Help! Ford (F150) has got me totally confused

[dwightr8]

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.

[PUCampin]

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.

[Fordlover]

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.

[Mvander]

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.

[PUCampin]

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.

[CND_SuperCrew]

Here is a HD model:

[Mvander]

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

[93Cobra2771]

It is limited slip but not electronic locking.

[CND_SuperCrew]

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....

[PUCampin]

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

[Kevin_O_]

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!

[2112]

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.

[noteven]

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]

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

[mkirsch]

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

I hope that was sarcasm...