I hope this is in the right section! I am currently looking at 2011 f150 crew cab 4X4 with the 5.0 and it has the factory trailer brake controller installed and the manual gear selector. My questions is what the difference between is between the max tow package and just the tow package? I was looking around and doing some reading and one place stated that if it has the brake controller it has the max tow package. Any help would be welcome, thanks!

 

Yup....you're in the right place. You might also post this in the 2009+ F-150 forum when you get a chance.

On to your question......

There are a few differences between the Tow Package and the Max Tow Package. Here are the contents of each according to the 2011 F-150 Order Guide:

TRAILER TOW PACKAGE (535)
Usage: Required for towing over 5,000 lbs.
Availability:
• Standard on FX2/FX4 and Lariat
• Optional on XL, STX and XLT
Includes:
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• SelectShift Transmission

MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE – MANUAL MIRROR (60M)
Availability:
• Optional on XL Regular and SuperCab
Not Available with:
• 126" wheelbase
• Power Equipment Group (85A)
• Max Trailer Tow Package (60P)
Requires:
• 3.5L EcoBoost™ Engine (99T)
• 3.73 LS rear-axle ratio
• Heavy-Duty Payload Pkg. (627)
• XL requires Fog Lamps (595) with XL Décor Group (86D)
Includes:
• Upgraded rear bumper
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Trailer Brake Control
• SelectShift Transmission
• Side mirrors, black manual telescoping trailer tow w/manual glass

MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE – POWER MIRROR (60P)
Availability:
• Optional on XL Regular and SuperCab, XLT and FX2/FX4
Not Available with:
• 126" wheelbase
• Max Trailer Tow Package (60M)
• XLT SuperCab 145" wheelbase with P235/75R17 BSW A/T (T7B),
L245/75R17E BSW A/T (T7E) or P255/65R17 OWL A/S (T73)
• XLT SuperCrew with P255/65R17 OWL A/S (T73) or L245/75R17E
BSW A/T (T7E)
Requires:
• 3.5L EcoBoost™ Engine (99T)
• 3.73 LS rear-axle ratio (XL, XLT and FX2)
• 3.73 electronic-locking differential axle (XLT w/Off-Road Pkg. – 55A and
FX4)
• XL requires Fog Lamps (595), XL Décor Group (86D) and Power
Equipment Group (85A)
• XL and XLT Regular Cab requires Heavy-Duty Payload Pkg. (627)
Includes:
• Upgraded rear bumper
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Trailer Brake Control
• SelectShift Transmission
• Side Mirrors, black manual telescoping trailer tow w/power glass
(includes heat, turn signal & puddle lamps)
• Memory feature included on side mirrors when order with FX Luxury
Package (55F)

MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE – POWER, CHROME
MIRROR (60C)
Availability:
• Optional on Lariat, King Ranch® and Platinum
Requires:
• 3.5L EcoBoost™ Engine (99T) or 6.2L V8 (996)
• 6.2L V8 on Lariat and Platinum also requires SuperCrew 145" WB
• 3.73 LS rear-axle ratio
• 3.73 electronic-locking differential axle (Lariat or King Ranch® w/Off-
Road Pkg. – 55A)
Includes:
• Upgraded rear bumper
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Trailer Brake Control
• Side Mirrors, Manual Telescoping Trailer Tow w/Power Glass (includes
heat, memory, turn signal & puddle lamps & Chrome Skull Caps)

According to the order guide, there are three versions of the Max Trailer Tow Package which are differentiated by minimal content changes and the models upon which each is available.

The presence of the OEM Trailer Brake Controller on its own doesn't mean it definitely has the Max Trailer Tow Package. The controller is a stand alone option and is available with the Towing Package as well.

That said, one way to tell quickly is that the trucks with the Max Trailer Tow Package will all have the towing mirrors like these:



If the truck has the standard mirrors, it doesn't have the Max Tow Package. (Unless someone changed them out after they bought it)

Hope this helps.

 

You cannot get any 5.0 with the max tow package, only ecoboost and 6.2. With that said, the only real differance if you have a truck with the trailer brake controller is the springs in the rear, and obviously the mirrors and engine. The rearend, trans, radiator and coolers, brakes etc are all the same.

 

Ok makes a lot more sense now, thanks to all who answered! One other question I have is I am looking at 2 trucks one with 5.0 and the other with the Ecoboost.. Neither of them have to tow pkg but I plan on adding the hitch and brake controller myself at a later time. Am I limited in any way to my tow limit? I read somewhere online that without the tow pkg you are limited to 5k lbs?

 

You are limited to weight being towed without the Tow Package. The most important items missing from a truck without the Tow Package are the HD radiator and auxilary transmission cooler. That doesn't even consider the wiring harness and 7-pin/4-pin plugs. And the way that these trucks are built nowadays, the receiver is bolted to the frame and step bumper. If you look under the rear of the 04 and newer F150's, notice that the frame rails aren't very tall at the rear of the truck. So to compensate Ford uses the rear step bumper in addition to the frame to secure the receiver to the truck. My advice would be to keep looking until you find a good truck with the Trailer Tow Package. It won't cost any more $ or little more $ and you'll be much happier in the end.

 

If I buy a F150 that has the Trailer Tow Pkg, but not the Factory Trailer Brake Controller, can that be added?

I understand there are after market controllers avail. But can Ford garage or I install the factory unit? Is wiring needed behind the dash?

Thanks!

 

The wiring harness will all be there to plug in.

You may need ford to program it though.