Groover wrote:
I believe that the main component that adds stability to the max payload package is the LT tires. If you order a 4wd drive F150 you can specify the LT tires as an option for $300 on any version. For the max tow rating you have to have 20" wheels and those are not available with max payload. It is probable that the larger rims add stability too and you can retrofit LT tires to them, it just costs more. The only other features that would add stability are the springs and shocks and you can always change out the shocks and add air springs. I did all of the above on my 2016 F150 and it is nearly as stable as a 2019 F250 that I had for a while plus I can let the air out of the air springs and have a softer ride when empty.
I understand your frustration with finding a max payload package on the lot. I have never seen one. However, when I was asking about the max payload package someone on this site did offer to let me drive theirs to feel the difference. It was a bit of a long drive so I didn't take them up on it but you might be luckier. You might want give a better idea of where you live in Texas if you want to try for that. As much as Ford like to advertise having the largest payload of any half ton truck they should do a lot more to help people buy it.
I have done extensive research on the difference between the two. I posted this on the truck forum a year or so ago:
HDPP truck vs Max Tow truck
The max tow ecoboost F150 also has a 9.75" gearset. Both the HDPP and the “regular” gearset have 34 splines. Only the Raptor gearset is heavier as it has 35 splines. Other than getting a 3.73 instead of a 3.55 the only other difference is that Ford calls for slightly more fluid in the HDPP diff. The axles and axle bearings are identical.
Wheels are no longer 7 lug on the HDPP. Now they all have 6 lug. The HDPP wheels are rated at 2101 lbs vs 1825 lbs for the regular wheel.
If you get the 18” tires you can get the same Goodyear Wrangler AT “c” load range tire that is an option on the HDPP F150
The Supercrew HDPP uses 0.110” thick frame and the other Supercrew 157 uses 0.100”
The max tow trucks have the same transmission cooler as well.
So the real differences between the two are:
Heavier springs.
3.73 gear over 3.55 but the rear is no stronger.
Slightly thicker frame by .01”
Wheels are rated at about 200 lbs more capacity each but the HDPP wheel isn’t even capable of the capacity of the GY Wrangler AT “C” range tire.
I already have C range tires, and super springs on the rear. I guess I should just buy the heavier front springs and put them on my max tow truck. With a 10 speed having a 3.73 over 3.55 wouldn't make much of a difference
