Who has switched from a '16+ max tow F150 to a '16+ HD F150?

[johndeerefarmer]

I am looking for people that had an aluminum bodied max tow F150 and moved over to a HD F150. If so how much more stable is the HD version vs the max tow version for towing, and specifically towing in the wind?

I currently have two trucks and two RV's and within the next year and a half or so need to move to a single truck and RV.

I would consider trading both trucks for a HD F150 if I knew it would tow the 29rs in 15-20 mph winds. Since I am retired from farming I no longer have much heavy stuff to tow. I bought the 16 F250 last year to specifically haul my 29rs to Colorado because I knew trying to do it in the west Texas winds would be a nightmare. The vacation home should be done in a year or so, so at that time I need to bring the 29rs home and at that point sell some RV's or trucks

Thanks

[Edd505]

Keep the F250 and don't worry about driving a smaller truck. Why spend the extra $$ to get a max tow or wanta be F250?

[IdaD]

johndeerefarmer wrote:

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

So you can basically get the same result with a suspension upgrade of some sort and possibly better tires/wheels. Not much difference.

[mhamershock]

I went from a 2011 Max to a 2018 SCREW HDPP, both 3.5TT. It's night and day better. I tow 27' (33 overall) at about 8500 lbs. The HDPP handles it with ease.With 4 people, 3 dogs, a topper, and 1,000 lb tongue weight I am under all limits for the truck. Yes, I've scaled it. Have dealt with 40+ MPH crosswinds along the Oregon coast. Husky Centerline TS hitch and no issues. I've posted a number of tow reviews here. The HDPP is an outstanding tow platform, good for up to 9500 lbs IMHO.

MIke

[Grit_dog]

Keep the '17 and put an add a leaf under it and some tires...bingo HDPP, or keep the '16 if you want an actual HD truck.

Not sure the need to split hairs between the 2 unless you also have that new car itch.

[troubledwaters]

I don't know the answer to your specific question, but my 2019 F150 HDPP tows my trailer just as well as my F250 did, and gets 40%+ better gas mileage as a daily driver.

[johndeerefarmer]

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

[Groover]

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.

[spud1957]

ShinerBock wrote:

johndeerefarmer wrote:

Thanks. I know the differences between the trucks. I was hoping some owners that had switch would post here. Since you can't find a HD payload truck to test drive and for sure can't test drive with a RV, that's the only way I can find out

Yeah, they are hard to find on dealer lots. I had to special order mine.

Sorry OP. Not on topic.

In for oil change and they had this Super Crew HDPP F150 in the showroom. Quite surprised they have one in their inventory.

Pic of the payload.

[ShinerBock]

johndeerefarmer wrote:

Thanks. I know the differences between the trucks. I was hoping some owners that had switch would post here. Since you can't find a HD payload truck to test drive and for sure can't test drive with a RV, that's the only way I can find out

Yeah, they are hard to find on dealer lots. I had to special order mine.

[johndeerefarmer]

JIMNLIN wrote:
Max tow is just a option that can be on just about any F150 configuration.

.Includes:
• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear-axle
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• 36 Gallon fuel tank
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Engine oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Tailgate LED
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
• Upgraded rear bumper

Some have said the F150HDPP comes with the max tow option.

F150 truck specs from the top on down;
#1. 7850 gvwr...4800 rawr.

#2. 7600 gvwr...4550 rawr..

#3. 7050 gvwr...4050 rawr...

#4. 6800 gvwr...3800 rawr...

Owners of these trucks would be the ones you need input from.

Thanks. I know the differences between the trucks. I was hoping some owners that had switch would post here. Since you can't find a HD payload truck to test drive and for sure can't test drive with a RV, that's the only way I can find out

[ShinerBock]

^^I believe you have to have the long bed option(6' w/ crew cab or 8' w/ super cab) in order to have the HD package. You don't with the max tow so it is not available in every configuration. At least that was the way it was when I had my 2012 F150HD.

Edit: I just checked Ford's website and it is still the same. HD payload package requires the longest bed possible with either cab configuration.

[JIMNLIN]

Max tow is just a option that can be on just about any F150 configuration.

.Includes:
• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear-axle
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• 36 Gallon fuel tank
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Engine oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Tailgate LED
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
• Upgraded rear bumper

Some have said the F150HDPP comes with the max tow option.

F150 truck specs from the top on down;
#1. 7850 gvwr...4800 rawr.

#2. 7600 gvwr...4550 rawr..

#3. 7050 gvwr...4050 rawr...

#4. 6800 gvwr...3800 rawr...

Owners of these trucks would be the ones you need input from.