Really???

I'm configuring my future 2018 F150 (18,400 GCWR lbs). To achieve the 13,000 lb. maximum loaded trailer weight Ford requires 20" tires and wheels

I spoke to my local dealer (Sound Ford - Renton, WA) and they said as long as it has the "Max Trailer Tow Package" along with the long bed I would be getting the 13,000 rating. They said wheels / tires selected from the factory don't impact the rating . I don't trust them when Fords RV & Trailer Towing Guide says different.

I don't like or want Ford's 20" wheels. I'm perfectly content with the 18" wheels and saving $1095 that Ford charges for the 20's.

Is this robbery by requiring the $1,095 purchase of 20's or is there a justifiable reason for them?

If I purchase with Ford's 18's or upgrade to my own 20" wheels/tire combo (assuming they are same or better specs of Fords) would I effectively be achieving the same 13,000 lb. maximum loaded trailer weight?

I understand the documents provided with the truck won't indicate "13,000".

My gut feeling is it is a simple way for Ford to make a couple extra bucks..

 

I've seen this same thing in the Ford fleet trailer guide and it makes no sense to me. In previous years the 20"wheels would often downgrade the capabilities.

No idea how that's changed, but if I had to guess Id say it's actually a typo. But of course I can't prove it.

 

Odd that it also says 17" or 18" wheels required for the max payload ratings.

When you look at wheels and tires, the only LT tires they show are 17" & 18".

 

Something is wrong, but in the past I would have said the trailer guide is the gospel when it comes to these things.

 

Welcome to the forum. Not sure I’d trust the dealer either. Sound Ford has historically not had a good reputation in the area, but my guess most dealers are not going to know these details.

I got the MAX tow package on my truck and it came with the 18” rims because I didn’t want the chrome package. It’s a Lariat with the 501a trim package. Maybe the 20” rims are only required with the trim level you’re looking at? That makes no sense either, other than Ford trying to eliminate variability in their build process.

 

So here is my chat from Ford.com (Build/Price).


I guess the only way is to order it, wait for it to arrive and see what you get. Seems neither the dealer or Ford can provide a solid assuring answer. The Ford Towing Guide is throwing me off.


Maybe someone out there has this build and can chime it with what rating your truck actually has!


Please wait. An operator will be with you shortly.
Jennifer says:
Hello. This is Jennifer. How can I help you with your build today?



Josh says:
Specs: 2018 F150 Lariat 3.5 EcoBoost, 4x4, 6.5' box, Max Trailer Tow Package, Sport Package, Technology Package, Moonroof, 18" Wheels.
I was at Sound Ford in Renton, WA over the weekend. They stated as long as I order with the Max Trailer Tow Package I would be at 13,000 lb loaded trailer rating. The Ford Tow Guide states the build must also include 20" wheels/tires. This seems odd. Do I really need to upgrade to 20" wheels and tires to achieve 13,000 loaded trailer rating? Sound Ford says it's a typo and that it doesn't matter if I order with 18" or 20" wheels.



Jennifer says:
With the Max Trailer Tow Package, I'm showing that is correct with either wheel selection. This package will guarantee you to get up to 13,200 lbs. of towing, when properly equipped. As for the GCWR, there will be a sticker on the door that will show the total GCWR, based on the options that are on the vehicle. We are unable to calculate these from our end, since they may vary based on all of the options on your build. I'm very sorry about that today.



Josh says:
So it is a typo in the Ford RV & Trailer Towing Information Guide right??? The 20" wheel upgrade is not a requirement.



Jennifer says:
You're very welcome, Josh. I'm not showing any requirements for the Max Trailer Tow Package with the wheels on my end, however, the dealership does have the final save on all orders since they are typically able to view more resources than we are when ordering. I'm showing the only requirement for this package is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

 

Sounds to me like the dealer expects to increase margins by raising your cost a bit. But I could be all wet.

 

My 2018 that I ordered only hit 12,700 because of 4x4 & 5.5' bed. However that guide does state that my truck requires 20" wheels, but It came in with 18" wheels. So I believe that guide is wrong. Here is my window sticker:

 

The 20" tires for the Max tow are a requirement to reach the Maximum Towing Weight on 157 inch Supercrew. It adds a heavier Steering Gear, Stabilizer Bar and Heavy springs in the Front of the Truck. Info comes from Fleet order form. When I ordered my 2018, even my salesman did not know about it. And he is very knowlegable.

 

​​​​​​
are you sure about this? I have a '17 157" WB, 4x4, 3.5 ecoboost, max tow, max payload, XLT. I have 18" wheels and the other option is 17" wheels for my truck with 10 ply tires. Not sure why but my truck came with load range C tires which I think is only 8 ply. I think my truck is rated at 11,200lbs with 4x4 and long WB.

 

Yes I'm positive. This is new on the 2018's. When I ordered my truck, the dealer was not sure what It meant about increased springs. It is the front springs. Why you have to go to the 20" tires to get the 13100# tow rating, I don't know, but it is right in the order quide. You don't get the E-rated tires with the 20" tires but the Maximum weight towable and maximum GCVW at 18200#.

 

You won't be able to tow 13,000 pounds unless you get the stripped down XL model as you payload will be eat up with all the amenities like moonroof, leather, big screen tv's, etc.

Here is the quote for the claimed 13,200 towing capacity:

Mine is rated at 11,500 only if I don't hit the ceiling with one of the other ratings first.

__________________________________________________ ____________

'17 XLT Screw w/5' 7" Bed | Oxford White | FX4 | 3.5L EB | 3.55 ELD | 302A |Chrome Pkg | Max Tow w/TBC | 36 Gal. Tank | WeatherTech Deflectors, Floor Liners, & Mud Flaps | BakFlip MX4 & BedRug | Bilstein 5100's | VA Navi | SYNC 3 Connect | Tailgate Step & Damper | Husky Wheel Well Liners | Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT 275/65R18 |

 

That is actually incorrect. The Tow rating has nothing to do with the package you have. The extra's, sunroof, leather, etc. will reduce your payload capacity, but not tow rating. You require the 157 inch wheelbase, 3.5 ecoboost, max tow and 20" wheels. Mine is a 2018 Lariat with all the requirements. No HDPP.

 

It will pull it

 

I am in the same boat. I have a 2018 f150, 3.5 Ecoboost, 4x4 SuperCrew, 145" WB. I have the max trailer tow package. The towing specs says the same thing. Also, when I talked to a Ford representative they said the towing capacity is 12,700 lbs. My vehicle came with 17" tires. The specs says I need 20" tires to get the 12,700 lbs towing capacity. I'm pretty confused. The rep didn't know really why and I'm guessing the salseman isn't going to know either. Should I ask the Ford mechanic there? Everything I read says larger wheels will reduce towing capacity. I need that upper limit. Any help is appreciated.

To add, we are looking at a 2018 puma 32RBFQ trailer. It's beefy but if the specs are right on the vehicle I mentioned then my math checks out (GVWR, GCVWR, GAWR, payload etc...).