What "else" does the Max Tow Axle get you?

[Rabbit Hash]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum - hello! I have also posted this on another site, but am looking for as much info as possible before I order an expensive truck! So please forgive my ask on both sites. I am looking forward to ordering and being a F1150 owner soon!!

I will be placing an order for a 2025 F150 XLT 4x4 Super Crew 5.5 bed with the 5.0/3.73/tow package before the employee pricing ends. YES, I have read and read threads and searches, and I can not find "definitive information" on "what else" the "Max Tow Axle XL7" gets you. I realize its a the bigger 9.75 axle, better bumper, better hitch, breaks, stiffer springs. And that's all great!

BUT - is there ANYTHING ELSE? I'm more interested in if there is differenced in frame, oil capacity, radiator size, external tranny cooler, fuel tank size, etc. If the "ONLY" differences in the entire Max Tow is the axle, bumper, hitch, and springs, then that's fine with me, but I really would kick myself if I passed on this option and found out later there were drivetrain upgrades on the engine/tranny fluid capacities, cooling, external coolers, larger oil pan, larger radiator etc.

Maybe I'm still a bit scared of the XL7 issues. I plan on towing a 5000lb fiberglass fifth wheel (escape trailer 5.0), and possibly running across the country to snag an old 60's muscle car on a car trailer once in a while. So definitely a considerable amount of towing, not just a grocery getter with a utility trailer for mulch.

Thank you SO much!

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[v8440]

Does it still get you the self deleting axle bolts?

 

[Mosey]

When I researched before buying my 21 I read that the frame has the thickest walls. From my recollection there are three frame types, the standard, a beefier one for the Powerboost and trucks with the upgraded towing package, and the beefiest for max tow. I could be full os &$@; but that is what I remember.

 

[mkinttrim]

I have a 21 with no axle bolt problems

 

[Buyer2021]

I plan on towing a 5000lb fiberglass fifth wheel (escape trailer 5.0)

Congrats, It's a great trailer behind an F150! ( see my signature block)

Just curious .... ordering the Escape 5.0 new or buying used?

BTW, I've not suffered a bolt-break yet on my 2022 3.5EB with Max Tow. ?

 

[Rabbit Hash]

That's where I'm at - ha! I like to overkill things, especially with tow capacity, etc. So Im wrestling if I order this package assuming the self-deleting bolts are a thing of the past, or do I go without the XL7 axle but also lose the other goodies that come along with it. I have seen the spreadsheet stating that it seems April of 22 was the last of the self deleting bolts. As I would be ordering in May 25 - I would sure hope its a thing of the past, and its worth the $400 for the other goodies.

 

[Rabbit Hash]

Congrats, It's a great trailer behind an F150! ( see my signature block)

Just curious .... ordering the Escape 5.0 new or buying used?

BTW, I've not suffered a bolt-break yet on my 2022 3.5EB with Max Tow. ?

Hi Buyer 2021 - YES!! That's the exact RV we will be purchasing as soon as we get our truck and then get a (I think) turnover ball and an Anderson Ultimate hitch in it!! I'm 6'6" tall so I don't fit in many fiberglass rv's. We currently have an "EggCamper brand, and LOVE it. But being one year from retirement, we need more room in our camper setup for longer trips. The EggCamper is good for about two weeks.

As for buying the Escape 5.0 new or used. We are open to either, as long as a few of the options are as we like (manual awning, 2-way water heater, 12v compressor fridge, NON-U shaped dinette, etc). But gently used would be OK with us as we are aware Escape has been having quality issues since being bought out by the big guys, unfortunately. We also looked at the '23 but again, being 6'6 my head barely can touch the headliner, and with the A/C sticking down, I'm ducking under it. So the ONLY FGRV's for us are the EggCamper or the Escape 5.0.!! We love em!

I hope you are enjoying yours - it looks like a beautiful rig in your signature!! I see you went with the Supercab 6.5 bed vs a SuperCrew 5.5. Very nice!! We considered that same truck due to the 5er, but have been assured it will turn 90 degrees with a 5.5 bed. I sure hope so!!!

 

[Buyer2021]

Hi Buyer 2021 - YES!! That's the exact RV we will be purchasing as soon as we get our truck and then get a (I think) turnover ball and an Anderson Ultimate hitch in it!

I'm very satisfied with the B&W Turnoverball / Andersen Ultimate hitch combination. Many 5.0 owners happily use that setup in 5.5ft bed F150s.

We currently have an "EggCamper brand, and LOVE it.

I, too, am a huge fan of molded fiberglass trailers - I bought my Escape after 20 happy years with a 17ft Casita, would never consider any other RV construction.

Escape has been having quality issues since being bought out by the big guys, unfortunately.

My Escape was ordered after Reace and Tammy sold the company back in 2018. IMO Escape, like most RV manufacturers, has suffered some "quality issues" both before and after the transition, but in Escape's case those are infrequent and usually addressed under warranty or easy to DIY remedy. Personally, I think any year Escape 5.0 offers overall great quality; I'd shop based on features / options / price rather than corporate ownership.

You do follow / participate on the Escape Forum, correct? I'm "Centex" there.

As to the F150, even though the 5.0 pin-weight is relatively modest I still recommend you be attentive to the truck's payload rating. I'm happy to have a generous 1848# payload sticker rating but if not careful with trim / option choices it's easy to find oneself with a very much lower payload rating.

As to Max Tow, I ordered mine before the issue was well known. I honestly don't think it's necessary for comfortably towing the 5.0. I've not suffered a bolt-break, and though it's still pending I'm reasonably confident Ford will eventually deliver a final remedy. I have no regrets whatsoever, I love my can't-be-built-today Lariat SuperCab which, like my trailer, was built to my spec.

I won't speculate about what, if anything, changed after 2023 in regard to the Max Tow axle and associated component differences it includes because Ford has not been forthcoming about that and they're demonstrably capable of changing anything / everything along such lines in these days of penny-pinching.

Good Luck, Happy Shopping!

 

[Powerboost_Law]

I personally like the Powerboost for an RV, I ordered the 7.2 KW pro power onboard, my RV has full 220 service, ac works and all. The truck only turns on for 2 minutes every 15 minutes or so to keep everything in check.

 

[crazywayne311]

doesnt max tow get you the bigger gas tank standard?
Also i thought it came with a transmission cooler (or better one)

I'd have to look it up again

 

[Samson16]

I personally like the Powerboost for an RV, I ordered the 7.2 KW pro power onboard, my RV has full 220 service, ac works and all. The truck only turns on for 2 minutes every 15 minutes or so to keep everything in check.

Pin weight would be the only reason not to get a PB! Looks like 900lbs loaded is possible? I would still have 724lbs for us and our stuff, so quite the boondocking combo.

 

[crazywayne311]

i know you said 2025 but found this regarding 2021's and up


Requires:
• 3.5L EcoBoost® Engine
• 5.0L V8 Engine
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 Engine
• 3.0 L Diesel Engine
• Heavy-Duty Payload Package on XL

Includes:
• 3.55 Electronic-locking Rear-Axle (If ordered with 3.0L Diesel Engine, 3.5L EcoBoost Engine without Heavy-Duty Payload Package, 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 Engine with 4x2)
• 3.73 Electronic-locking Rear-Axle (If ordered with 5.0L V8 Engine 3.5L EcoBoost Engine with Heavy-Duty Payload Package, 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 Engine with 4x4)
• 7-pin Wiring Harness; Includes 7-Pin-to-4-Pin Adapter
• 36 Gallon Fuel tank (NA with 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 or 3.0L Diesel Engine
• Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist (Not included on XL)
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist – NA on XL Standard; Requires Tow Technology on XL High
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (Includes BLIS® with Trailer Tow Coverage Where BLIS® is Available)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded Rear Bumper

Optional Equipment
• Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0 on XL High
• Tow Technology Package High

Not available with:
• 17" Silver Steel
• 17" Silver Painted Aluminum Wheels
• 18" Chrome-like PVD Wheels
• 2.7L GTDI Engine
• 3.3L V6 Engine

NOTE: Ordering the Max Trailer Tow Package does not include Trailer Tow Mirrors. Trailer Tow Mirrors are a stand alone option and must be ordered separately.

 

[GreyBeard]

I had the Axle bolt problem on my 23 but was easily fixed only on one side so far

 

[Buyer2021]

i know you said 2025 but found this regarding 2021's and up

Actually, to say "2021's and up" is a bit misleading ....

All of the text you posted is found in the Order Guides for each model year and has changed / evolved over the years, particularly beginning MY 2024.

Up through MY 2023 the "Max Tow Package (53C) was fairly consistently described and available as you post above.

Beginning in MY 2024 Package 53C was eliminated and the 'new' ordering system of "Tow/Haul Package (53T)" came into being with the optional "Max Tow Axle (XL5 / XL7)" on top of that (along with different trim availability conditions / requirements).

Just FYI the pertinent pages from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Order Guides are attached.

doesnt max tow get you the bigger gas tank standard?

Just FYI for 2024-2025 the 36 gallon tank is standard on all SuperCab / SuperCrew excluding the PB.

 

[Xman]

I ordered my 2024 Lariat PB without the max tow axle. The max tow axle still has the open recall for bolt breakage. A buddy has a 2023 Lariat PB with max tow and a noticeably stiffer ride than my new F150. I'll be under his truck this weekend taking pictures to document part number differences in shocks and springs to understand what makes the ride quality so different.

I'm also helping a friend order a 2025 F150 that he plans on towing his antique car in an enclosed trailer. In researching what I can on-line, I have not found any added features that come with the optional max tow axle over just ordering the tow/haul package with the appropriate locking rear axle (I expect it does at least come with the heavier/heaviest leaf-springs).

I did find another reason beside ride quality and open recall to not get the max tow axle that gets you up to around 13,000 pounds gross trailer weight. Towing more than a 10,000 pound trailer requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) which I do not have nor plan to have.

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