Notices
2009 - 2014 F150 Discuss the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Ford F150
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Max tow package vs regular tow package??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 17, 2011 | 10:24 PM
  #16  
blueovelboy's Avatar
blueovelboy
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 804
Likes: 1
From: sunnyvale
i see this has made the rounds and is posted in all the truck forums?
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2013 | 05:35 AM
  #17  
slwry66's Avatar
slwry66
New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I have a 2011 5 liter regular cab long bed with 3.31 gears that will be replaced with 3.73. I want to start a 28 ft. trailer . I picked up the tranny cooler, t.b.c. and the correct 7 plug trailer harness and fuses. My question is will my radiator be ok or do I need a bigger one? I've read in different articles that ford didn't really make different towing radiators. Is this true? I noticed in the post from N578MD that the 5 liter was not listed.
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2013 | 06:57 AM
  #18  
meborder's Avatar
meborder
Moderator
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,509
Likes: 662
From: Sioux Falls Area
Club FTE Gold Member
welcome to the forum! Glad to see the search function turned up a thread you found useful.

As listed earlier in this thread, the ONLY upgraded radiator comes the MAX tow package and i don't think the MAX tow option was ever available with the 5.0L engine.

For what you are pulling, i doubt very much that you would need an upgrade. Cooling doesn't appear to become a problem until you start towing over 9k lbs or so, at least from what i've seen on this forum.

Just for the sake of asking, why the gearing change?
are you towing more than 8,000 lbs?
did you find the 3.31's inadequate?

just curious, as there are a ton of threads on here about gearing.

welcome to the forum!
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2013 | 04:48 PM
  #19  
slwry66's Avatar
slwry66
New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
everyone tells me that the 3.31 is not the best for towing. With the trailer loaded its close to 8000#
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2013 | 06:33 PM
  #20  
Tom's Avatar
Tom
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by slwry66
everyone tells me that the 3.31 is not the best for towing. With the trailer loaded its close to 8000#
Everyone who's telling you that hasn't driven a truck with the 6R80 transmission. Going from 3.31 to 3.73 will only gain ~12% more torque in any given gear. Do you really think 12% is worth the expense? I sure wouldn't.

If your engine gets too hot your truck will reduce power; if this happens frequently while towing then I would recommend getting the upgraded radiator. If not I wouldn't bother.
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2013 | 06:42 PM
  #21  
D8chumley's Avatar
D8chumley
Resident smarta$$
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 9
From: Oaks,PA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by n578md
TRAILER TOW PACKAGE (535)
• Side Mirrors, Manual Telescoping Trailer Tow w/Power Glass (includes
heat, memory, turn signal & puddle lamps & Chrome Skull Caps)[/COLOR][/SIZE]
Nobody else caught this?
 
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2013 | 08:57 PM
  #22  
meborder's Avatar
meborder
Moderator
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,509
Likes: 662
From: Sioux Falls Area
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by slwry66
everyone tells me that the 3.31 is not the best for towing. With the trailer loaded its close to 8000#
if you haven't already made the change, i would at least try it and see how you feel about it.

According to Ford, your maximum towing is around 8000 lbs, depending on cab configuration.
http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...ng%20Guide.pdf

You will be close to the max recommended for your gearing, but changing to 3.73's only gets you another 1400 lbs or so ... as Tom said above, there's not a lot of gain from going from one gear set to the other.

i'd give it a try before you dump a grand into a gear change, you may not feel the need.

Just be realistic.... it is going to shift, and it is going to "feel" heavy. but let the trans do it's thing and use the skinny pedal to decide how fast you want to go, and how quickly you want to get up to speed. Changing to 3.73's isn't likely going to make it shift a whole lot less, to be honest.
 
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2013 | 04:20 PM
  #23  
slwry66's Avatar
slwry66
New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
thanks for all the info guys. I'll try it like it is and then decide if I need a change.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old Oct 15, 2013 | 06:46 PM
  #24  
seuadr's Avatar
seuadr
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Eaton Rapids MI
Originally Posted by meborder
i don't think the MAX tow option was ever available with the 5.0L engine.
if you are talking about the current coyote 5.0L you can get the max tow with the 8 foot bed or if you get the heavy duty payload package you automatically get the max tow package.

At least that is how it has been on the build and price tool and as listed in the order guide.
 
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2013 | 07:49 PM
  #25  
meborder's Avatar
meborder
Moderator
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,509
Likes: 662
From: Sioux Falls Area
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by seuadr
if you are talking about the current coyote 5.0L you can get the max tow with the 8 foot bed or if you get the heavy duty payload package you automatically get the max tow package.

At least that is how it has been on the build and price tool and as listed in the order guide.
incorrect.

5.0 v8 and 8' box with 3.73's gets you either 3.7L v6 or 4x4 with e-locker

or

5.0 v8 and 8' box with 3.73 LS gets you Max Payload, but no Max tow. (but 10,000 lbs towing with the regular towing package)

under no configuration can Max tow be had with the 5.0 v8. Max tow is reserved exclusively for 6.2 v8 or ecoboost.

i don't have the order guide at my disposal, but on their towing capacities page:
2013 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | Ford.com

you will not see the "*" indicating Max tow on any configuration available with the 5.0 v8.....
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2013 | 11:46 AM
  #26  
seuadr's Avatar
seuadr
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Eaton Rapids MI
Originally Posted by meborder
incorrect.

5.0 v8 and 8' box with 3.73's gets you either 3.7L v6 or 4x4 with e-locker

or

5.0 v8 and 8' box with 3.73 LS gets you Max Payload, but no Max tow. (but 10,000 lbs towing with the regular towing package)
i stand corrected - for some reason i was thinking that the max payload package automatically included the max tow package.
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2013 | 04:42 PM
  #27  
meborder's Avatar
meborder
Moderator
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,509
Likes: 662
From: Sioux Falls Area
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by seuadr
i stand corrected - for some reason i was thinking that the max payload package automatically included the max tow package.
With the Ecoboost, it does.

oddly enough, though, Max Payload is not available with the 6.2 v8.

if one opts for the 3.73LS gears, you get:
max payload with 5.0 v8
max tow with 6.2 v8
max tow and max payload with ecoboost.

or, 3.7L v6 (for regular cab and extended cab short box, and crew cab 4x2)
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2013 | 05:24 PM
  #28  
seuadr's Avatar
seuadr
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Eaton Rapids MI
Originally Posted by meborder

or, 3.7L v6 (for regular cab and extended cab short box, and crew cab 4x2)
would be interesting to see a super cab long box max payload 3.7L

it is pretty much what i want, since i want the payload to haul a camper once in a while but 90% of the time will be hauling with little to nothing in the back.
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2018 | 09:14 AM
  #29  
rezco's Avatar
rezco
Trailering
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by n578md
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)
Now this was some good stuff on Towing I found, at least for my truck!
 
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2018 | 07:49 PM
  #30  
WXboy's Avatar
WXboy
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
It appears that mechanically, there is zero difference between Trailer Tow and Max Trailer Tow. They are upselling the "Max" package for the TBC which was also a stand alone option and the towing mirrors.

Personally, I prefer the standard mirrors. They work great for enclosed trailers and flat trailers, and while I'm not towing they don't catch as much wind or get in the way in parking lots.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:57 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE