How To Tell If F150 Has Max Tow Package

The F-150 is a versatile truck. Whether you’re using the truck to run errands, go to work, or towing, this is a perfect asset to own. If you’re looking into towing heavy travel trailers, cars, or yachts, the max tow package would be the best option. But how can you tell if F-150 has the max tow package?

The easiest way to tell if an F-150 truck has a max tow package is by checking if it has a Bargman 6/7 connector, and a receiver, and a hitch on the rear end or check its max tow capacity. Normally, 12.200 lbs. and higher is an indication of a max tow package. Also, for a max tow package, where the hooks go are vertical and slightly inclined at an angle.

After hours of research, I’ve put together this comprehensive article to help you understand the max tow package for F-150. With this information, you can now make an informed decision whether the max tow package is good for you or not. So, without much ado, let’s get to it!

What Does The F150 Max Trailer Tow Package Include?

The F150 Maximum Tow Package is a set of options for efficiently towing heavy trailers such as cars, yachts, and travel trailers.

The set of package options may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the truck.

1. Electronic-locking Rear Axle With a 3.55 Gear Ratio

This upgrade helps in distributing power evenly to both the rear wheels. This feature comes in handy on poor surfaces that are likely to hinder a smooth transit. Some perfect examples include mud or snow which would mean you’re stuck if there’s no equal distribution of power to the rear wheels.

2. Trailer Tow Camera System

• Powerful Rear View Camera The truck features a powerful rear-view camera that gives a clear view. This enhances efficiency and personal comfort since you don’t have to keep rotating your head to look back.
• Center Stack Screen The 8-inch center-stack screen is important for helping you stay focused and in control while on the roads. This helps prevent all forms of unnecessary interruptions which can affect your productivity.

3. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™

Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ is an affordable feature that makes the driver’s job easier. Now it’s as easy to operate the trailer as the gas pedal and brake. Just point in the direction and the truck takes care of the rest.

4. 36 Gallons Fuel Capacity

Pulling a heavy cargo means a lot of fuel consumption. This, therefore, calls for more room to store enough fuel for a long period of towing.
Besides, frequently stopping for a gas refill with a trailer on the back can be a huge hassle. That’s why a large fuel capacity is necessary for a once and for all fueling.

5. Integrated Brake Controller

This brake controller serves two purposes. First, it connects the trailer’s brake system to the truck’s pedal brake system.
Second, you can use it to control the brake force the trailer is applying. The most amazing thing about it is how you can do all these from the dashboard in your truck.

6. Tow/Haul Shifter

This mode is more useful when towing a heavier than usual cargo. This is because it’s designed to reduce gear hunting while improving power delivery. Besides, the shifter is easily accessible and is placed right above the steering wheels.

7. Engine Oil Cooler

Towing requires a lot of power and energy, that is, the engine will be actively engaged during the operation. Due to high-level engine strain, the truck can overheat during the process. Therefore, an engine oil cooler comes in to keep the truck cool.

8. Class IV Trailer Hitch and the Standard 4/7-Pin Wiring Harness

The hitch is the link between your truck and the trailer. The max tow package has a robust hitch and receiver package owing to the magnitude of the weight that’s being towed. Besides, the wiring harness serves as a charge line for charging batteries.

Max Towing Capacity Of The EcoBoost Engines

EcoBoost engines have a max towing capacity based on the truck model and the year of manufacture. The 2016 and 2018 2.7L EcoBoost engines have a maximum towing capacity of 8.500 lbs. and 9.100 lbs. respectively. On the other hand, the 3.5L engines have a maximum towing capacity of 12.200 lbs. and 13.200 lbs. respectively.

Read also: 2.7 vs 3.5 EcoBoost Ford Engines

Can You Add a Tow Package Aftermarket?

Adding a tow package aftermarket is possible but you’d have to part with the expensive procedure. This is because the entire process is time-consuming and requires intensive labor input. On average, you’d spend $650 to add a tow package to the truck during the initial purchase. Unfortunately, adding the package as aftermarket would cost slightly more than this.

Towing With 10-Speed Transmission

The most basic way to tow with the 10-speed transmission is by using the tow/haul mode. While at higher revs, this mode helps you to drive in lower gears for a longer period.

At times, you’ll notice the truck shifting. When this happens, it’s best for you to manually lock out the higher gears. But this will all depend on your load and the type of terrain.

Also, a weight-distribution hitch will serve you well, especially when the tongue weight is more than 500 lbs. or when the trailer weight exceeds 5000 lbs. To add to this, a brake controller comes in handy to connect the trailer’s brake system to the truck’s pedal brake system.

Other critical points of consideration include: maintaining speed at 70 mph for the first 500 miles, avoiding full throttle when starting the truck, and checking the hitch, electrical connections, and the lug nuts of the trailer wheels after every 500 miles.

Towing Safety

Towing a trailer will cost your truck, the trailer, and your driving skills. To tow successfully and safely, here’s what you need to do.

• Weight distribution — distribute the load evenly for optimum handling and braking. Also, you’ll want to keep the center of gravity low to ensure there’s effective weight distribution. To balance the weight, place 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer. The remaining 40% should be in the rear half.
• Prior preparation — before setting out on a trip, it’s best if you take some time to practice how to turn, stop, and back up your truck, especially in areas with heavy traffic. When backing up, do it slowly with someone watching near the rear of the trailer. And when turning, make a wide swing to create enough space so that you avoid hitting objects.
• Braking — when a trailer is attached, it’s recommended you allow considerably more distance for stopping.
• Towing on hills — when towing on hills, downshifting helps in increasing power and braking on steep downgrades. The tow/haul mode comes in handy in this situation and helps with gear control efficiency.
• Safe parking — always park a truck with a trailer away from a grade not unless it’s unavoidable. And these circumstances, it’s best to add wheel chocks to the trailer wheels.
• Starting on a parked grade — for this, you’d have to apply the foot service brake and hold. Then, start the engine with the transmission in park mode if the truck is automatic or neutral mode if it’s a manual truck. Release the parking brake while shifting the transmission into gear. To free the chocks, move the truck uphill while having someone retrieve the chocks for you.
• Be extra careful when accelerating or passing — an extra trailer weight can decrease the acceleration speed of the truck. Therefore, be sure to allow extra distance when passing other slower vehicles. You can also signal the other vehicle to allow you to make the passage with plenty of clearance so that you reduce any potential impacts.
• Be wary of excessive shifting when driving with an automatic overdrive transmission — to prevent this from happening, lockout the overdrive to achieve more stability.

Conclusion

Towing a travel trailer, yacht, or car can be daunting when you don’t have the right tools. But with the F150 max tow package, this is made simpler and less of a hassle than you may think. To tell if an F-150 truck has a max tow package, check if it has a Bargman 6/7 plug, a receiver, and a hitch on the rear end. Other indicators are an engine oil cooler, tow/haul shifter, and a high fuel capacity of 36 gallons.