What is your Dream- Max Tow Build for 2023 Models?

[awsnapman]

If you could build a 2023 F-150 with the highest Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight and Tow Tech, how would you build it out? I would like to stay in a Lariat or King Ranch Model. Also, any type of Tow Bar or other technology that you would recommend.

I am purchasing a 25' travel trailer and want to put my best foot forward as far as truck selection and equipment. This will be more or less used on the East Coast and on Flat Roads.

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[fordhouston]

Max Tow Package is a must have imo.. i have it myself.

 

[BMac506]

Since payload is the biggest limiting factor on these trucks the HDPP is the best option for towing. Since I wanted a Lariat that wasn’t an option for me but I was able to pick just the options I needed and ended up with a max tow package 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat with 1906 lb payload, which is one of the highest I’ve seen for a Lariat. I did go with the 6.5 ft bed for a longer wheelbase and increased payload and I stayed away from options like the FX4 package and the bed utility package to save weight on skid plates (not rock crawling with it) and the tailgate step and power tailgate motors. One thing I missed that I wanted was the LED bed lights but I just ordered the parts to add them in myself for around $150 (much less than the cost of the bed utility option). I also went with the 360 cameras and while I haven’t had a chance to tow with them yet they are great just everyday use like backing into parking spots.

 

[Zengineer]

Get the cab and bed that suits your actual needs and no more. If you go even up to a Lariat you'll want to avoid bedliner, hard tonneau, tailgate step, moonroof, FX4, power running boards and maybe even 20" wheels. Payload will limit you long before actual towing capacity will.

 

[fordhouston]

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Since payload is the biggest limiting factor on these trucks the HDPP is the best option for towing. Since I wanted a Lariat that wasn’t an option for me but I was able to pick just the options I needed and ended up with a max tow package 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat with 1906 lb payload, which is one of the highest I’ve seen for a Lariat. I did go with the 6.5 ft bed for a longer wheelbase and increased payload and I stayed away from options like the FX4 package and the bed utility package to save weight on skid plates (not rock crawling with it) and the tailgate step and power tailgate motors. One thing I missed that I wanted was the LED bed lights but I just ordered the parts to add them in myself for around $150 (much less than the cost of the bed utility option). I also went with the 360 cameras and while I haven’t had a chance to tow with them yet they are great just everyday use like backing into parking spots.

no wonder why my Lariat’s payload is only 1689 pounds.. Lol

 

[awsnapman]

Any recommendations on Engine?

 

[DK4]

Any recommendations on Engine?

That is a 32 page debate alone.

For towing, my opinion is 3.5EB with 3.55 gears.

 

[Zengineer]

Any recommendations on Engine?

Definitely get one.

 

[Kidder]

I would enable HDPP on a 302A and sacrifice my Lariat 502A for the highest XLT package. Payload of 2500 pounds in a F150 XLT High would be perfect for me. (I would give up ventilated seats!)

I have a Max Tow 502A. I'll run out of payload long before I run out of towing capability. My payload is 1600.

 

[780]

Agree with above.

You'll run out of payload long before you max out the trailer tow rating. Don't forget to factor in everything you'll bring when calculating payload. How many people? Pets? Are you bringing firewood and bikes? Kayaks or Canoes? Anything else in the cab or bed? What is the hitch weight of the trailer you are looking at? All the above would have to fit within your trucks payload rating.

For trailering, I love having the OnBoard Scales and Smart hitch as well as the 360 cameras that work in conjunction with Backup Pro Assist and the Tow mirrors that work with BLIS.

Although every time I tow, I have to reenter my trailers dimensions as the truck won't remember them for BLIS to work.

Since payload is the biggest limiting factor on these trucks the HDPP is the best option for towing. Since I wanted a Lariat that wasn’t an option for me but I was able to pick just the options I needed and ended up with a max tow package 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat with 1906 lb payload, which is one of the highest I’ve seen for a Lariat. I did go with the 6.5 ft bed for a longer wheelbase and increased payload and I stayed away from options like the FX4 package and the bed utility package to save weight on skid plates (not rock crawling with it) and the tailgate step and power tailgate motors. One thing I missed that I wanted was the LED bed lights but I just ordered the parts to add them in myself for around $150 (much less than the cost of the bed utility option). I also went with the 360 cameras and while I haven’t had a chance to tow with them yet they are great just everyday use like backing into parking spots.

Wow! That is a high payload for a Lariat.

My Max Tow 302a is only 1,777 lbs. No sunroof or powerboost but have FX4 and tailgate step. Do those two things really subtract that much weight from payload?

no wonder why my Lariat’s payload is only 1689 pounds.. Lol

That's pretty decent for a Lariat. What options did you select?

 

[wrgrimes]

I have a King Ranch standard , Powerboost, 2WD on order. Max tow, 360 Assist, 360 camera & 7.2kW ProPower. Should come in right at 1800# payload. I think it will meet my needs. I searched inventories and asked (nicely) a lot of sales people to send me door sticker info.
A helpful resource- https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/attachments/2021-f-150-weights-specs-pdf.12613/
Also a recent find- https://fordfleetlive.com/#/vincalculatordemo
The VIN tool would have saved me a lot of calls.
I’m not sure the payload calculation is an exact science (supposedly each vehicle is weighed with full liquid fuels- though shipped with about 4 gallons of gas). I found 2 Lariat PB 4x4 that we’re loaded. One had Max tow, work surface 1401# and the other Trailer Tow, underseat partition storage 1404#. 4 gallons of fuel for the max tow and upgraded bumper is offset by the storage weight.
As others say- the options drag down the payload. Truest high payload will come with the HD tow on the XL/XLT trims.

 

[Bigguy214]

How much does hdpp actually add?I was thinking of getting it when I ordered my 22 xlt but I probably should have.I got the 3.5 with 3.55 gears,302a high and all options except moonroof and hdpp and my cargo is 1764.

 

[wrgrimes]

How much does hdpp actually add?I was thinking of getting it when I ordered my 22 xlt but I probably should have.I got the 3.5 with 3.55 gears,302a high and all options except moonroof and hdpp and my cargo is 1764.

HDPP gains approximately 500# on the SuperCrew. Regular Cab has a starting payload in the ballpark of 3000#.

 

[Bigguy214]

That’s a nice jump 500# lbs.I didn’t realize that would of put me at 2164.Nice to know the next one I will get that thanks for the info.

 

[780]

How much does hdpp actually add?I was thinking of getting it when I ordered my 22 xlt but I probably should have.I got the 3.5 with 3.55 gears,302a high and all options except moonroof and hdpp and my cargo is 1764.

I went back and forth between HDPP and 302a so much when contemplating this order. Figured for the amount of time I tow our camper, I'd go 302a. I only tow a dozen or so times a year but daily drive the truck. So the added options I'd get with 302a would be appreciated daily.

If only Ford would allow a 302a or 501a HDPP.....

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