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towing with F150 powerboost without any tow packages

stlgrym3

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my powerboost does not come with neither trailer tow nor max trailer tow packages. it just has a rear hitch and electrical harness. how difficult will it be to tow a 4000lb-ish travel trailer without any of these packages? has anyone with similar setup done it? thanks in advance.
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Davexxxx

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stlgrym3

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The bumper is rated for 5K.

The hitch, absent tow packages, is rated for 7K.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_F-150_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

Your problem, is that many (most? all?) states, require brakes on anything over 3K.

If electric, there are after mkt. brake controller add ons, or you could spring for an OEM install.
we're looking at travel trailers between 3000-4000lb. so now we have to look for those with electric trailer brake? is there a way to strengthen the rear bumper? i think the 7k lb max for the hitch is enough for us. thanks for the reply.
 

Davexxxx

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we're looking at travel trailers between 3000-4000lb. so now we have to look for those with electric trailer brake? is there a way to strengthen the rear bumper? i think the 7k lb max for the hitch is enough for us. thanks for the reply.
You won't have to look for them. They'll either have some sort of brake system, or they won't (but probably will).

I don't know if any modern TTs have surge brakes any more. I know some used to but that would be a system that you could use, with no alterations to your truck. Can be a bit of a pain to back up, especially up hill but an ancient popup we used to have, had them and it was better than none.
 

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we're looking at travel trailers between 3000-4000lb. so now we have to look for those with electric trailer brake? is there a way to strengthen the rear bumper? i think the 7k lb max for the hitch is enough for us. thanks for the reply.
Vast majority of trailers with GVWR over 3k have brakes already since they need them to be sold in many (most?) states, which is why smaller utility trailers generally stay just under this threshold.

Your issue is more related to adding a brake controller in your truck.
 

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Vast majority of trailers with GVWR over 3k have brakes already since they need them to be sold in many (most?) states, which is why smaller utility trailers generally stay just under this threshold.

Your issue is more related to adding a brake controller in your truck.
I agree with this. If it helps, adding an aftermarket trailer brake controller is pretty common. Many RV dealers can install this for you.
 

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The factory brake controller can be added and programmed in Forscan..
 

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does dealers do this for us?
They can, yes. No idea what it would cost but they can.

There are after market add ons that are available too, that would be much more wallet friendly. Whether they'd be plug n play or not, I've no idea. They used to be but that was before vehicles had so many computers.
 
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stlgrym3

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They can, yes. No idea what it would cost but they can.

There are after market add ons that are available too, that would be much more wallet friendly. Whether they'd be plug n play or not, I've no idea. They used to be but that was before vehicles had so many computers.
thanks, what are some of the aftermarket brake controllers can you recommend?
 

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Aron

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I've never used an aftermarket one, since (coincidentally) all of my towing vehicles happened to come with a factory brake controller, so I don't have any firsthand knowledge of good controllers. However, I did a quick google search, and models from Curt and Reese popped up. I don't know if they're any good, but those are well-known brands in the towing-equipment marketspace, so I would bet that they'll work as advertised:

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/CURT/C51110.html?feed=npn&msclkid=eee5840b07ba18d45874e0744c8a2139&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing | Shop - Trailer Brake Controller&utm_term=4577679228826948&utm_content=30 - 60

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/reese-towpower-8507111-brakeman-iv-digital-brake-control-1249248?cid=Shopping-Bing-Product1249248-&msclkid=5c73b9cc3abc14bad2c0ddb3718c0a6f&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping - All Products&utm_term=4585375807245420&utm_content=All Products

If you're not going to do the installation yourself, I might recommend going to an RV service center or something like Camping World and buy what they have on hand, so that they can install it right then and there.
 

Davexxxx

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thanks, what are some of the aftermarket brake controllers can you recommend?
I'm hesitant to recommend anything, since what would work well with my 01, may not with your 23.

I think Aron gave you good advice.
 
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stlgrym3

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Davexxxx

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if i just add the OEM brake controller, does that bump up the bumper and hitch tow ratings?
Not for the bumper, no.

Ask the dealer about the receiver. The 2023 Lariat came stock with a class 4 hitch and you already have 3.55s or 3.73s, by having a powerboost so, you may get a legit bump but you're already good for at least 7K (if you have the payload for it). Your main limiter, was no brakes for the trailer and thats because of state laws, not anything to do with Ford, or your truck.
 
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JExpedition07

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5.0L and 3.5L are rated to tow 7k with no tow package per the towing guide. Attached is the window sticker for my STX, mine was optioned with the class IV receiver and integrated trailer brake controller but no tow pack, so I’d presume you can retrofit it on your PB with no tow pack.

Ford F-150 towing with F150 powerboost without any tow packages IMG_4395
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