Second Towing Thread - please explain
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore
Second Towing Thread - please explain
PLEASE explain something to me..
2016 Ford F-150 Full Size Pickup Truck | Towing Specifications | Ford.com
According to this link, a 2016 F150 Supercrew Ecoboost (3.5) with 157" wheelbase can tow 10600 (with both 3.31 OR 3.55) OR 11600 (with 3.55), but there is NO differentiation between the 10600 and 11600 with 3.55 gears. I'm ASSUMING it has to do with the max trailer tow package, but that doesn't buy you anything you can't get by specking 3.55 with the regular tow package (and brake controller, etc). Am I completely missing something here??????
2016 Ford F-150 Full Size Pickup Truck | Towing Specifications | Ford.com
According to this link, a 2016 F150 Supercrew Ecoboost (3.5) with 157" wheelbase can tow 10600 (with both 3.31 OR 3.55) OR 11600 (with 3.55), but there is NO differentiation between the 10600 and 11600 with 3.55 gears. I'm ASSUMING it has to do with the max trailer tow package, but that doesn't buy you anything you can't get by specking 3.55 with the regular tow package (and brake controller, etc). Am I completely missing something here??????
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 727
From: Calgary Canada
They do show those with different GVW numbers, 16,100 and 17,100. I Suspect the order guide or a Frantz could decipher that for you, but maybe it's the "max tow" that gives you a higher payload rating? I am used to seeing a footnote for situations like this, and I agree, it's not clearly spelled out.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
It's the Max Tow package, but it's a little misleading the way it's listed on that site. Attached is the relevant page from the 2016 towing guide, and you'll see the footnote clarifying the higher GCWR is for the Max Tow pacakge.
The max tow package includes some things not available on the regular tow package. Of particular note is the upgraded receiver hitch that's rated for 12,500 lbs.
The max tow package includes some things not available on the regular tow package. Of particular note is the upgraded receiver hitch that's rated for 12,500 lbs.
Originally Posted by 2016 F150 Order Guide
MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE (53C)
Usage: Max towing capability 12,200 lbs.
Availability:
● Optional on XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch® and Platinum
Not available with:
● 2.7L V6 EcoBoost® Payload Package (622)
Requires:
● 3.5L EcoBoost® Engine (99G)
Includes:
● 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle (axle is changed to 3.73 Electronic-locking differential if
ordered with Heavy-Duty Payload Pkg. (627))
● 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
● Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
● Class IV trailer hitch receiver
● Pro Trailer Backup Assist (47E) with Tailgate LED (optional on XL Base)
● Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on Lariat and higher)
● Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
● Upgraded front stabilizer bar
● Upgraded rear bumper
Usage: Max towing capability 12,200 lbs.
Availability:
● Optional on XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch® and Platinum
Not available with:
● 2.7L V6 EcoBoost® Payload Package (622)
Requires:
● 3.5L EcoBoost® Engine (99G)
Includes:
● 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle (axle is changed to 3.73 Electronic-locking differential if
ordered with Heavy-Duty Payload Pkg. (627))
● 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
● Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
● Class IV trailer hitch receiver
● Pro Trailer Backup Assist (47E) with Tailgate LED (optional on XL Base)
● Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on Lariat and higher)
● Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
● Upgraded front stabilizer bar
● Upgraded rear bumper
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore
Tom, thank you! They need a *** that says requires Max Trailer Tow Package. ON another note with the trailer tow package, if 3.31 and 3.55 have the same tow rating, I don't see the benefit of 3.55....
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 727
From: Calgary Canada
It's a little bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison, but I towed a 7000lb travel trailer all through the mountains around here with no issues with the 3.31 gears. I did find it dropped down one or two gears more often than I was used to, so maybe with 3.55's you'd stay one gear higher? Anyway, it tugged plenty hard, so for me, I'd probably take the 3.31's again.
Now if you were towing every single day for commercial reasons, and over 10k often, seems like the deeper gears couldn't hurt you. But for most of us weekend warriors, I think 3.31 is the best all around gear.
Now if you were towing every single day for commercial reasons, and over 10k often, seems like the deeper gears couldn't hurt you. But for most of us weekend warriors, I think 3.31 is the best all around gear.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I don't see the advantage to 3.55s either. I test drove one with 3.31s and accidentally left a strip of rubber up the on-ramp all the way through second gear.
Unfortunately the deal was there on a truck with 3.55s, and I'm perfectly happy with it. Wouldn't mind some lower cruising RPMs and the accompanying fuel economy bump.
Unfortunately the deal was there on a truck with 3.55s, and I'm perfectly happy with it. Wouldn't mind some lower cruising RPMs and the accompanying fuel economy bump.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore
I just looked at the 2015 F150 guide, at the very end, under tech specs for conventional towing, it says 11600 with a "little" 4 to the right, and 4 says requires max tow....they have it buried.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...mfvZACupYrzDsQ
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...mfvZACupYrzDsQ
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,775
Likes: 7
From: Lewisberry, Penn
Today's trucks are simply overkill for what we normal folks use them for. 3.31 axles are the way to go unless you specifically need higher ratios for what you're towing, or if you want to have more fun at stop lights.
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