Just recently got a new 2011 5.0. Got a great deal on the truck but the only problem is that it has no towing package. From what I understand, the towing package comes with the wiring hookup, class IV hitch, tranny cooler and upgraded radiator. I tow a 5000K boat and a small camper 6-8 times a year. Since it has no wiring for a trailer or anything, how expensive is it going to be to get this done? I can live without the upgraded radiator but does anyone know how much it would be to get a factory wiring harness installed and a factory equivalent hitch? Thanks a lot.

 

Read this first:

http://www.etrailer.com/question-33650.html

The universal wiring kit is $65. If you find the wires the adapters mentioned are cheaper.

A bolt-on hitch is about $150 and a good brake controller is about the same.

This assumes you are capable of doing the work yourself. If you take it in to Ford or a RV shop, it's gonna be a lot more expensive, maybe even approaching $1000.

 

Thanks a lot! Does anyone know if the gear ratio is different with a truck that has no towing package from the factory? Obviously I would want 3.73's but i am not sure whats on there

 

Odds are you have 3.55 gears. Ford upcharges for 3.73's and seeing how your truck does not have the towing package, it probably doesn't have the upgraded gear ratio either. It most likely has the standard issue gears on a 4x4 which is 3.55

To find out for sure what gears you have, look on the door sticker and get the code for the gears, then google that code for 2011 f150's.

 

ok thanks a lot. Is there any chance that it is even higher than that? Maybe 5.31's or something similar? If it is, it may be time to put it back up for sale! lol

 

Oh wow. Its been a long day i apologize lol. I meant 3.31's, not 5.31's. Sorry!

 

Ford usually puts 3.31's on 2wd trucks. 4x4's get 3.55, 3.73, or 4.10

I can guarantee you don't have 4.10's, you can't get them behind a 5.0 coyote engine.

 

Do you have the E-locker? If so, they're 3.55s.

 

Not entirely true, all newer FX4's come with an e-locker and you can get 3.55, 3.73, or 4.10

 

I don't believe I do. I'm going to assume I have the standard 3.55. As long as I don't have the 3.31 I can live with it.

 

Just open the driverside door and check the label where it says "axle" and tell us the code. That way you will know for sure.

 

I actually just went and looked at the sticker on the rear axle. It says 3.55. Problem solved. Also, I found that someone had actually bent the mounting bracket for the trailer light hookup back underneath the truck. So turns out, I do have the wiring harness from the factory, I just couldn't see it. Now I just need to get an aftermarket hitch. I was told that a factory hitch off of a 2011 f150 WITH a towing package will NOT hookup to one without the factory towing package. For some reason the chassis is different and it will not bolt right up. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

 

I'd order a bolt-on hitch from ETrailer.

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2011_Ford_F-150.htm

That Class 4 Curt on top looks like a winner.

The wiring you found - is it for a 4 pin, 7 pin, or both? What do you plan on doing for a brake controller? The neatest installation would be an OEM Ford controller, but you will have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed. Otherwise, the Tekonsha Prodigys are generally regarded as being the best aftermarket units.

http://www.etrailer.com/bc-2011_Ford_F-150.htm

 

if you tow 6-8 times a year (how far?) then I would definitely get the built in controller. It might be a few more bucks, but it regulates the trailer brakes according to the vehicle brakes. This makes towing much more enjoyable and safer too in my opinion.