Hey All,

Looking for some advice. I'm in the market for an F150. I see what the max trailer tow package has, compared to the regular tow package (upgraded rear bumper, upgraded rear springs, heavy duty front eye bushing), but my question is - if I can't find what I want with max tow - can I add some of this stuff separately later?

I would think adding springs wouldn't be too difficult. I'm not sure what the bumper and eye bushing entail, but could I get away with adding that stuff after the fact?

For reference, I'm towing a dual-axle trailer that weighs 5700 pounds fully loaded.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I am pulling a 29 foot trailer that weighs 5400 empty 7500 gvw and I dont have max tow package and I have 3:31 gears and it pulls it no problem I just went from Ma to Hershey PA last weekend

 

I would mind adding those upgrades if possible tho

 

Any issue with the truck sagging under that much weight?

 

You could add everything after you buy a truck without it....


but the cost of each individual peice would be way more expensive on the bottom line than getting a truck that already has it. It's only a $1000 option on a new truck (dealer will get it for cheaper, mine was 880). My advice is either hold out until you find one with it.... or factory order if you can wait 2 months.

 

You don't need the max tow package for a 5700# trailer. The standard tow package with a brake controller and weight distribution bars for the hitch is plenty. With the WD it shouldn't sag, but if it does you can get air bags.

 

The biggest feature you will notice is the big ear mirrors which you can purchase and plug in easily. If you get a truck with 20" wheels it will have the heavy springs on it. If you get a FX4 it will have 3.73 gears otherwise most have 3.55's. The bushing, steering gearbox and bumper are minimal towing performance enhancers. Depending on wind profile that is a lot of trailer if it is a bog box type. My rv is a new ultra light with aero design. I would not want to pull any more than it is. 24ft and 5k loaded. The tongue weight is no problem it is the drag and side profile in the wind. The Max tow trucks are rare compared to the standard trucks. So I ended up with a regular fx4 screw.

 

I have a 2010 FX4 SCREW long-bed with the max tow package and a payload capacity of 1656 lbs. I have a topper that weighs about 220 lbs. The trailer I tow is a 14 foot cargo trailer with a typical weights of 7000 lbs for the trailer and cargo, and 700 to 800 lbs for the tongue. Together the topper and tongue weights combine for about 1000 lbs of payload. With a WD hitch, it brings my front down about an eighth of an inch and the rear about an inch. See http://tinyurl.com/293rzqt.

 

One thing I've found with the big ear mirros is that people park a little farther from the truck in the lot. I guess they don't want to have to crawl under.

 

Here's a picture... more in my public profile.

 

with the w/d hitch setup my rear fender height was 37 1/2 inches
unloaded its 39 1/4 inhes

so less than 2 inches of sag

 

The problem without the max tow package is the payload on the Supercrew, especially the 6.5' bed. You get at least 400 pounds more payload with it, which is the limiting towing factor for almost all trucks. Take a 7000 pound trailer (loaded, which is closer to 5500 pounds dry) with 15% tongue weight and a 200 pound driver and you can be over the payload/GVWR of the truck, even if tow rating is 9500 pounds. Oh, and then there is the wife, kids, firewood, bed cover, tools, etc that goes in the truck.

 

Good to know that 20" wheels have the heavier springs by default. What's the difference with the bumper - any idea?

 

Thanks guys. I like the idea of getting the the bigger mirrors either way.

I'll look for the max tow package and see what I can find. My main concern is finding what I want now that they're starting to get rid of the 2010's.

 

The bummer with the 20" wheels is the GVWR sticker is still lower without the Max tow package and I'm not sure you want to tow 5k+ pounds with the p-rated tires they come with.