Clarification on Max Tow Package contents?

[sotek2345]

All I know and will add is that the Thermal management on the Lightning with Max tow is leagues better than our Mach-e GT. Here are situations where the Mach-e will reduce power that the Lightning handles with no issues.

- driving at highway speeds
- fast charging
- full power over 5 seconds
- multiple back to back full power pulls.
- hot days
- cool days

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[Galaxidan]

I ordered the max tow package. I live in Florida and need all the cooling available. I am curious if having a dedicated loop and compressor for battery cooling allows the cabin AC to be better? I know in mine the AC will freeze you out.

 

[hturnerfamily]

I suppose you could say there could be advantages in both directions - now the cab a/c has a dedicated compressor,

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I ordered the max tow package. I live in Florida and need all the cooling available. I am curious if having a dedicated loop and compressor for battery cooling allows the cabin AC to be better? I know in mine the AC will freeze you out.

I would imagine it does, couldn't hurt...

I would think it allows the cabin AC and the chiller to be more efficient. At least you can be as comfortable as you want without any potential impact on the rest of the cooling system.

The downside: more serviceable parts in a difficult location.

 

[Galaxidan]

Watching the teardown videos on Munro YouTube I thought the same thing. Lift cab or drop battery for ac compressor replacement?

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

Watching the teardown videos on Munro YouTube I thought the same thing. Lift cab or drop battery for ac compressor replacement?

I would think dropping the battery would be quicker. Maybe?

 

[HI Zeus]

I would imagine it does, couldn't hurt...

I would think it allows the cabin AC and the chiller to be more efficient. At least you can be as comfortable as you want without any potential impact on the rest of the cooling system.

The downside: more serviceable parts in a difficult location.

Looking at the flip side of this:
If I'm willing to turn off the A/C and roll down the windows while pulling a trailer, is there no practical difference regarding the cooling of the battery?

I'm looking at purchasing a used 2022/2023 Lightning. I definitely want the ER, and the ability to tow 10,000lbs, but if the ONLY difference is having A/C while towing I could have a lot more vehicles to choose from (and save a little $) by sacrificing comfort on very rare occasions.

I'd still PREFER a truck with Max Tow, but it seems like it doesn't have to be a deal killer for me.

 

[hturnerfamily]

MAX TOW does nothing for anything suspension related, as it would on most ANY gas or diesel truck - as the LIGHTNING is built exactly the same, frame-wise, in ALL trim levels. They ALL have 10,000lb towing capability, from a structural standpoint, but the BATTERY is what is in play - as it NEEDS higher cooling capacity the more weight you tow - stresses on the battery, creating internal heat, puts a big target on the battery pack, longevity wise.

The size of the battery pack determines your truck's capacity, such as 5,000lb for the SR, and 7,500 for the ER... but adding the ADDITIONAL Dedicated Cooling LOOP and Chiller bump both of those capacities up by 50%: 7,500 for the SR and 10,000 for the ER(the Platinum ER trim, with it's heavier amenities, has a decreased capacity, slightly).

It's all about the BATTERY size, and the additional DEDICATED Cooling ...

Can you tow 10,000lbs with your PRO SR, without any additional Max Towing cooling? Yes, and you might see no issues, depending on the length of the trip, the speed, and the terrain - but the LONGEVITY of the battery comes into play if this is a regular thing. FORD assigns lower capacities due to this concern, as, obviously, THEY are warrantying the battery.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Looking at the flip side of this:
If I'm willing to turn off the A/C and roll down the windows while pulling a trailer, is there no practical difference regarding the cooling of the battery?

I'm looking at purchasing a used 2022/2023 Lightning. I definitely want the ER, and the ability to tow 10,000lbs, but if the ONLY difference is having A/C while towing I could have a lot more vehicles to choose from (and save a little $) by sacrificing comfort on very rare occasions.

I'd still PREFER a truck with Max Tow, but it seems like it doesn't have to be a deal killer for me.

When you're looking at potential Lightnings to buy, don't trust a used vehicle features and options list unless they reprinted the original Monroney sticker.

You can confirm max-tow by opening the frunk, pull up on the 12v battery access door, lift up and away to remove it.

If you see the chiller module to the left of the 12v battery, you're looking at a Non-Max-Tow Lighting.

If you see the chiller to right (driver side) then it has the Max-Tow option

Good luck in your hunt.

 

[RickKeen]

If you want the Integrated Electric Brake Controller be sure you check on that specifically (look in the exact truck you are buying to make sure its there). There are mixed reports as to what package you need to order in a '24 or '25 to get the brake controller. Also reports of confusion as to it being listed on the window sticker, but not included in the actual truck. And even worse, there are reports that adding the brake controller later is not easy/feasible.

When I bought my '22 I needed to get the Tow Tech package to get the brake controller.

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