Tow Package means....?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
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From: NE TX
I don't know about specs but my F250LD radiator is larger than normal F150. A larger radiaror should also have a trans cooler with more capacity. I was only assuming the 7700 to pick up where the F250LD left as 7700s replaced the LD. The new 2004 8200 F150 has a larger radiator listed as part of the package but specs like dimensions and plate numbers aren't included. My receiver hitch is rated at 10000 if it is used with an equalizer system, which it isn't, so it is still only Class III.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Whitman MASS
in my 2001 7700 it came with the upgraded larger radiator standard with the 7700, i have not counted the fins on the cooler yet. I would think that i have the 21 plate. You know a heavy duty payload with towing package, mine came with class 3 towing.
I agree that the class 3 thing is not universal. I have seen a window sticker for a 250 hd with only a class 3 listed. But some class 3s have a larger towing capacity than others, so i have no clue what the factory hitch itself is rated for. the only thing that i know is that my truck has a max trailer load of 8400lbs, and why would the factory tow package only come with a class 3 that can only handle 5000lbs, 10000lbs with weight distribution.
If the truck is rated at 8400lbs i dont think that the factory would put on a reciever hitch that could not handle the load.
Brian
I agree that the class 3 thing is not universal. I have seen a window sticker for a 250 hd with only a class 3 listed. But some class 3s have a larger towing capacity than others, so i have no clue what the factory hitch itself is rated for. the only thing that i know is that my truck has a max trailer load of 8400lbs, and why would the factory tow package only come with a class 3 that can only handle 5000lbs, 10000lbs with weight distribution.
If the truck is rated at 8400lbs i dont think that the factory would put on a reciever hitch that could not handle the load.
Brian
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
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From: NE TX
They sell what we buy. Some trucks can tow more than 10000 but no hitch is rated for more than 10000. It does not mean hitch will fail, only that Ford/hitch manufacturer will not be liable. I try to use gooseneck hitch when I can or pull with my F350 if needed. Better bumpers like RanchHand are rated at 10000 and can completely do away with hitch. Or I could add equalizer system, if I pulled something like a camper trailer. I see a lot of SuperDutys with Class III hitch and worse 2" ***** rated at only 5000 lbs. My own father has one similar and pulls 12000 regularly. He does not listen nor has anything broken. Even worse trailer is only rated at 7000 lbs and has 4 235/75/15C tires. Ford will sell a hitch less than truck capacity, even no hitch. It's no worse than selling a truck that can't pull the hitch's rated capacity. It's up to us how we use the stuff they sell us.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
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ok,ok, how about this: Will ford put a hitch on a truck that does not come with their "tow package"? (meaning, is my hitch aftermarket, or could it have been installed as an option, but no package?)
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 432
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From: Whitman MASS
WOW
i wouldnt think that Ford would do that kind of thing. OH well i will just be careful on what i will tow.
I dont think that ford would put a hitch on the truck without a tow package.
Brian
i wouldnt think that Ford would do that kind of thing. OH well i will just be careful on what i will tow.
I dont think that ford would put a hitch on the truck without a tow package.
Brian
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: NE TX
Tow package should come with a hitch but hitches can also be ordered from Ford accessory catalog and most dealers also sell aftermarket bumpers and hitches. So yes it could be possible to have a hitch but no tow package. You can look at the wiring connector. Tow package does not splice in wiring but comes with a plug in harnass, but you have to lower spare tire to see how it's connected. Or Ford tag may be on the wiring harnass.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
Well, on my truck it had a Drawtite reciever hitch when I got it and I added the ford plug in wiring. So one might THINK it originally came with the Tow package, but it didn't. The only thing I'm missing though is the larger aux trans cooler. Alot of trucks come with only 5000lb deadweight hitches. I guess the figure 10000lb WD is sufficient for truck capacity.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 467
Likes: 25
From: Central Callifornia
Tow Package?
Just a note on the tow package radiator. I have an '01 SCrew, 4X4 with Ford TP.The larger radiator means it is about 1.5 inches thick vs. 1 inch for the standard. Many were shipped with the smaller rad. and buyers were given the option of having correct rad installed or cash payment. I believe the build date had to be before June '01.
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