Forum Discussion

Groover's avatar
Groover
Explorer II
Nov 06, 2015

F150: max payload package or airbags?

I own a 2013 F150 that I really like but want a firmer suspension for hauling and trailer pulling. I might upgrade this truck but really need a new vehicle anyway. I have not been able to get a promise date on the build from Ford so far but waiting is not a big issue. The main issue is that I would like some safety features like adaptive cruise control and backup sensors(and a bunch of comfort items) that are not available with max payload package. While I really like the higher rated payload I am getting more and more tempted to just specify the long bed and heavy duty tires from the max payload package, then add supplemental air springs and maybe heavy duty shocks. It seems that the only thing I would lose is the heavy duty axle. I don't plan to carry heavy loads frequently, I mainly want the stability for trailer pulling (I do miss my F250 but really want a smoother ride and better fuel economy). The axle with max tow package is rated to tow just as much as the max payload axle and I am not clear what else I would lose other than springs. Unless max payload gets a lot bigger brakes or bigger wheel bearings I don't know what the improvement would be. I was thinking or adding air springs regardless of which truck I get just to keep truck level when loaded.

Does anyone know of something from the max payload package that I might really miss or should I just skip it? I do know that I really want the longer bed.

33 Replies

  • Features vs. safety.

    It's a decision based on your propensity for risk. Some are comfortable pushing/exceeding the risk envelope---some are not.

    No one is going to be able to tell you the MTBF for a given payload with or without the HD Payload Package.

    What is your payload baseline? How much payload do you need to carry? Does it exceed the payload rating of the truck without the HD Payload Package?

    I believe the HD Payload Package has 7-bolt axles vs. the standard 6-bolt axles. My guess Ford had more concerns than just having the wheel/tire fall off when they engineered the HD Payload Package. Rather than guessing, it wouldn't take much research to verify whether the various rear axle/bearing/suspension part numbers for the HD Payload Pkg are different from the standard F150.
  • According to a quick look at Ford's website, the max trailer tow package includes:
    3.73 rear red
    9.75" axle vs the 8.8"(I think)
    upgraded springs
    aux trans cooler.

    It appears that there is a lot of duplication between the max tow and max payload packages.

    There is a current recall for reprogramming the adaptive c.c. on the 2015's
    http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2015-ford-f-150-recalled-for-unexpected-adaptive-cruise-control-braking.html
  • Why not just buy a f250 gasser? Seems to me this would be a smarter idea?