When it comes to purchasing a truck, the towing capacity can play a significant role in your decision-making process. If you’re an F150 owner, it’s important to know how to check F150 for Max Tow Package to determine your truck’s true towing potential. This package offers the highest towing capacity available for your F150.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to tell if your F150 has the Max Tow Package.
1. Check the VIN Number to Confirm Max Tow Package on Your F150
The most accurate way to confirm the tow package of your F-150 is by deciphering the VIN number. If you need to verify whether or not your truck has the Max Tow Package, look at the 7th character from the left in your vehicle identification number (VIN). If this character is “3”, it means that your F150 has the Max Tow Package.
2. Use Door Jamb Sticker to Check F150 for Max Tow Package
Another way to tell if your F150 has the Max Tow Package is by checking the sticker on the door jamb. If you look at the driver’s door jamb, you will find a sticker that lists all the factory features of your truck. Towards the bottom of the sticker, you will find a listing for “Max Payload” along with “Max Gross Vehicle Weight Rating”. If your F150 has the Max Tow Package, the max payload number will be 1,980 lbs or higher.
3. Check the Rear Axle
The rear axle of your F150 can also tell you whether or not your truck has the Max Tow Package. Look on the door jamb sticker for the axle code. Typically, if you have a Max Tow Package, your F150 will have the code “3.55” or “3.73”. If you’re unable to locate the code on the sticker, you can find the code on the axle itself.
4. Does Your Engine Confirm the Max Tow Package? Here’s How to Check
The engine in your F150 can also help you identify if the truck has the Max Tow Package. The F150 with the Max Tow Package comes standard with a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine, the same family of engine covered in our guide on how many spark plugs are in a V6. If your F150 came with the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine, there’s a good chance it came with the Max Tow Package.
5. Brake System Clues: Another Way to Check F150 for Max Tow Package
Finally, if you’re still struggling to identify the Max Tow Package on your F150, look at the brake system. F150s with the Max Tow Package come standard with larger brake rotors and calipers. If your brake system seems larger than the standard Ford F150, you likely have the Max Tow Package.
Conclusion
The Max Tow Package for the Ford F150 can increase its towing capacity significantly, making it an important feature for truck owners. Now you know how to check F150 for Max Tow Package by checking the vehicle identification number, door jamb stickers, rear axle code, engine type, and brake system. If you drive a different Ford truck or SUV, the process for how to tell if a Ford Expedition has the Heavy Duty Tow Package is very similar. If you’re unsure about how to check or confirm any of these features, it’s best to contact your local Ford dealership for assistance.
Knowing whether your F150 has the Max Tow Package or not can make all the difference when it comes to towing heavy loads, and it’s worth comparing against other trucks and SUVs, like seeing how much a Kia Sorento can tow, if you’re cross-shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max towing capacity with the F150 Max Tow Package?
Depending on the model year, cab configuration, and engine, the F150 with the Max Tow Package can tow up to around 14,000 lbs, though the exact figure varies by configuration.
Can you add the Max Tow Package after purchase?
Not officially. The Max Tow Package includes factory components like a heavier-duty axle, upgraded brakes, and specific gearing that aren’t easily retrofitted, so it needs to be ordered from the factory.
Does the Max Tow Package affect fuel economy?
Slightly. The larger axle ratio and added weight from towing-related hardware can lower fuel economy a bit compared to a standard-package F150, though the difference is usually minor.
Is the Max Tow Package the same as the Tow Technology Package?
No. The Tow Technology Package adds features like trailer sway control and a backup camera with hitch assist, while the Max Tow Package increases the actual mechanical towing capacity.
