Just got a used 2011 F-150 Lariat 4X4 Crew cab with a 5.0 engine with the OEM trailer brake controller mounted in the dash.

I know this sounds dumb but how can I tell if it actually has a tow package?

Would they put in a brake controller if it did not come with a tow package?

and would the tow package good for 7700lbs?


Dumb & Dumber here

 

put your vin number in the ford vin decoder... should show truck was built with tow package...

but if Ford installed brake controller at the factory.. you should have that package..

 

Thanks Chuck!

My thinking too but want to be sure

Is there a vin decoder here?

 

Ok This is what I found

Can someone explain these numbers please


Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 9300, 7700 lbs 7500.0 min 11300.0 max

 

Not sure on the mix/max part. I would expect the 9300 number to mean that your trailer can weigh a maximum of 9,300 lbs only if you're using a Weight Distributing Hitch. Otherwise, without the WDH the trailer cannot exceed 7,700 lbs.

 

The trailer brake controller is a stand alone option. It only comes included on the Max trailer tow option. You can get just a receiver hitch + brake controller and still not have the trailer tow package, which has the larger aux trans cooler and upgraded sway bar. The thing I find irritating is you get he trailer tow package and still have to add tow mirrors, however if you just put on tow mirrors it forces you to get the trailer tow package and you still have to click on the trailer brake controller seperate!

 

Thanks guys!

HRTKD, I'll stick with the 7700lbs for now.

TJREAMS, Yes, very stupid option packages indeed. Found some nice tow mirrors a realtruck.com for just under $300 for both sides.

Guess now l got to figure out if I have the upgraded Trans cooler and and sway bar. I also heard that you get a upgraded radiator also. Anybody got pictures of these?

 

If I remember correctly my 2012 had the tow Package and the cooler was 7-8 inches top to bottom. the standard cooler was about 4-5 inches the Max tow was close to 12".
Not horizontal but top to bottom. right in front of the radiator. I think only the Max tow got the larger radiator but I don't remember. Both got upgraded sway bars.

 

That's really some good stuff Mr. TJReams! Thanks! I'll get some measurements tomorrow and we see.

 

Old 03-12-2011, 12:00 AM
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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)
__________________

Hope I was able to quote this correctly. I found this on an older thread. it is very helpful to me!

 

Well ot answered the radiator question, the tow package and the Max tow package got upgraded radiator. I thought they did but just couldn't remember for sure. I have been reading on the new trucks and have all the specs on them in my mind while I was ordering my new truck. 43 days and counting.

 

I should be good for over 5000# and under 7700#. Were looking at a 24" RV at 4500# so with gear and peeps (wife & 3 dogs) should be around 6000#.

TJ - 42.5 Days to go now! Early congrats!