Max Tow F150s
How can I identify a Max Tow F150 by decoding the VIN? I'll be replacing my 2012 F150 with a newer one in the next 6 months or so. I'd like the heavier duty package when I do. But how does Ford ide...
Forum Discussion
Maury82 wrote:
The 2/3 trucks are designed to tow heavier loads than the 1/2 ton, and it weighs more. Because of of that, they have the suspension rated to handle it's added weight and towing capacity.
The F150 EB 3.5 HDPP, has less towing ratings than the same version of the 3/4 ton, and even with a less stout suspension, stops, accelerates, handles turns better than the heavier trucks, because it doesn't need as heavy suspension because of its lighter weight and towing ratings.
There are compromises, and while that 3/4 ton will be a bit more stout towing my trailer than the HDPP F150, especially in windy conditions, but that F150 will be stable...a trade-off.
I'm willing to trade-off that slight gain in stability for better engine and transmission combination that those gas 3/4 trucks are far inferior to the 3.5 EB when towing heavier loads, particularly up hills and when accelerating.
That 3.5 EB add further gains when not towing that the 3/4 ton gas or diesel engines that renders 3/4 ton trucks far inferior to many 1/2 owners...give a little, but gain a lot.
Give a little less towing stability, but gaining much more in every when towing and especially when not towing.
I think this all boils down to what Huntingdog said a few post Back.
THis is a tow vehicle forum. Most of our comments and knowledge is based on what a truck requires to be a good TV.
However many are basing there tow vehicle decision on non towing factors.
Does it fit in the garage? Is it too tall, Is the ride smooth enough for my wife? Does it have a 10 speed transmission? None of those factors enhances the trucks ability to tow yet many base there tow vehicle decision on those factors.
On a tow vehicle forum you are only going to get feedback on what it takes to tow. True towing fanatics know the characteristics of a good tow vehicle however they are not interested or knowledgable in the non towing qualities.
The real compromise begin with your mindset. One must decide how dedicated they are to having a tow vehicle vs. a multi purpose vehicle from the start.
As one get deeper into towing they realize that all the non towing factors become secondary. Having the right vehicle while towing is more important that having the right vehicle while running errands. It only takes one bad towing experience for one to understand that having a stout truck trumps all other factors.
The wrong vehicle while running errands maybe hard to park, however the wrong vehicle while towing may put you in harms way. If/when this happens your mindset changes in a hurry.
The 2/3 trucks are designed to tow heavier loads than the 1/2 ton, and it weighs more. Because of of that, they have the suspension rated to handle it's added weight and towing capacity.
The F150 EB 3.5 HDPP, has less towing ratings than the same version of the 3/4 ton, and even with a less stout suspension, stops, accelerates, handles turns better than the heavier trucks, because it doesn't need as heavy suspension because of its lighter weight and towing ratings.
There are compromises, and while that 3/4 ton will be a bit more stout towing my trailer than the HDPP F150, especially in windy conditions, but that F150 will be stable...a trade-off.
I'm willing to trade-off that slight gain in stability for better engine and transmission combination that those gas 3/4 trucks are far inferior to the 3.5 EB when towing heavier loads, particularly up hills and when accelerating.
That 3.5 EB add further gains when not towing that the 3/4 ton gas or diesel engines that renders 3/4 ton trucks far inferior to many 1/2 owners...give a little, but gain a lot.
Give a little less towing stability, but gaining much more in every when towing and especially when not towing.
I think this all boils down to what Huntingdog said a few post Back.
THis is a tow vehicle forum. Most of our comments and knowledge is based on what a truck requires to be a good TV.
However many are basing there tow vehicle decision on non towing factors.
Does it fit in the garage? Is it too tall, Is the ride smooth enough for my wife? Does it have a 10 speed transmission? None of those factors enhances the trucks ability to tow yet many base there tow vehicle decision on those factors.
On a tow vehicle forum you are only going to get feedback on what it takes to tow. True towing fanatics know the characteristics of a good tow vehicle however they are not interested or knowledgable in the non towing qualities.
The real compromise begin with your mindset. One must decide how dedicated they are to having a tow vehicle vs. a multi purpose vehicle from the start.
As one get deeper into towing they realize that all the non towing factors become secondary. Having the right vehicle while towing is more important that having the right vehicle while running errands. It only takes one bad towing experience for one to understand that having a stout truck trumps all other factors.
The wrong vehicle while running errands maybe hard to park, however the wrong vehicle while towing may put you in harms way. If/when this happens your mindset changes in a hurry.
