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Help! Ford (F150) has got me totally confused

dwightr8
Explorer
Explorer
We're currently towing a ~4500lb tt with a 4L V6 Toyota Tacoma. We've been looking at the Ford F150 w/ecoboost but in trying to figure out what options come with what model (and what options we really want) we've become totally confused. I think the XLT would probably work but it looks like you can only get a 3.55 diff with the eb. I thought we wanted a 3.73 but now I don't know if that's really necessary. Also wanted max towing and max weight but can't figure out if that's available on the XLT (we may upgrade to a bigger trailer some time so I wanted to leave all options open). The FX4 has all the options but is $10k more and has a lot of stuff we don't need or want. We went to a dealer today but the salesman, although a really nice guy, knew little or nothing about the trucks he was trying to sell. So I guess what I really need to know is if a 3.73 diff, max weight, and max towing are that important and what we can get on the XLT.
Dewey

Wife Terri, Golden Retriever Brandi
2015 Shadow Cruiser S-260BHS
2014 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 Ecoboost w/Max Tow
Equal-i-zer® Hitch
38 REPLIES 38

PUCampin
Explorer
Explorer
Oops, I see the difference now. With the 5.0 you get the "Trailer Tow package", with the 3.5 you get the "Max Tow Package". All the drive train upgrades seem to be the same between the 2 (radiator, trans cooler, select shift), but the max tow package gets the mirrors, bumper and integrated brake controller. Their website leaves something to be desired.
2007 Expedition EL 4x4 Tow pkg
1981 Palomino Pony, the PopUp = PUCampin! (Sold)
2006 Pioneer 180CK = (No more PUcampin!):B

Me:B DW:) and the 3 in 3 :E
DD:B 2006, DS 😛 2007, DD :C 2008

Fordlover
Explorer
Explorer
PUCampin wrote:


Max tow is available without the HD Payload, but not the other way around. It is AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED with HD Payload.



Great info, but this one item is only true if you configure a 3.5 ecoboost. The 5.0 V8 isn't available with the Max tow package, so if you configure the V8 with the HD payload, you won't be able to add the Max tow, nor is it included.
2016 Skyline Layton Javelin 285BH
2018 F-250 Lariat Crew 6.2 Gas 4x4 FX4 4.30 Gear
2007 Infiniti G35 Sport 6 speed daily driver
Retired 2002 Ford Explorer 4.6 V8 4x4
Sold 2007 Crossroads Sunset Trail ST19CK

Mvander
Explorer
Explorer
PUCampin wrote:




Max tow is available without the HD Payload, but not the other way around. It is AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED with HD Payload.



You can get hd payload without max tow if you have selected the 5.0.
55 FEET OF FAMILY FUN!
2014 F150 HD
2015 Grey Wolf 29DSFB

PUCampin
Explorer
Explorer
93Cobra2771 wrote:
It is limited slip but not electronic locking.


Correct. The "3.73 Limited Slip" is exclusive to the HD Payload package, it is not available on any other F150, and the HD Payload package does not come with any other axle. For whatever reason this is what Ford uses in their build and price to trigger the HD Payload package. With any other axle chosen it does not even appear as a package you can select, but with this axle chosen, the HD payload and max tow packages appear and are automatically checked. Kind of confusing.
2007 Expedition EL 4x4 Tow pkg
1981 Palomino Pony, the PopUp = PUCampin! (Sold)
2006 Pioneer 180CK = (No more PUcampin!):B

Me:B DW:) and the 3 in 3 :E
DD:B 2006, DS 😛 2007, DD :C 2008

CND_SuperCrew
Explorer
Explorer
Here is a HD model:

TV 2012 F150 loaded XLT EB SuperCrew 7700GVWR Maxtow 6.5'
TT 2021 Keystone Passport GT 2870RL

Mvander
Explorer
Explorer
bobx2 wrote:
$43k for a half ton, V-6 pickup??? Wow. No thank you.

No one will ever pay msrp. Maybe 8-10k off tha.t price
55 FEET OF FAMILY FUN!
2014 F150 HD
2015 Grey Wolf 29DSFB

93Cobra2771
Explorer
Explorer
It is limited slip but not electronic locking.
Richard White
2011 F150 Ecoboost SCREW 145" 4x4
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Springs/Air Lift Wireless Controller
2006 Sportsmen by KZ 2604P (30')
Hensley Arrow

CND_SuperCrew
Explorer
Explorer
PUCampin wrote:
The Ford build and price is confusing because it does not really tell you how to get the HD payload package, it is not an option you check off but there is a trick.

Here is how to get HD Payload to show up.

1. Choose your model
2. Choose from the axle list 3.73 limited slip. THIS AXLE CHOICE IS WHAT TRIGGERS THE HD PAYLOAD PACKAGE. It is the ONLY axle that is available with HD payload
3. Play with cab and bed length, if it is is not an option with the HD Payload it will ask you to change the axle ratio. Don't let it.
4. Once you pick your bed and cab go to packages. Looking at the list on the right you will see HD payload has magically appeared and is checked along with max tow package.

Max tow is available without the HD Payload, but not the other way around. It is AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED with HD Payload.

There are 2 quick indicators for HD Payload. GVWR is 8200lbs, and it will have 7 lug wheels. When I did a invetory search I was actually surprised I came up with a few. It doesn't list it in the blurb about the truck, and it is not a searchable option, but you can tell the 7 lug wheels in the facke picture because they are different from the others. Once you open up the window sticker you will see the HD payload listed and 8200GVWR


It is also a non-locking diff. if memory serves me correct....
TV 2012 F150 loaded XLT EB SuperCrew 7700GVWR Maxtow 6.5'
TT 2021 Keystone Passport GT 2870RL

PUCampin
Explorer
Explorer
The Ford build and price is confusing because it does not really tell you how to get the HD payload package, it is not an option you check off but there is a trick.

Here is how to get HD Payload to show up.

1. Choose your model
2. Choose from the axle list 3.73 limited slip. THIS AXLE CHOICE IS WHAT TRIGGERS THE HD PAYLOAD PACKAGE. It is the ONLY axle that is available with HD payload
3. It is available in regular cab 4. Once you pick your bed and cab go to packages. Looking at the list on the right you will see HD payload has magically appeared and is checked along with max tow package.

Max tow is available without the HD Payload, but not the other way around. It is AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED with HD Payload.

There are 2 quick indicators for HD Payload. GVWR is 8200lbs, and it will have 7 lug wheels. When I did a invetory search I was actually surprised I came up with a few. It doesn't list it in the blurb about the truck, and it is not a searchable option, but you can tell the 7 lug wheels in the facke picture because they are different from the others. Once you open up the window sticker you will see the HD payload listed and 8200GVWR
2007 Expedition EL 4x4 Tow pkg
1981 Palomino Pony, the PopUp = PUCampin! (Sold)
2006 Pioneer 180CK = (No more PUcampin!):B

Me:B DW:) and the 3 in 3 :E
DD:B 2006, DS 😛 2007, DD :C 2008

Kevin_O_
Explorer
Explorer
Just another typical diesel owner with his nose in the air thinking if it's not a diesel than all it can possibly be good for is getting the groceries!
KEVIN :C
DW-Debbie :R
DS-Tyler 11yrs old:D
DD-Makayla 8yrs old:p
MERIDEN,CT
2001 Ford Powerstroke F350 Lariat
2012 Keystone Outback 292BH-OLD
2016 Jayco 29.5BHDS-NEW

2112
Explorer II
Explorer II
2112 wrote:
bobx2 wrote:
Fordlover wrote:
bobx2 wrote:
$43k for a highly capable, nicely loaded, half ton, diesel like power delivery V-6 pickup??? Wow. No thank you.


I fixed it for you.

Hahahahaha, you're a funny guy. However, it didn't need any fix'n. No reason to try and fool anyone. Diesel like power delivery....hahahahaha, good one.
Bob, have you towed with one?
Due to a lack of response I can only ASSUME the answer is NO.

News Flash: It's not your grandpa's F100. Technology has progressed.
2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost SuperCab Max Tow, 2084# Payload, 11,300# Tow,
Timbrens
2013 KZ Durango 2857

noteven
Explorer III
Explorer III
mkirsch wrote:
06Fargo wrote:
What the pickup truck world really needs is more choices....


I hope that was sarcasm...


ya kinda - if you look at this excellent Towing Guide Ford Towing Guide that is chock full of information (and choices) , page 9, how can trucks need to have GVW ratings that are 20lbs different?

Speaking of a Sooper Duty big brother for the V6 EcoBoost - if it were a 7 litre engine with the same power output per litre it would be 730hp 840 lbs-ft of torques. And say that V10 or V12 noise. What's not to like?

CND_SuperCrew
Explorer
Explorer
Here is what I was able to come up with in building a F150 given your zip code:



TV 2012 F150 loaded XLT EB SuperCrew 7700GVWR Maxtow 6.5'
TT 2021 Keystone Passport GT 2870RL

mkirsch
Nomad II
Nomad II
06Fargo wrote:
What the pickup truck world really needs is more choices....


I hope that was sarcasm...

Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.