Hi,

I am thinking of buying a 2012 Super Crew with an EB engine, FX4 and an HD package. The truck will be my DD and tow vehicle. Will be towing a car trailer (8-9k) about 15 times a year, 200 miles round trip.

My question is: What is upgraded/changed on the truck with the HD package? Frame, springs, etc...?

Thank you.

 

As for what's included in the HD payload package: go to "build and price" on Ford's website, build your truck and in the packages section click on details right next to the HD payload package. It will have all the information, just the requirements are outdated (you can now get it with the screw 157" WB as well).

The bad news for you: as far as I know, the HD payload package is available only in the following trims: XL / XLT / Lariat (only screw for Lariat). So you can't have it with the FX4.

Good luck!

 

I ordered a 12 FX4 last week. You can't get the HD package with it, but you can get the 4.10 axle which would make it a real puller. But I wanted the appearance package which comes with black 20 inch wheels and special graphics and with it you can't get the 4.10 axle so I settled for the 3.73. Will be race red, stripes down the side and black wheels and special black seats with red trim. Oh and now comes with a 36 gallon tank, a first for the EB engine. But you can get the max tow package. Fully loaded it has a list price of $49475 and a invoice of $44975.92. The FX4 is the only truck you can get a EB and a 4.10 axle ratio as the raptor only comes with the 6.2 and 4.10 only.

 

That is odd. Anxious to hear how u like the 4.10s.

 

He will get the 3.73 if I don't misunderstand. I think it's the better choice for towing anyway, especially if it's a travel trailer (he'd be payload limited, and not by the rear end ratio). The 4.10 would probably be over kill and result in poor (non towing) gas mileage.

 

72amp alternator, upgraded springs, shocks, radiator and heavier frame. Standard 9.75" 3.73 gearset, 36 gallon fuel tank and an 8200 lb GVWR.

This truck will be a beast and will likely cost more than an F-250. An F-250 will bump the GVWR to 8800 lbs IIRC. These trucks will be very close in curb weight and mpg's will likely be similar.

But I think the F-150 is an overall prettier truck.

 

This is from the 2012 F150 Ordering Guide.

HEAVY-DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE (627)
Usage: Increases GVWR to 8200 lbs. for improved payload and
towing
Availability:
• XL and XLT: Regular Cab 145" WB (8.0' box) and SuperCab
163" WB (8.0' box)
• XL, XLT, and Lariat: SuperCrew 157" WB
Not Available with:
• Off-Road Package (55A)
• XLT Custom Package (86C)
Requires:
• 5.0L V8 Engine (99F) or 3.5L V6 EcoBoost™ Engine (99T)
• Trailer Tow Package (535) or
• Max Trailer Tow Package (Max TT Pkg. required when ordered
with 3.5L EcoBoost™ Engine)
- Lariat: Max Trailer Tow Package (60C)
- XL: Max Trailer Tow Package (60M)
- XL/XLT: Max Trailer Tow Package (60P)
Includes:
• XL: High capacity 17" 7-lug steel wheels (64K)
• XLT/Lariat: High capacity 17" 7-lug Aluminum wheels (64W)
• Heavy-Duty shock absorbers
• Upgraded springs, radiator and auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• 9.75" gear set
• 3.73 limited-slip axle
• LT245/75R17E BSW All-Terrain Tire

 

Then you need one of the three Max Trailer Tow Packages.

MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE – POWER MIRROR
(60P)
Availability:
• Optional on XL, XLT and FX2/FX4
Not Available with:
• 126" wheelbase
• Max Trailer Tow Package (60M)
• XLT SuperCab 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 or 4.10 electronic-locking differential axle (FX4)
• 3.73 electronic-locking differential axle is standard without
Heavy-Duty Payload Package (627)
• XL requires Power Equipment Group (85A)
• XL with Decor Group (86D) requires Fog Lamps (595)
• XL requires Heavy-Duty Payload Pkg. (627)
• 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)

OR

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 SuperCrew
• 3.73 LS rear-axle ratio
• 3.73 electronic-locking differential axle (Lariat or King Ranch®
w/Off-Road Pkg. – 55A)
• 3.73 electronic-locking differential axle is standard without
Heavy-Duty Payload Package (627)
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)

OR

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 with Decor Group (86D) requires Fog Lamps (595)
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

 

Again, I believe HD payload package not available with FX4.

 

The GVWR for a F250 is 10,000, don't think the F150 can do the same as a Super Duty. There is a reason why they have 2 different models. You should get better MPG with the F150 being lighter and with the Ecoboost engine, the 6.2 does like the gas in city driving. I use my F250 as a DD and get about 11 in the city and 9 towing a 9000 lbs trailer.

 

Thanks for the correction sir.

 

Are you sure about the heavier frame? So far, I thought so also, but it's not listed in the 2012 ordering guide (what's listed is posted above).
However, when you go to Ford's "build and price", and the click on details of the HD payload package, it lists a "heavy duty frame". I am confused now ....