Forum Discussion

datadr's avatar
datadr
Explorer
May 04, 2013

Question on F150 Eco GVWR

Hello all,

We are zeroing in on our new TV - we've decided on an F150 SCREW... previously looking at a Suburban but the GVWR was too low on the 1500 and the 2500 was out of our range.

I've researched the differences in the max tow package and standard tow package, and there seems to be some strange inconsistencies in the GVWR that don't make sense. A 145" WB with the std tow and 3.55 rear has a GVWR of 7200#, GCWR of 15500#. Same vehicle with the max tow package has a GVWR of 7650#, GCWR of 17100#. Only difference is a slightly updated hitch (extra 800# capacity)and tow mirrors. The 3.73 rear is a requirement for the max tow, but you can find 3.73 rears without the max tow, and their GVWR is 7200#. I've inspected both on the lot and the suspension is identical, same number of leaf springs, same shock part numbers, etc.

From my understanding, GVWR has everything to do with frame, suspension, brakes, axle, etc. Here's how the axle ratings flush out:

MAX TOW
GCWR: 17100#
GVWR: 7650#
Rear GAWR: 4050#
Front GAWR: 3750#
Axle Ratio: 3.73

STD TOW
GCWR: 15500#
GVWR: 7200#
Rear GAWR: 3850#
Front GAWR: 3750#

The max tow pkg has a combined axle rating of 7800#, and std tow has a combined rating of 7600# (adding the two together). So therefore, if the combined limit of the axles on a std tow F150 is 7600#, why is the GVWR only 7200#? And if the max two gets you 450# additional capacity, why is there only a 200# difference in the two?

Here's why I care: I'm stressing over whether to get the max tow or not. They aren't easy to find in the XLT with the specific options we want and we don't want to order it. Plus, we aren't big fans of the mirrors, preferring to use slip-ons when towing. This vehicle will be used mostly as a daily driver for my wife, and we'll tow 3-4 weeks out of a year max. Our TT loaded for camping is only 5040#. However, when we do go camping, there's 5 of us which will put us at or slightly over the GVWR on a std tow F150. I think the numbers are a little fudged for marketing... suspension is the same, frame is the same, brakes are the same. The GCWR of the std tow F150 is 15500, which we won't even come close to.

Thoughts? Advice? Am I overthinking this?

Thanks, gents! Appreciate the feedback.

- Mike
Tow Vehicles
  • bimbert84's avatar
    bimbert84
    Explorer
    May 11, 2013
    datadr wrote:

    Thanks, all. Looks like we're getting a Max Tow package. We'll skip the Max Payload. We won't need anything that heavy duty.

    After all my research, I made the same choice. With the Ecoboost, the standard payload is over 1800#, which is enough for my needs. If memory serves, the HD package bumps that to like 2200#. For me, that small difference wasn't worth the wait (to order) or the cost.

    -- Rob
  • datadr's avatar
    datadr
    Explorer
    May 11, 2013
    aussy wrote:
    For what it is worth....I just ordered a F-150 with max tow and chrome package in long bed. I did the long bed on the possibility I would want to do a small fiver......Mine is coming in Blue Jean....what color are you getting??

    datadr wrote:
    Thanks, all. Looks like we're getting a Max Tow package. We'll skip the Max Payload. We won't need anything that heavy duty. Appreciate all of the insight, and completely agree with the idea of "plan for the worst case". Better safe than sorry.


    Not sure on color as available inventory will determine it... but kind of keen on the Kodiak Brown. We probably prefer the 145" WB, but not opposed to the 157" WB.
  • Kevin_O_'s avatar
    Kevin_O_
    Explorer
    May 11, 2013
    datadr wrote:
    Thanks, all. Looks like we're getting a Max Tow package. We'll skip the Max Payload. We won't need anything that heavy duty. Appreciate all of the insight, and completely agree with the idea of "plan for the worst case". Better safe than sorry.
    You will be very pleased with your choice!
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    With the standard tow package the 3.55 and 3.73 rear ends have the same tow ratings. I had a chat with Ford - the standard tow package has an upgraded radiator, and the Max tow has an even bigger radiator.
    We tow a small trailer, and since the F150 is my daily driver and I park in a city garage I didn't want the big tow mirrors. I opted for the standard tow package and put my P1 in the dash. It works for us.
  • aussy's avatar
    aussy
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    For what it is worth....I just ordered a F-150 with max tow and chrome package in long bed. I did the long bed on the possibility I would want to do a small fiver......Mine is coming in Blue Jean....what color are you getting??

    datadr wrote:
    Thanks, all. Looks like we're getting a Max Tow package. We'll skip the Max Payload. We won't need anything that heavy duty. Appreciate all of the insight, and completely agree with the idea of "plan for the worst case". Better safe than sorry.
  • datadr's avatar
    datadr
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    Thanks, all. Looks like we're getting a Max Tow package. We'll skip the Max Payload. We won't need anything that heavy duty. Appreciate all of the insight, and completely agree with the idea of "plan for the worst case". Better safe than sorry.
  • whizbang's avatar
    whizbang
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2013
    Your answer is in the Ford F150 brochure. You can get one online or at the dealership. Turn to the section in back with the "packages". It explains exactly what is included in each package.

    I have a 2010 F150. In the 2010 brochure, both the regular tow package and the max tow package have an upgraded radiator, trans cooler, wiring harness, and hitch.

    The Max package has a stiffer bumper, stiffer springs, sliding mirrors, a brake controller and a heavy duty front eye bushing.

    Packages for the new trucks will be similar. I cheaped out and upgraded my springs with Timbrens. No regrets.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    May 05, 2013
    datadr wrote:
    Here's why I care: I'm stressing over whether to get the max tow or not. They aren't easy to find in the XLT with the specific options we want and we don't want to order it. Plus, we aren't big fans of the mirrors, preferring to use slip-ons when towing. This vehicle will be used mostly as a daily driver for my wife, and we'll tow 3-4 weeks out of a year max. Our TT loaded for camping is only 5040#. However, when we do go camping, there's 5 of us which will put us at or slightly over the GVWR on a std tow F150

    Well for sure you don't need a F250/F350 to pull a small 5000 TT a few time a year or for your wife to drive as a dailey driver.
    Any of the trucks you mentioned so far can handle a trailer that size.
    As Skip says the 8200 HD package will give the best of all the worlds if you plan on a heavier TT or a 5th wheel trailer later on. Now add the EB V6 engine and you have the best of both worlds especially as a daily driver for the wife.
    Mirrows :::.. you can add or replace them with ones of your choice.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    BenK wrote:
    Oh...answer to your question....

    Sizing and class of vehicle is the most important to me

    Very high on my 'have to have' list...aka performance and ratings.

    Note that all things designed is not for the good days out there, when a riding
    lawn mower 'can do it'. But for the worst day out there when Mr Murphy crosses
    you path.

    Either you have the right stuff or not. No time to go back to the store to buy
    bigger stuff. Nor time to resetup the system

    I prefer to have the biggest I can afford or get.

    To then know it's ratings and live by those ratings.

    Only you can make that risk management decision...aka...gambling...unless you
    are only looking for those 'sure you can'...which you will get tons of


    X2 This is my philosophy. As a person involved in industrial safety I lean toward decreasing the risk of failure and increasing my chances of overwhelming success. You should consider a 3/4 ton truck in your choices as you will learn that buying a fully tricked out 1/2 ton will cost about the same as a little less optioned 3/4 ton. I ordered my 3/4 ton to my specs and bought it for less than many 1/2 tons sell for off the lot. Choose wisely
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    My advice is that INSTEAD of fussing about Max Tow go for the HD Payload which comes WITH the Max tow so you get both. Payload is as importnat as towing capacity (actually MORE important) since payload is a safety related issue and max trailer weight is a warranty issue.
    Good luck / Skip

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