MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE - Upside or downside when not towing

F150 Models Forum
1

Hi,

I am in the market for 2021-2023 F-150, and I have spent a lot of time reviewing specifications to understand what is nice-to-have vs need-to-have for me.

The one specification I have not fully understood the impacts is MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE. This is a ~$2000 addition (for some years) but adds some mechanical differences, main ones listed below

  • 3.55/3.73 Electronic-locking Rear-Axle (depending on engine)
  • 36 gallon fuel tank (not with powerboost)
  • Upgrade rear bumper (not cosmetic change)
  • Larger rear brakes and upgraded parking brake
  • Different rear axle
  • Different stabilizer bar
  • 3 leaf spring rear axle

For someone who will most likely not do any major towing, would these changes from regular model offer any kind of advantages in terms of durability, performance and or general enjoyment of driving?

I have read some comments that heavy duty trucks made for hauling can be considered too stiff for general driving, to the point where it can be uncomfortable driving with no load on the truck. I want to make sure I am not sacrificing anything in regards to regular driving, when this is almost exclusively what I will do.

Thank you. Appreciate any feedback.

2

With the 3.73s, you’re likely to see lower real-world fuel economy and a truck that’s zippier. The 36g tank is awesome.

People saying ‘it probably doesn’t even make a difference when towing’ need to learn how gearing works.

3

Always get tow package imo

Oil and transmission coolers alone to me are worth it. Bigger brakes and springs are worth having also

4

Zayne said:
Always get tow package imo

Oil and transmission coolers alone to me are worth it. Bigger brakes and springs are worth having also

If I understand correctly, there are no changes to transmission of general cooling of vehicle with the tow package for 2021+.

Can you elaborate how you find the additional springs a benefit when not towing? Durability?

5

@Vail
Right. It’s the same shitty 10 speed transmission.

6

The axle is better, stronger, longer lasting.

7

I test drove both. I couldn’t tell a difference. My 2018 has the max tow package. I’m glad I got it. I do tow a 6k trailer about 30% of the time. I love the 36 gallon tank.

8

Cal said:
I test drove both. I couldn’t tell a difference. My 2018 has the max tow package. I’m glad I got it. I do tow a 6k trailer about 30% of the time. I love the 36 gallon tank.

Yep 36 gallon fuel tank is so worth it, makes a huge difference imo

9

@Alix
Why’s everyone so excited about the 35 gallon tank? I’ve had since 2013 . I’m two trucks . Without max tow.

10

My '21 has it - ride quality is not an issue at all, smooth as can be. I like having it, but doesn’t make much difference even when towing I’d guess.

It’s a package they dropped as they streamlined packages in '24.

I’m surprised you’re finding lots of them even; never seemed popular.

11

@Adley
Do you know how they changed it in 2024?
Do they all now have the same leaf springs and stabilizer bar?

12

@Adley
My '24 XLT has the Max Tow package (tow mirrors, 3.73, extra leaf springs, etc). Maybe you’re thinking of the '25 model year? Though I’d be shocked if they dropped such an important option package

13

Had a 2021 700a without it and with fx4. And currently have a 2021 701a with max tow. I do not notice any real difference in ride quality, if anything I think the max tow without fx4 is slightly smoother.

14

Mine’s a 145 and comfortable. 36 gallon tank is awesome. That’s all I got.

15

The 36 gallon gas tank and larger tow mirrors are great. The axle bolts have a tendency to break though. Both of mine went out and the dealer had to replace both axels. They didn’t even make it 60k miles.

16

I have a 2021 3.5 4x4. It’s real nice. Dad has a 23 fx4 max tow 3.5. I love my truck but dad’s truck is just better. I don’t know why exactly but max tow/fx4 is only difference and his just has some sort of edge when driving it. I’ll trade mine in when I get the chance. For a dude that would rather have a 5 window Chevy he sure has a fancy ride…I’m envious.

17

2018 F150 with 3.5 and Max Trailer Tow package. I purchased the truck new, a friend wanted to ride in the truck and made the comment ‘I hate to tell you this but it doesn’t ride like a truck.’

18

Gray said:
2018 F150 with 3.5 and Max Trailer Tow package. I purchased the truck new, a friend wanted to ride in the truck and made the comment ‘I hate to tell you this but it doesn’t ride like a truck.’

From the perspective where it was too stiff and uncomfortable?

19

@Vail
He meant the ride was comfortable not what he was expecting.

20

Gray said:
2018 F150 with 3.5 and Max Trailer Tow package. I purchased the truck new, a friend wanted to ride in the truck and made the comment ‘I hate to tell you this but it doesn’t ride like a truck.’

That’s the same thing I said to my brother and bought one the next month.