Knowing how to tell if F150 has max tow package is easy. One of the ways I do so is by checking the window sticker or Monroney label. There are a variety of other approaches you can use.
My guide describes five methods for checking the max tow package of F150. I also stated the reasons to go for that option.
Let’s start without further ado!
Contents
How to Tell If F150 Has Max Tow Package? – Here’re 5 Methods
“How do I know if my F150 has a max tow package?” – I came across this question many times on many forums discussions among F150 owners. The answers to that question are in this section, with the five techniques below.
Method 1: Looking at the Owner Manual for Your Vehicle
This is a simple method because all you need to do is to look for the related section on the contents page of the manual. You will get all the information you need about the tow package by flipping to the right page. This is why vehicle owners should keep such manuals well.
Method 2: Check via VIN
The max tow package can be ascertained by looking up the vehicle identification number, abbreviated as VIN. Do so on the FordEtis site by matching the vehicle specifications. It will be displayed on the window sticker’s “optional equipment/other” section, provided it is the max option.
(I got this window sticker from MonroneyLabels)
Method 3: Check Upgraded Features
One way you can tell if your F150 has the max tow package is by looking out for upgrades like a higher fuel tank capacity than the base F150 vehicles. Following are the approaches you can try:
- Check your truck’s fuel tank capacity. The max option comes with a 36-gallon fuel tank which is far more than what the base F150 trucks offer (26 gallons or 23 gallons).
- Inspect the electronic rear axle. The gear ratio would be 3.55 (L9) or 3.73 (L6). It will be the latter as long as the Max Trailer Tow Package is combined with a Heavy-Duty Payload Package (627). Verify the electronic rear-axle upgrade on the window sticker.
- Check the door latch post pillar’s Truck Safety Compliance Certification label. Alternatively, the label could be found on the lock of the left front door.
- The rear bumper upgrade is also a sign that your truck has the max option. This is what the vehicle will have instead of the standard bumper. It comes with an enhanced trailer hitch receiver.
| Tip: If you’re about to purchase a used F150, make sure you ask about any modifications or upgrades that were done to it. (E.g., switching from a V6 engine to a V8 engine.) This way, you can check whether the vehicle has a max tow package. |
Method 4: Check the Safety Chain Loops of Trailer Hitch Receiver
Inspect the safety chain loops of the trailer hitch receiver to ascertain whether it is part of a standard or upgraded rear bumper. The proof of the max tow package you seek is angled chain loops.
Method 5: Check the Trailer Hitch Receiver Ratings
This is another easy way to discover the tow package on your vehicle. Find out the towing limit of the trailer hitch receiver on its rating label. You will see that the Max Gross Trailer Weight rating is 12,000+ lbs.
Read more: What Is The Ford F150 XTR Package? [Explain and Review]
What Is a Tow Package on F150?
The Ford F150 full-size pickup is the most popular truck in the United States for good reasons. It can perform the role of a family vehicle and also be utilized as a workhorse. You can convey weighty truckloads and easily maneuver around worksites with it. This truck has more to offer with the addition of a suitable tow package.
A tow package on an F150 is the complete set of the essential components needed to tow a load in a safe, secure, and reliable manner. It boosts the weight rating of your truck and lets your vehicle haul heavier loads efficiently without compromising its physical condition.
Towing with your F150 entails the ability to do more hauling in fewer trips. You can convey more than the truckload. Recreational vehicles such as ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), travel trailers, and boats can be towed easily.
Your F150 truck’s tow package might include upgrades for the engine, suspension system, electrical and cooling system, rear-end (differential) gearing, brakes, and transmission. The collection varies depending on the type of tow package.
The max tow package (Max Trailer Tow Package) offers the F150 max tow capacity, which I will elaborate on later. This package contains all the standard electronic and mechanical enhancements along with additional upgrades.
What are F150 Tow Packages?
Ford offers the Class IV Trailer Hitch Package, Tow Technology Package, Trailer Tow Package, and Max Trailer Tow Package for their F150 vehicles. I will be focused on the last two packages in this section, with more attention given to the Max Trailer Tow Package.
The Trailer Tow Package
This option has a class IV trailer hitch receiver, standard 4/7-pin wiring harness, tailgate LED, Integrated Brake Controller, Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, Technology Package, and other standard specs.
The Max Trailer Tow Package
The Max Trailer Tow Package (MTTP) enhances the vehicle to the highest class in terms of towing ability. It offers the most improvements among all the options available. This package is optional for the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. You would need to get the Heavy-Duty Payload Package if you want to have the MTTP on the XL trim.
Read more: Ford F150 XL Vs. XLT: Which Trim Level Is Right For You?
I mentioned that the max tow package offers the F150 max tow capacity, which is 14,000 lbs. This is dependent on the F150 model and the added package. Remember that the max tow capacity of the 2020 F150 max option was 13,200 lbs. New tow capability upgrades are introduced each year with some differences in features.
The specs of the MTTP include the standard features of the Trailer Tow Package and the following special additions:
| 3.0L Power Stroke V6 + 3.55:1 electronic locking rear axle | EcoBoost engine + Heavy-Duty Payload Package |
| 3.5L EcoBoost engine excluding the Heavy-Duty Package | PowerBoost Full Hybrid + 4×4 |
| 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid + 4×2 | Rear bumper upgrade |
| 36-gallon fuel tank + extended range | V6 diesel engine/hybrid 3.0L Power Stroke |
| 5.0L PFDI V8 + 3.73:1 electronic locking rear axle |
See the requirements for the max option below. You can’t have the MTTP on your F150 without any of them.
You can quickly tell that your F150 doesn’t have the max package if its engine doesn’t match any of the items on the above list.
Reasons to Go for a Max Tow Package
You may have already concluded that the Max Trailer Tow Package is the best for you because of the merits mentioned earlier. But what if you need more points to solidify your resolve? I have explained those merits further here under three subheadings.
Electronic Rear Axle Upgrade
The enhanced electronic rear-axle ensures the even distribution of power to the two rear wheels for better traction. This makes driving easier on bad roads or rough terrains covered in mud or snow. You will also get a torque boost and improved fuel economy due to the 3.73 or 3.55 axle ratio.
Higher Fuel Tank Capacity
A 36-gallon fuel tank is just right for trucks that tow heavier loads. This is because pulling such weights means a higher fuel consumption. The additional capacity is great for the fuel economy, and you will be making fewer visits to the gas station.
Integrated TBC (Trailer Brake Control)
The Trailer Brake Control is an intuitive system that ensures you brake smoothly with the attached trailer. The trailer brake application will be automatic when you press the truck’s brakes. This feature can be found at the center console. It consists of a manual slide control lever in addition to a plus-minus gain adjust button.
The controls mentioned above are used to regulate the power that the TBC sends to the trailer’s brakes. They also make independent trailer brake applications possible.
You can keep track of them on the built-in dashboard. A warning notification will be seen on the dashboard when an electrical connection to the trailer is lost. An audio alert will be heard as well. Trailer braking is simple and safe with this system.
Note: Specs like the auxiliary transmission cooler and front sway bar upgrade won’t change your towing capacity in any way, but they boost driving efficiency and safety. An increase in engine torque is what will have the most impact on towing capacity.
Read more: Ford F150 Lariat vs. King Ranch vs. Platinum
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the max tow package is a far more valuable collection than the other options, even if it is higher in price. You can’t overlook its advantages over other packages in areas such as traction, fuel economy, torque, fuel tank capacity, braking, towing capacity, and safety. Even the Trailer Tow Package isn’t so basic in the sense of the word because of its notable luxury specs. The F150 max tow package is a welcome feature to those whose towing requirements can’t be met by other packages.
References
https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2021/models/f150-lariat/image/max-trailer-tow-package/
https://www.kingsfordinc.com/blog/what-is-the-ford-max-tow-package/
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/what-is-included-in-the-ford-f-150-max-trailer-tow-package/
