Maximize payload of PB?

[HammaMan]

I was referring to the weight limit of the heavier receiver/bumper on the MaxTow vs. the somewhat lighter receiver/bumper on the non-MaxTow "tow package". I understand that the real limit for the trailer is the payload but don't know if the lighter receiver allows 1,000+# hitch weight.

If that doesn't prevent towing my trailer then I agree that MaxTow might be unnecessary on a PB, assuming ITBC and other essential features are on the truck. That may save a few #.

There's only 1 rating for the hitch itself that I could find and it's 1400lbs. The 'upgraded' hitch adds 2 little reinforcement bars, rear brakes that increase total frictional area by ~4% total, and semi floating axles whose bolts randomly break off and rattle around in the wheel centers.

The maximum trailer weight listed for the 'standard' hitch on the power boost is 11,300lbs.

Given what you're going to pull, I'd save the $2k on the "max tow" and add airbags w/ remote compressor and a sway bar w/ $500 left over. One of the 'tricks' I like to do with the compressor / airbags is to use the truck to 'lift' the tongue for easier jack manipulation.

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[Thefreddler]

My '22 501a PB 7.2kw 4x4 has 3-5 of your list plus I have the moonroof, 360 camera, trailer tow package, nav, payload sticker is 1612lbs. I consider that a close approximation to your list, but any option package that adds side steps, sprayin liner, aftermarkert etc will be the ankle biters.

 

[HammaMan]

@SomebodyInGNV
Here's a really good candidate but doesn't have 7.2kw
https://www.weikertford.com/new/For...Wales+FL-d210234e0a0e087f1aa1d10f49018697.htm

Another, no 7.2kw though
https://www.lakelandford.com/vehicle/1FTFW1ED1PFA17410/New-2023-Ford-F--150-XLT-Lakeland-FL/

This is a good one, has FX4 though, that's a waste IMO
https://www.lakelandford.com/vehicle/1FTFW1ED5PFA51463/New-2023-Ford-F--150-XLT-Lakeland-FL/

This is a decent one too, no 7.2kw though. Customer refused (tell by build date) ~1570 payload guesstimate.
https://www.lakelandford.com/vehicle/1FTFW1ED0NFB42573/New-2022-Ford-F--150-XLT-Lakeland-FL/

nap time.
My suggestions will all have 360 cams, copilot assist (auto steer / radar cruise / includes connected nav), tow package, bed step. The 7.2kw inverter is a big deal and would personally steer my choices, but can be made up for by upping your solar / batt system with some good LFPs. There is a way to tap the HV system of the truck and feed it into a 500v solar MPPT and tap 15kW of power from it, but that's more than a lot of folks are willing to do. The cable that feeds the inverter under the bed is on a 160a fuse connected directly to the motors 3 phase inverter and is the perfect tap point. It seems so far I'm the only way brave enough to go that far w/ tinkering.

Here's a great one for you, checks all the boxes -- 1650lb payload to boot
https://www.brucewaltersford.com/new-Pikeville-2022-Ford-F+150-4x4+SuperCrew+XLT-1FTFW1ED6NFA65336

This is the perfect minimum optioned powerboost. The 20" wheels can be had for $1k take off almost everywhere if that's something you prefer, saves $1500 and ~40lbs of payload rating. The work surface is very handy (food / laptop table) and the rear window is great for venting. Both are very light options so no weight penalty.

 

[SomebodyInGNV]

Here's a zip that covers most of the SE given your location. These are new PB's. Blue window stickers = dealer ordered, green stickers w/ recent dates are likely customer trucks. If the date is ~3 months old on a green sticker, customer may have refused delivery and it's available.

So, your search approach is autotrader?

 

[HammaMan]

So, your search approach is autotrader?

Ford's site is useless whereas autotrader will let you find the powerboosts specifically.

 

[SomebodyInGNV]

Ford's site is useless whereas autotrader will let you find the powerboosts specifically.

Carfax also allows specifying hybrid as a fuel type.

 

[HammaMan]

Carfax also allows specifying hybrid as a fuel type.

I've found quite a few unobtainable vehicles w/ autotrader. I'm sure they all us the same data sources. Carfax is great to see window stickers of used vehicles as they're usually on the report.

The lariat take-off leather fits the XLT's seats quite nicely. Ya don't see this everyday....

 

[Aron]

I tried to buy an XLT HDPP last year but failed because Ford cut too many options. I could no longer justify buying a new vehicle, compared to the 2016 500A EB MaxTow I already have.

I'm now considering a PB but the only reason I own a truck at all is to tow my ~7K# travel trailer with ~1K# tongue weight. I don't want a SuperDuty, so I have to maximize the payload on whatever F150 I buy. (Let's not derail this with a 1/2 ton/SuperDuty debate.)

I'm researching whether a PB can be outfitted to meet my needs. My requirements are:

1. tow mirrors, with a strong preference for electric folding, i.e., Lariat.
2. tailgate step (a hard requirement)
3. bucket seats w/ console
4. Co-pilot 2.0 Assist preferred but not required
5. 4WD desirable but not a hard requirement and, in a PB, may be too costly in terms of weight.

Can someone tell me what the payload would be on a base (501A?) Lariat with the 1st 3 options? How much would the latter 2 detract from the payload capacity?

Edit: would there be any advantage to an XLT high with the same requirements? It would have to be a big advantage because you can't get electric-folding tow mirrors in an XLT. I'd have to buy manual-fold mirrors, then upgrade them myself, a costly and laborious task.

Edit 2: Nav is a strong preference, because it now supports trailer routing.

You can use the 2021 eSourcebook to help you dial in payload weights of various models. The 2021 version notably includes estimates for options, which the 2022 and 2023 versions didn’t include. Since Ford hasn’t significantly changed the trucks in those three model years, it should still be relatively accurate. I just posted that guidebook in this thead:

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/concerns-about-being-overloaded.16631/#post-328623

Regarding your specific list of “must haves,” the bed utility package is going to give you payload headaches. To get around this, I purchased a Bestop Trekstep:

Works pretty well. Much less fiddly than the OEM tailgate step, and only about 15 lbs.

 

[SomebodyInGNV]

... Regarding your specific list of “must haves,” the bed utility package is going to give you payload headaches. To get around this, I purchased a Bestop Trekstep. Works pretty well. Much less fiddly than the OEM tailgate step, and only about 15 lbs.

That looks useful, and lighter. I also find the bed lights useful but the weight of the big step is a high cost.

My current truck also has side steps which I use occasionally but could easily live without. I believe they eat more than 30# of the payload. I don't know if they even offer them any more but I definitely will avoid them if possible.

 

[Aron]

That looks useful, and lighter. I also find the bed lights useful but the weight of the big step is a high cost.

My current truck also has side steps which I use occasionally but could easily live without. I believe they eat more than 30# of the payload. I don't know if they even offer them any more but I definitely will avoid them if possible.

For what it’s worth, I installed the OEM bed lights after the fact. Super easy hardware to install, and only a few changes needed in forscan.

 

[EricR]

<snip>

Regarding your specific list of “must haves,” the bed utility package is going to give you payload headaches. To get around this, I purchased a Bestop Trekstep:

Works pretty well. Much less fiddly than the OEM tailgate step, and only about 15 lbs.

Does the Trekstep fold up and away when not in use?

Or, does it always hang down and out - as shown in your picture?

 

[Aron]

Does the Trekstep fold up and away when not in use?

Or, does it always hang down and out - as shown in your picture?

It does fold up, but it still hangs down a bit below the bumper, even when folded.

 

[EricR]

It does fold up, but it still hangs down a bit below the bumper, even when folded.

Thanks!

 

[dmac]

I had a 2021 500a Lariat PB 4x4 with 1665 lbs of payload.

Only options were:
B&O
Tow Tech
Copilot 360 Assist.

 

[SomebodyInGNV]

It does fold up, but it still hangs down a bit below the bumper, even when folded.

Can you post a picture showing the accessibility of step when the tailgate is down? It seems to be under it, making it difficult to use.

Whatever the case, it will be smaller than the OEM tailgate step, but the decrease in weight may justify that, if it's big enough to be usable.

They're not cheap. $285? Is that for one, or for a pair?

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