What does the Max Tow package give you?

[Evolvd]

I'm shopping for a Lariat 150 and while it will be my daily driver there may come a time I need to tow something, like my Shelby GT500 to a car show. Looking at Ford's build page I can see the options for adding a e-lock gear or e-lock with max tow...but it doesn't give you any details on what the differences are.

Could someone dumb it down for me? I'm gonna swing a few guesses and assume it means beefier axles and an upgraded heat exchanger? What is the difference in trailer weight capability? I'm looking at a 5.0, 4x4 super crew. I know the 3.73 gears would help with low-end torque while sacrificing MPG on the highway. The inverse applies to the 3.31 gears.

TIA!

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[FaaWrenchBndr]

Max tow gives you larger rear brakes, a different rear axle shaft bearing design and an increased payload

 

[Aonarch]

Some tests show the 3.73s actually give you better MPG than the 3.31s. We have 10 gears after all. Lower RPM doesn't necessarily mean better MPGs. Engines have certain RPM zones where they are more efficient and lower doesn't always mean better. The higher numerical rear end gearing helps keep RPMs a little higher while accelerating, helping the NA V8 get into the power band quicker, plus you have the mechanical advantage of a higher ratio. The 5.0 Coyote likes revs. Getty's Garage on YouTube goes into this.

To me 3.73s are a no brainer, towing or not towing.

Just be aware that the Max Tow rear axle has axle shaft issues that Ford just released "a fix" for after years of issues, but Ford doesn't have every Max Tow on the repair list, so some owners are SOL.

Personally I'd avoid Max Tow and just go with Tow/ Haul package. Ford stopped selling this package in 2024??? or 2025??

My payload is 2,000 on my 302a XLT with Tow/ Haul.

If you want a real unicorn, find a HDPP truck. I'd love one.

Also note the CDF transmission issue was fixed 2022.5, so any 2023+ F-150 will have the updated transmission.

 

[ks54703]

Max tow give you a rear axle Ford has yet to come up with a PROPER fix for broken axle bolts. Being a Lariat check the towing box and the 5.0 will get the 3.73 rear locker axle that is the same rear axle that was used in the 13 Gen Max tow F150's. Safe a headache.

https://www.f150forum.com/f129/max-tow-rear-axle-recall-574763/

https://www.f150forum.com/f129/2021-powerboost-rear-rotor-axle-bolt-sheared-515460/index250/ If your bored, just go to the last page and page back.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Max tow give you a rear axle Ford has yet to come up with a PROPER fix for broken axle bolts.

This is a completely INCORRECT statement

 

[Davexxxx]

New or used?

There have been several changes to the tow options, recently.

The first place to look, is the tow guide for that yr. Then if used, assuming its a stock truck, the yellow payload sticker.

If ordering and wanting to maximize payload, avoid heavy options like FX, moon roof, optional tailgates etc.

 

[redline]

It gives you bigger rear brakes, rear end, axels and extra leaf.

 

[Davexxxx]

New or used?

There have been several changes to the tow options, recently.

The first place to look, is the tow guide for that yr. Then if used, assuming its a stock truck, the yellow payload sticker.

If ordering and wanting to maximize payload, avoid heavy options like FX, moon roof, optional tailgates etc.

On a used stock (no oversized tires, lifts etc.) truck, (or once you have the VIN of an ordered truck) plug the VIN into this and be honest about the other inputs.

https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator

 

[Mosey]

I believe the frame is beefier as well.

 

[Evolvd]

New or used?

There have been several changes to the tow options, recently.

The first place to look, is the tow guide for that yr. Then if used, assuming its a stock truck, the yellow payload sticker.

If ordering and wanting to maximize payload, avoid heavy options like FX, moon roof, optional tailgates etc.

I'm speccing out a 2026. I'm not looking to maximize payload as it will be a daily driver and only occasional towing of a car hauler and car should I decide to go to a Mustang show out of town.

 

[Truckguy24]

As others have said I don't think I'd worry about the max towing package. Quite frankly most of the trailer tow packages don't offer what they used to. All the newer f-150s have excellent towing capacities with the 5.0 or 3.5 EcoBoost. The 2.7 is lower with payload and capacity.

I have a non tow package 5.0 truck and I have 9,500 lb of towing (suicidal numbers for a half ton if you ask me), 1,977 lb of payload.

Every 2024 and newer F-150 with the 5.0 or 3.5 has much more payload than prior generations and model years, every single truck has a class IV hitch standard with the smart tow 4/7 pin connector. Most are also inclusive of the 36 gallon tank being standard.

I also believe the comments about increase payload incorrect. That upgraded equipment with the beefier rear axle 9.75 adds weight, along with the other items so it becomes a wash.

The only material thing I've seen that you don't get without the trailer tow package is the more aggressive rear axle ratio by default and the integrated trailer brake controller. (Also the beefier 9.75 with max tow instead of the super 8.8)

I'll be adding the trailer brake controller to my 24XL next year, so ultimately complete non-issue for me. And the 3.31 rear-end ratio is more aggressive than a 6 speed 3.73 truck when you compare ratios, so I'm very happy with the all-around drivability of my 3.31. some people aren't so they want the 3.73. To each their own.

 

[Davexxxx]

I'm speccing out a 2026. I'm not looking to maximize payload as it will be a daily driver and only occasional towing of a car hauler and car should I decide to go to a Mustang show out of town.

Tongue weight and the required WDH hitch (if loaded trailer is over 5K lbs.) is included in payload, along with anything else extra in or on the truck.

This board has seen numerous guys order their dream trucks, just to find that they won't do the job they wanted, because they loaded them up with options and cut their available payloads.

Just sayin.

 

[Evolvd]

Tongue weight and the required WDH hitch (if loaded trailer is over 5K lbs.) is included in payload, along with anything else extra in or on the truck.

This board has seen numerous guys order their dream trucks, just to find that they won't do the job they wanted, because they loaded them up with options and cut their available payloads.

Just sayin.

I'm new to trucks so I'm all ears on this info. How does bed payload and towing payload interact? My Shelby is about 4K pounds and assuming the car hauler trailer is about 1500, what would be a good package to tow this? I don't own a camper or any other items requiring heavy load capability and I don't forsee a need to carry thousands of pounds of stuff in the bed.

 

[Aonarch]

I believe the frame is beefier as well.

No that is only the HDPP and PB.

 

[Davexxxx]

I'm new to trucks so I'm all ears on this info. How does bed payload and towing payload interact? My Shelby is about 4K pounds and assuming the car hauler trailer is about 1500, what would be a good package to tow this? I don't own a camper or any other items requiring heavy load capability and I don't forsee a need to carry thousands of pounds of stuff in the bed.

You'll get the towing capacity of the various builds (engine, rear end, bed size, cab type, (tow package and which)4wd etc.) in the tow guide.

But that is just where you start. Those are all for XLs only. Every trim level up from there and every option, adds weight, subtracting from payload.

Ford defines payload, as GVWR-Curb weight.

The more stuff in or on the truck, factory ordered or not, adds to curb weight and subtracts from payload.

You need enough payload to carry the tongue weight of the trailer(10-15% of trailer weight), WDH (since you'll be over 5Klbs.) you, passengers, gear, mods etc. That is where most people bump their heads, not towing capacity, from the tow guide. 2 different but related things.

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