both include the electronic locking rear differential. Yet on the sticker of the 2017 I'm looking at that has both of these packages, there is no discount shown for this duplicated item in both packages. Unless the MSRP is reduced for one of them, I would be paying twice for an item I'm only getting one of - unless they throw a spare in the bed.

The MSRP for the max towing is $1295 and the FX4 is $770 on the sticker. That is also the price shown on the Build & Price section on the Ford website.

Seems odd that they wouldn't either reduce the MSRP for one of the packages or have a discount listed when there is a duplicate item within two packages. I've seen that on stickers on previous Fords.

 

No idea on the new rigs.. But, my 13 F150 with Max Tow, I paid extra for the electronic locking diff... As far as I know, the FX4 package is just a trim package... But, I didn't want that package, so I didn't look at them when I bought my truck..



Dunno... Things change from year to year, so my deal might be totally different... You get the deal you get and that's you get... Take it or leave it.. ha, ha..

Good luck!

Mitch

 

FX4 used to be a trim pkg. Now it's an options pkg that you can add to any trim.

Bottom line is they're already discounting and FX4 and Max Tow includes different lockers. FX4 w/o Max Tow is a 3.31 locker and Max Tow is a 3.55 locker.

Depends on the pkg, but on XLT, when you add Max Tow, you are getting a $345 discount over the tow pkg + locker + brake controller, and you are getting the upgraded bumper plus other things.

When you add FX4, it jumps to a 301A pkg for $1600 more, but also gives you a $1000 301A discount.

 

This is probably irrelevant but in the 2002 model, the FX4 package included skid plates, stiffer springs, and Rancho shocks.

 

This is from the 2017 order guide. The FX4 by itself includes 3.31 differentials with the 3.5 EB. The max tow package changes that to 3.55.


FX4 OFF-ROAD PACKAGE (55A) Availability:
● Opt. on XL Mid, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch® and Platinum (4x4 only) Not available with:
● 3.5L Ti-VCT engine (998)
Requires:
● 4x4
Includes:
● 3.31 Electronic-locking rear-axle with or 5.0L V8 engine (99F) or 3.5L V6 EcoBoost® engine (99G) (axle is changed to 3.73 Electronic-locking differential if ordered with Heavy- Duty Payload Pkg. (627))
● 3.55 Electronic-locking rear-axle with 2.7L V6 EcoBoost® (99P) (axle is changed to 3.73 Electronic-locking differential if ordered with 2.7L V6 EcoBoost® Payload Pkg. (622))
● 4x4 "FX4 Off-Road" bodyside decal
● Hill Descent Control™
● Off-Road tuned shock absorbers (front and rear)
● Skid plates: fuel tank, transfer case and front differential

 

I just ordered a 2018 and found the same thing. Since I plan to replace the shocks with 5100's and the max tow comes with e-locker I decided to skip the FX4 package. Did not see the value in paying $1295 for skid plates and the hill decent control.

I'll probably add an engine skid plate from RCI and call it good.

 

I'm surprised they even allow the max tow with anything but a 3.73... seems counterproductive

 

my 2015 has the FX4 *and* towing package *and* a separate 3.55 locking rear option.

 

btt

 

Some more oddness. My truck has the standard towing package BUT the 3.55 locking and the trailer brake as stand alone options automatically converting it to the max tow package without purchasing the max tow package

 

You sure about that? There's more than that to the max tow package. You need to check your payload, GVWR, and GAWR ratings, those are on the door jamb sticker.

 

according to the 2015 brochure, that is what consists of the two tow package differences. Tow pkg and max tow only differences are (on the 5.0) 3.55 locker and trailer brake and different rear bumper. Thats it, everything else is the same

 

MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE (53C)
Requires: ● 3.5L EcoBoost® Engine (99G)

 

My mistake, missed that.. Well I am almost there then lol. Thanks

 

On a 2015, your tow rating is 9100# with a 3.55 axle and a 5.0. To go over 10000# you need a 3.73 axle from the factory, or a 3.5 Ecoboost with 3.31 or 3.55. There is no way to increase your ratings after the fact.

http://webcontent.goodsam.com/traile...wGuide2015.pdf

Note that you will exceed your payload rating/GVWR before you exceed your tow rating.

It's always been my opinion, and I still stand by it, that if you really want to tow that heavy, a 1/2 ton truck is not a suitable platform. That's what a Super Duty is for.