affect GVWR, and maybe not even the official tow rating.

Not at all sure about that ....

Maybe worth noting that in the Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guides published for model year 2023 and previous Gen 14's the Max Tow Package was specifically required to achieve the highest 'official' GCWR and trailer weight ratings.

Then, starting in 2024 when the method of specifying tow packages and the Max Tow axle changed, the RV & Trailer Towing Guides completely omit any reference to the Max Tow Axle. Personally, I find that omission very conspicuous and suspicious.

I find it not-credible that Ford continues to publish text in the '24+ printed Order Guides explicitly stating "Optional Equipment: (Max Tow Axle required for maximum trailer tow capability) " and then not have any data in the '24+ Towing Guides about that maximum trailer towing capacity with the Max Tow Axle.

Sorry to have to say that I think Ford is 'hiding the ball' with respect to this option, perhaps in response to the mentioned axle-bolt problem / recall. Your own interpretation my differ, no worries!

Again, not commenting on whether or not the option is 'worthwhile', nor on the prudence of towing at the "maximum towing capability", just reporting observations from my review of 'official' Ford documents FYI.

(note, too, that in the real-world, 'official' towing capacity is most often limited by Payload constraints, not other limiting ratings)

 

[Blown F-150]

Not sure on the new ones, but with my '22 5.0, it also meant getting the 9.75 rear. Totally worth it, IMO

 

[JExpedition07]

I believe the 3/4 float axle was discontinued in its entirety and removed from production after the 2023 model year.

 

[flixden]

Well, based on what I am reading here, I am most likely going to skip the max tow option.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

The back two option was certainly still available in 2024.
As stated above, it adds larger rear brakes and a stronger rear axle. There has been issues with the ongoing recall of the axle hub bolts. It was supposed to have a permanent fix first quarter of 2025.
It does indeed crazy payload capacity of the truck. That turns or raises the tongue weight capability.

Personally, I didn’t see a need for it so I avoided it

 

[SumGuy]

The Max Tow option with the 3/4-float axle also includes slightly larger rear brake rotors (350x24mm vs 336x20mm). That may have some bearing on the trailer rating per SAE J2807 (maybe sightly better performance on the brake fade test due to increased heat dissipation?).

Max Tow also adds a slightly different ('HD') rear bumper assembly which supports a higher-rated hitch receiver in some cases.

Not commentating one way or the other about whether or not that makes the option 'worthwhile', just noting the differences FYI.

Is this still true for 24-25 MYs?

Max tow on gen14.0s was a fairly extensive option with the new rear diff, larger breaks, uprated radiator(?), trans cooler, and an extra leaf in the rear, iirc. My memory is terrible these days.

 

[huhner5]

I believe it got you the 36 gal fuel tank as well.. at least on my 21' screw 5.5 box it did

 

[flixden]

The back two option was certainly still available in 2024.
As stated above, it adds larger rear brakes and a stronger rear axle. There has been issues with the ongoing recall of the axle hub bolts. It was supposed to have a permanent fix first quarter of 2025.
It does indeed crazy payload capacity of the truck. That turns or raises the tongue weight capability.

Personally, I didn’t see a need for it so I avoided it

It does raise the listed payload capacity?

 

[Davexxxx]

It does raise the listed payload capacity?

No. When I was looking it cost 20lbs PL.

 

[Truckguy24]

I went down this road as well and found it confusing and after studying towing packages over the previous generations, there's no real point to me. Once Ford cleaned up the hitch package and made it standard and increased capacities across the board, I don't even think the towing package is necessary anymore other than to get the trailer brake controller. My XL with no options has a trailer tow capacity well over 9,000 lb and just under 2,000 pounds of payload. No way I'm towing more than 6,000- 7,000 lbs with a half ton, So the capacities are fine for me.

I'm not gaining anything with any of those packages other than would have been nice to have the trailer brake controller. I'll add that when I need it over the next couple of years.

The days of a lot of that stuff being needed seem to be gone. Heck you get the 36 gallon tank standard too on most of the trucks now haha.

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