Does anyone have any information about the new MaxTrailer Tow package that will be offered for 2009? It appears to be separate from the regular tow package. The Ford website says it will include a class 4 hitch and 7 other items? I wonder if this option will only be available on XLT and lower series such as the current 8200 gvrw package is today?
I would like to see some improvements for those of us who tow on a daily basis.
I don't think thats it. I would think that the trailer brake controller will be available for any tow package just as it is a stand alone option on the superduty.
I was thinking (or hoping) it might involve bigger capacity wheels, axles, larger (heavy duty) rear end, extra cooling systems, transmission enhancements, etc. The website mentioned these would be heavy duty enhancements, so I don't think that better mirrors and a trailer brake controller constitute heavy duty. I also remember that these were some of the enhancements on the f250 light duty that I had in 98.
I tow a 4000lb trailer daily, on road, off road, and on very rough roads. Although my 2005 F150 pulls the trailer adequately, over the long run I have had trouble with my rear end, rear wheels and tires, brakes, and have to carefully watch to keep my radiator clear of fine dust accumulation to avoid overheating while pulling.
I realize that a F250 Superduty would not suffer these problems, but the gas mileage differences between the two trucks in real world usage is about 20-30%. I get paid by the km, and fuel costs are my main input cost.
I was thinking (or hoping) it might involve bigger capacity wheels, axles, larger (heavy duty) rear end, extra cooling systems, transmission enhancements, etc. The website mentioned these would be heavy duty enhancements, so I don't think that better mirrors and a trailer brake controller constitute heavy duty. I also remember that these were some of the enhancements on the f250 light duty that I had in 98.
Add those features to an f150 and you get an a 250. I'm surprised you are having so many problems with your current truck. I know of a few that are used like that and haven't encountered those problems. Do you have the tow package?
Going from the f250 to f150 is a little more than those features. There is a completely different frame, heavier driveline, and much heavier front and rear end setups, a probably more that I don't realize.
I was thinking that if they were to add some of the features available in the current 8200 package (used to be the 7700 package, and f250 LD before that), that this would address some of the longevity problems.
I have used a 98 f250LD and a 01 Chevy 2500 (8600 gvrw) prior to this truck. I would say that the 05 f150 pulls better than the 6.0l chevy (and is much more reliable in general), and the truck itself felt more confident towing. I could write a lengthy article on the problems I have had with the Chevy's in general (my wife has a 2004 suburban and had a 2000 reg cab 5.3 as well), but that is why I have gone with the ford again. I will say that for all its problems the chevy gave me less trouble with its rear end and wheels though. But that is because they are heavier than the 7200 gvw f150.
I do have the 7200 gvw trailer tow package on my truck. As fo longevity I have had those problems over about 140000 km. I didn't have these issues with the last two work truck even when selling them off at 270000 km.
To answer your question. Yes I do have the tow package (not the tow and go).
You caught me in a bit of an exaggeration there. But upgrade the cooling sys, trans, driveline and brakes in the truck like you were asking in the first post and you ESSENTIALLY have gone from a 1/2 ton truck to a 3/4 ton.
I know exactly what you mean with the chevy's. We had one that was used in a way you mentioned that was full of problems. Serious problems actually.
What kind of problem are you having with the wheels? You are the first person I've heard having a problem there. I'm curious. I am guessing you have the 4.6, so you would have the smaller rear axle. So I can understand that.
From what I am hearing the F250's aren't getting much different MPG than the 150's. You may want to consider them.
No I have 5.4 3.73 LS (4r75 trans) on the 7200 gvrw as opposed to 6800 gvrw. No problems with the engine, although a better transmission and more torque (2009) certainly will help. I have cracked 2 rims, and had to switch to 10 ply tires as the 6 ply tires kept going flat under load. I have had to redo the clutch plates portion of the rear end twice, and the entire rear end once. With brakes I have had more usual problems of worn pads, missing brake clips etc.
Mileage differences depend on how you use the truck, on the highway, not much difference, but in the low speed towing, and driving, (through fields, access roads, logging roads) is where the superduty loses ground. This is likely due to the 600-700lbs weight difference between the trucks. I do about 40% of my daily driving in this way.
If ford has made changes to the durability of these parts for 2009 I would likely go with another half ton, but if not I would likely switch to a superduty.
Thats interesting to know. And all this is happening while towing a 4000lb trailer? Is the bed loaded?
I am not doubting you, I just am really shocked that you've cracked rims. It's something I've really never thought about. Your problems are different that what someone normally sees when a truck is overworked. Usually transmission problems are the big ones.
I never saw the f150's mileage compared to the super duties in the conditions you drive it, but it makes sense.
yes the bed is loaded, but usually only 500-700lbs, so even with my 250lb hitch weight (a well distributed double axle trailer), this I would be below the 1500lb rating on my supercab. Additionally I have added 2 leafs per side to ensure the leaf springs are not overloaded.
Now it is possible that some of those rim problems were from very rough roads, but this is common where I work, and it would be nice to have an option for the 7 or 8 lug heavier rims on the f150 and not have to buy a longbed truck (8200 lb gvw)
I would imagine steel wheels would help you. Either way, I doubt ford (or anyone) will make a 1/2 ton truck suited to your abuse. I wonder if you are carrying more weight than you think. Seems strange that 6 ply tires would go flat under the load. You seem to be within factory haul spec for your truck. I find this all quite interesting...
Sorry Dascro, I should have elaborated, the tires don't just go flat under load, but when loaded and used on rough roads I have found that I tended to have many more flats than normal.
My intent of the thread to see if anyone has info on the MaxTrailer tow package is because I think that those were some improvements that would help those of us who do need just a bit more toughness in our F150. Some of Fords marketing towards the new truck seems to indicate that they have beefed up certain parts of the truck, but doesn't exactly elaborate on what they have beefed up yet.
I am pretty sure that most of those enhancements are available on the 8200 gvrw model, (while not as rugged as the 9200 gvrw superduty), it is probably rugged enough to suit my needs, yet still comes in a lighter and more fuel efficient truck. If the 8200 gvrw package were offered on different truck configurations and models than it currently is (like the old 7700lb GVRW package was), I think that would sufficiently beef up the trucks.
No. My cracked rims have happened long after I switched to 10 ply tires. I only ran about 55000 km on the 6 ply tires because I had too many flats. What has happened to me with the rims, is that the rims have cracked (how? I do not know) causing the tires to lose air and go flat, When we examined the tire(s) at the repair shop, and we noticed the rims were cracked, in both (separate) cases the tire itself has been fine.
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