Sponsored

Is there any reason NOT to get the Max Tow package?

OP
OP

Jcway16

Member
First Name
Joe
Joined
Aug 21, 2021
Threads
6
Messages
24
Reaction score
2
Location
Long Island, NY
Vehicles
2022 F-150 XLT
I thought Ford website stated it gave an extra leaf or extra capacity to the back springs when adding the Max Tow Package.

I was thinking the tow package is just the receiver, and not the extra umph needed to carry the load.

In some threads people are saying that Max Tow bumps you up to a 9.75” axle vs 8.8” and adds extra leafs. I’d rather not make the ride tougher than it needs to be if I’m really not going to be towing at all.

it seems like going with the standard tow package and picking my 3.73 locker and 36 gallon tank may be the way to go if I want the best ride out of the truck
Sponsored

 

Pibblemobile

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2021
Threads
0
Messages
159
Reaction score
26
Location
Sioux Falls
Vehicles
2020 F150
In some threads people are saying that Max Tow bumps you up to a 9.75” axle vs 8.8” and adds extra leafs. I’d rather not make the ride tougher than it needs to be if I’m really not going to be towing at all.

it seems like going with the standard tow package and picking my 3.73 locker and 36 gallon tank may be the way to go if I want the best ride out of the truck

If you aren’t towing at all then the standard hitch is all you need.
 

dhrandy

Well-known member
First Name
Randy
Joined
Jul 25, 2021
Threads
2
Messages
520
Reaction score
88
Location
Concord, NC
Vehicles
1950 Plymouth, 2021 F-150 Lariat 500a
Occupation
Engineering Tech
Depends on what you want. I didn’t order it, I won’t be towing much over 5000 lbs and always within 3 hours. Didn’t want the 36 gallon tank or the gears.
 

cghall77

Well-known member
First Name
Chris
Joined
Dec 11, 2020
Threads
3
Messages
416
Reaction score
43
Location
Whitby, Canada
Vehicles
F150
In some threads people are saying that Max Tow bumps you up to a 9.75” axle vs 8.8” and adds extra leafs. I’d rather not make the ride tougher than it needs to be if I’m really not going to be towing at all.

it seems like going with the standard tow package and picking my 3.73 locker and 36 gallon tank may be the way to go if I want the best ride out of the truck
I have driven in both. Max tow and not, I don't notice any difference in ride.

My truck is only 2 weeks old and just got back from our first tow.
Here is the setup I have, absolutely love the copilot assist 2.0 even when trailering. Good luck with your order.

XLT, 3.5 eco, Supercrew, 4x4, 5 1/2 box, Agate Black, 302a, XTR (chrome pkg), 360 camera, max trailer tow, tow mirrors, tailgate step, power adjustable pedals, B&O sound, Co-pilot assist 2.0, 2kw pro power.

Ford F-150 Lightning Is there any reason NOT to get the Max Tow package? 20210818_172418
 

AutonomousHybridF150

Well-known member
First Name
Kristopher
Joined
Jul 13, 2021
Threads
0
Messages
289
Reaction score
59
Location
Pensacola Fl
Vehicles
2021 F150 Powerboost
Occupation
Adjuster
On Fords website, if you build a truck, it says FX4 adds additional level of spring rate, as well as, Max Tow Package adds additional level of spring rate.

My truck is Max tow package and FX4, and it is one of the finest riding vehicles I own. It has 3 leafs on the rear end, and I have seen other 2021 trucks with just 2, so I believe that has something to do with the additional leaf.

I can’t imagine how good a non Max Tow and non FX4 Truck rides. I bet theyride like a Continental.
 

Sponsored

dropp01

Active member
First Name
dan
Joined
May 24, 2021
Threads
0
Messages
42
Reaction score
7
Location
Ca.
Vehicles
2013 ford edge, 2020 edge ST, 2021 f-150 lariat
I'm in the middle of configuring my build and the only thing I'm not sure about is which tow package to go with...

Here is my build so far:
-XLT w/ Sport Appearance
-302a
-Agate Black
-SuperCrew
-5.5’ bed
-5.0
-4x4
-Auto start/stop delete
-B&O sound
-360 camera
-Copilot assist 2.0 (may remove this)
-rear sliding window


I want the following as well:
-3.73 electronic locking rear axle
-36 gallon fuel tank

Looking at the towing packages shows a bit of overlap to me and it looks like the Max Tow package includes everything the other tow packages have, PLUS the 3.73 electronic and 36 gallon tank.

-Standard XLT High includes the basics
-Tow tech adds backup assist, 360 camera, trailer brake, smart tow connect
-Trailer tow package includes all of the above, minus the 360 camera
-Max Tow includes all of the above, minus 360 camera, and adds 3.73 electronic locker and the 36 gallon tank

So, Max tow vs Trailer Tow + 3.73 electronic + 36 gallon tank seems like a wash, or am I missing something?
The only thing I would be missing is the 360 camera, which I will add

It seems like the Trailer Tow and Max Tow packages both include an engine oil cooler, larger rear brakes and larger rear sway bar. The Max Tow is just adding the 3.73 locker and 36 gallon tank, is this correct?
In my Lariat with the max tow it gave me a 3.55 locker
 

Merccat

Well-known member
First Name
Ryan
Joined
Apr 4, 2021
Threads
1
Messages
573
Reaction score
103
Location
California
Vehicles
2021 Space White Lariat SCAB 5.0 4x2
I would check the tow guide. There’s a lot of figures but it’s just a chart in the end. You find your body style, engine and gears to see what you need. It’s arranged so it’s easy to compare different gear ratios for an engine and max vs standard tow.

With a 5.0 and 3.31 locking gets you something like 9800lbs (which is the same as lower gears) without max tow and max tow only adds like 2k more. You can get away with a higher rear end because 10 speed transmission. It may cost you some fuel economy when towing but if most of your time is not towing it will help you the rest of the time.

Anyway…. My recommendation is to go through the charts in the tow guide and decide what you need from that.

I did not get max because I tow infrequently will never tow that much… even if we get a TT, I wouldn’t want one over 5k anyway which is well within the capability. I did get the standard tow package for the integrated brake controller and trailer management tech.
 

mdj

Member
First Name
Michael
Joined
Jan 17, 2021
Threads
0
Messages
14
Reaction score
13
Location
Austin, TX
Vehicles
2021 F150 KR, 57 T-Bird, 66 Mustang, 05 Navigator
+1 for Max Tow with the 3.5L EcoBoost
+1 for forgoing the FX4 package to save payload
+1 Co-pilot Assist

KR 601A, 3.5L EB, Tow Mirrors, 4x4 (not FX), Co-pilot Assist, ProPower 2kW = 1536 payload
Keystone Cougar 29BHS (34') 7800#, 900# Tongue (per CAT Scales)

Ford F-150 Lightning Is there any reason NOT to get the Max Tow package? F150 and Trailer
 

Capt Obvious

Well-known member
First Name
Mark
Joined
Apr 24, 2021
Threads
0
Messages
68
Reaction score
11
Location
Longwood, Fl
Vehicles
21 F150 Lariat SUper Crew 500a 3.5 EB Max Tow
I thought Ford website stated it gave an extra leaf or extra capacity to the back springs when adding the Max Tow Package.

I was thinking the tow package is just the receiver, and not the extra umph needed to carry the load.
It has a different leaf pack than the standard.
 

Sponsored

Pete6114

Well-known member
First Name
Pete
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Threads
0
Messages
223
Reaction score
19
Location
Ontario Canada
Vehicles
2017 Explorer, 2021 F150
Occupation
Retired Ford employee
Depends on what and how much you tow and have real use for it. I didnt order the max because the regular does just fine towing my single axle cargo. I also didn't order the FX4 off road package. Just 4X4 for winter time. Also didn't order the big moon roof, since i wouldn't use it even if i had it.
 

RCR001

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 9, 2021
Threads
3
Messages
120
Reaction score
60
Location
Just North of the USA
Vehicles
2021 F-150
Just Got my 2nd 21 XLT with Max tow, the extra leaf and towing capacity were the deal for me. (traded a f250), added tow mirrors on the new one as well. 35 foot toy hauler pulls fine with these options, My new one is a power boost, already toughened up with that package, but got it anyway! Still miss this truck but the difference is closing in,

Ford F-150 Lightning Is there any reason NOT to get the Max Tow package? 20190531_145730
 
Last edited:

2021KR

Active member
First Name
Dwaine
Joined
Mar 1, 2021
Threads
0
Messages
27
Reaction score
2
Location
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Vehicles
2021 King Ranch
Occupation
Retired
+1 for Max Tow with the 3.5L EcoBoost
+1 for forgoing the FX4 package to save payload
+1 Co-pilot Assist

KR 601A, 3.5L EB, Tow Mirrors, 4x4 (not FX), Co-pilot Assist, ProPower 2kW = 1536 payload
Keystone Cougar 29BHS (34') 7800#, 900# Tongue (per CAT Scales)

F150 and Trailer.jpeg
KR601A, 3.5 EB, Max Tow Pkg, Tow Mirrors, 4x4, Spray Bedliner, 360 Cameras, Partitioned Lockable Storage, 1599 payload and rides as good as our 2019 STX 2wd....

Go with the Max Tow...Don't forget to order the Tow Mirrors.....

Ford F-150 Lightning Is there any reason NOT to get the Max Tow package? IMG_8830
 
Last edited:

Whiskey

Well-known member
First Name
Michael
Joined
May 20, 2021
Threads
2
Messages
236
Reaction score
162
Location
Hesperus, Colorado
Vehicles
2021 F-150 Hybrid, 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Occupation
Retired Miner
On my Power Boost it put my 3.73 locking axle at max payload and towing capacity.

Ford F-150 Lightning Is there any reason NOT to get the Max Tow package? C168BFE9-544A-4FBC-B56B-4C4A21EEF4B7
 

f150lifer75

Well-known member
First Name
Allen
Joined
Oct 21, 2021
Threads
0
Messages
72
Reaction score
0
Location
Wichita, KS
Vehicles
2014 F150XL, ordering a 2021 F150 Lariat
Occupation
Pipeline Controller
+1 for Max Tow with the 3.5L EcoBoost
+1 for forgoing the FX4 package to save payload
+1 Co-pilot Assist

KR 601A, 3.5L EB, Tow Mirrors, 4x4 (not FX), Co-pilot Assist, ProPower 2kW = 1536 payload
Keystone Cougar 29BHS (34') 7800#, 900# Tongue (per CAT Scales)

F150 and Trailer.jpeg
Thank you for posting your camper specs...that's exactly what I was needing to confirm. My camper is the same length, and about the same weight. I ordered a 3.5powerboost, Supercrew, 4x4, 6.5 bed, with max trailer tow...downgraded from a 250 because I missed the ride quality and the gas mileage when not towing and needed to make sure I wasn't making a huge mistake. Do you ever take it in the mountains?
 
 





Top