402A and Trailer Tow Package-Why?

[Ru2ped]

] q01z

The f350 has a 4" axle tube and about 1000 pounds more capacity unless you get the 10k derating. The f250 has the 3.5" axle tubes. It's been that way for at least 10 years when the new axles came out.

What I'm unsure of is if the bottom load spring is different in the f350 srw than it is with the f250.

For the springs, Ford, in its infinite wisdom has used the same part number for several different versions of springs. As I remember it, a buddy of mine measured the thickness of his springs and the lower was thicker. That said, he had a 2018 f250 and 2017(or 18) f350 so there may have been a change there.

The f350 has a 4" axle tube and about 1000 pounds more capacity unless you get the 10k derating. The f250 has the 3.5" axle tubes. It's been that way for at least 10 years when the new axles came out.

What I'm unsure of is if the bottom load spring is different in the f350 srw than it is with the f250.

For the springs, Ford, in its infinite wisdom has used the same part number for several different versions of springs. As I remember it, a buddy of mine measured the thickness of his springs and the lower was thicker. That said, he had a 2018 f250 and 2017(or 18) f350 so there may have been a change there.

For a normal 250 vs 350 comparison yes but again not on the tremor package. This has been talked about 1000x on the superduty tremor forum with many videos to support.

This is why I am bring up the same for the f150 Tremors. Ford has already done this once on another line.

 

[High_Country]

I really would like to know if there is a difference. I’d seriously think about canceling my order( build date week of Feb 14) if my 400a without tow pkg will only tow 7,100 lbs. That’s pretty significant.

But how will you KNOW what it can tow? They don't put anything on the vehicle...and the literature is inconclusive.
Another chart from the document about the "Heavy Duty Payload Package" which is NOT available on the Tremor. But, interesting to note that it gives you the 9.75" gear set with 3.73 locking diff as well as the 36 gallon tank (both of which are standard on the Tremor). It does mention upgraded springs...but again. This isn't a Tremor option - just interesting to note the Heavy Duty package adds what already would come standard on the Tremor.

 

[Pierless]

But how will you KNOW what it can tow? They don't put anything on the vehicle...and the literature is inconclusive.
Another chart from the document about the "Heavy Duty Payload Package" which is NOT available on the Tremor. But, interesting to note that it gives you the 9.75" gear set with 3.73 locking diff as well as the 36 gallon tank (both of which are standard on the Tremor). It does mention upgraded springs...but again. This isn't a Tremor option - just interesting to note the Heavy Duty package adds what already would come standard on the Tremor.
View attachment 1212

The other thing that makes it "hairy" ... If the only difference between tow tech and trailer tow is the pin connection and you lose the 360 camera or pay the $750 to keep it.. why on earth would anyone add that? Esp if the tow capacity is =... There's comments / posts on the radiator size but if both can tow the same weight... Like the one post said "back off the gas a little and let it cool" lol.

This is a real headache.

 

[Bannerman]

A couple bourbons in at this point so I'm just gonna keep going.
Was reviewing Ford's trailer towing guide here:

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/resources/general/pdf/guides/21Towing_Ford_F150_Dec3.pdf

It's interesting to note this chart:
View attachment 1203
Package 17T is the Tow Technology Package and 53A is the Trailer Tow package. In the note at the top - all three packages (17A, 53A, 53B) are listed as a "Trailer Tow Package" though. 53B is the Class IV trailer hitch by the way. In this chart, the Tow Tech package (17T) gets you everything the Trailer Tow package (53A) does except a hitch receiver and 4-7 pin connector...but those come standard on the Tremor anyways.

Here's another chart from the same document:
View attachment 1208
Again, they list all four packages together as "Trailer Tow Packages".

So if we go back to the one chart from earlier....
View attachment 1209
View attachment 1210
View attachment 1211
...maybe there's some weird semantics in the 'with only the class IV hitch...without the Trailer Tow Package (53A)'. I wonder if a guy had the Class IV hitch (we all do) plus one of the other 3 packages listed in this document as a Trailer Towing package, this note wouldn't apply.
Also interesting to note this is all with a 150lb driver. How many of y'all are 150 lbs?!?!? ;^)

I’m 175# or one half of a @Yeti

 

[Troy]

I am very skeptical there is any difference. I think the literature is generic. Either way its total bs to pay a grand for 6 things the truck already has to get some tiny upgrade that magically makes it safe to tow 3k more. Makes no sense.

I ordered a 401a with out the tow package (but with tow tech). Should be here next week. Happy to compare when it arrives.

 

[Bannerman]

Alright, I’d like every to watch this video and let me know what your conclusion is.

Based on this, I do not think the Trailer Tow makes sense vs the Trailer Tech package. I think I will call next week and change my build.

 

[sean80]

I would love to know how many people checked the tow package box, and Ford just charged another $1090 for no reason…

 

[Bannerman]

I would love to know how many people checked the tow package box, and Ford just charged another $1090 for no reason…

I’m not sure that they did it for no reason, I think it’s probably just an oversight. The tremor already comes with the 36 gallon gas tank and the 360 cameras on the 402A at least. And we cannot get the tow mirrors no matter what on Tremors

 

[mattbiggest]

On another forum I read the differences are in cooling capacity and a solid stabilizer bar.

Value of Trailer tow package on Tremor

Hey Guys, I placed an order on my Tremor about two weeks ago at this point. Wondering if I made a mistake going for the trailer tow package since it appears everything is included in within the Class IV hitch and tow tech with the exception of the "tailgate LED". It doesn't seem to make sense...

www.f150gen14.com

Tow Technology Package vs. Trailer Tow Package

Has anybody found any mechanical difference between the two? I have an order in for the 402A package which already includes the tow tech, but like I’ve read on another thread, doesn’t seem to offer anything more than already comes standard besides the dollar signs. I’ve tried asking the dealer...

www.f150gen14.com

Towing Specs Consolidated Document - Bumper vs. Class IV vs. Tow vs. Max Tow - UPDATED DOC v4

I have been a bad forum member recently due to haste, and frustration. I decided to try and put together all of the data on the tow packages to help many of us figure out what we can actually tow. Quick conclusions to investigate with this data are as follows. Please help me dissect this...

www.f150gen14.com

 

[High_Country]

Good video @Bannerman and good links @mattbiggest

@Bannerman - curious what about that particular video swayed you to the Trailer Tow. It seems in that video the guy was advocating for Tow Tech as the better option because you get more at a cheaper price (basically).
@mattbiggest - interesting find on the sway bar in that forum.

I'd still love to know if ANYWHERE ON A DELIVERED TRUCK does it state the SPECIFIC TOW CAPACITY for that SPECIFIC truck (like the sticker for GVWR does). (Not the generic sticker on the hitch...not the GVWR sticker on the jamb). I've heard mention of a "hero sticker" but I have no idea what that means or where it is. I can't find any sticker on my 2015 F-150 stating tow capacity either.

Here's where I'm at with my on-order 2022 401a with Tow Tech. I'm not really concerned about the PERFORMANCE of the truck while towing - with all the big components the same across the lineup (engine, trans, diff ratio), I think it will do just fine. If I need to upgrade a sway bar or add a leaf or some airbags to the back - that's easy and pretty cheap. If I miss out on a couple millimeters or some fins per inch in the radiator, I can watch the temp gauge. Personally, I wouldn't be buying a half ton if REGULARLY pushing 10,000lbs+ of trailer.

About the heaviest I will tow with any regularity (a few times a year) is my '76 Bronco on a trailer (7,000lbs +/-) or a bumper pull camper trailer (8,500+/-).

But, I'm pretty detail oriented and like to do things right. I just wish knowing the right answer was easier.

 

[FaKtor34]

No where does it state the gcwr, if you use the Vin decoder I posted above you will be able to get your gcwr. And max tow rating for your individual truck, so I suggest some of you who don't have the tow package, some that have the tow tech package and some that have it all check your vins and then we can gather the info and determine if there is a difference. Just throwing that idea out there.

 

[Bannerman]

Good video @Bannerman and good links @mattbiggest

@Bannerman - curious what about that particular video swayed you to the Trailer Tow. It seems in that video the guy was advocating for Tow Tech as the better option because you get more at a cheaper price (basically).
@mattbiggest - interesting find on the sway bar in that forum.

I'd still love to know if ANYWHERE ON A DELIVERED TRUCK does it state the SPECIFIC TOW CAPACITY for that SPECIFIC truck (like the sticker for GVWR does). (Not the generic sticker on the hitch...not the GVWR sticker on the jamb). I've heard mention of a "hero sticker" but I have no idea what that means or where it is. I can't find any sticker on my 2015 F-150 stating tow capacity either.

Here's where I'm at with my on-order 2022 401a with Tow Tech. I'm not really concerned about the PERFORMANCE of the truck while towing - with all the big components the same across the lineup (engine, trans, diff ratio), I think it will do just fine. If I need to upgrade a sway bar or add a leaf or some airbags to the back - that's easy and pretty cheap. If I miss out on a couple millimeters or some fins per inch in the radiator, I can watch the temp gauge. Personally, I wouldn't be buying a half ton if REGULARLY pushing 10,000lbs+ of trailer.

About the heaviest I will tow with any regularity (a few times a year) is my '76 Bronco on a trailer (7,000lbs +/-) or a bumper pull camper trailer (8,500+/-).

But, I'm pretty detail oriented and like to do things right. I just wish knowing the right answer was easier.

Maybe I didn’t understand you (or vice versa) but I ordered with the Tow Package, I am thinking the Tow Tech is basically the same thing, so I will probably remove the Tow Packge to save the $1000.

But @FaKtor34 had a good suggestion above, anyone with VINs want to chime in?

 

[FaKtor34]

Mine is showing 10900 for maximum tow rating, but I have the whole works, torsen front, moon roof, 2k generator. Those that don't have all that may actually have a higher rating because there is less weight on there trucks.

 

[High_Country]

Maybe I didn’t understand you (or vice versa) but I ordered with the Tow Package, I am thinking the Tow Tech is basically the same thing, so I will probably remove the Tow Packge to save the $1000.

But @FaKtor34 had a good suggestion above, anyone with VINs want to chime in?

Ah, no I misunderstood your earlier post the. Makes sense.

Yes, would love ANYONE with a vin number of a NON-trailer tow package Tremor to do this and report. Pretty please.

(That is of course if we trust the vin decoder website info at all. I am skeptical of about every piece of info related to this now!!)

 

[Bannerman]

Mine is showing 10900 for maximum tow rating, but I have the whole works, torsen front, moon roof, 2k generator. Those that don't have all that may actually have a higher rating because there is less weight on there trucks.

Do you have the Tow Package?

 

[FaKtor34]

Yes I have the trailer tow package. I didn't order the truck though, I just got lucky and found it at the dealer.

 

[flagman]

Here is my text back for towing off of my VIN decoder. I have the 402A with torsen differential, no generator no moonroof and the towing package was not available when I ordered as I specifically wanted the highest tow capacity I could get. Dealer said it wasn't necessary anyway.

 

[flagman]

Meant to say tech specs

 

[FaKtor34]

Here is my text back for towing off of my VIN decoder. I have the 402A with torsen differential, no generator no moonroof and the towing package was not available when I ordered as I specifically wanted the highest tow capacity I could get. Dealer said it wasn't necessary anyway.View attachment 1239

See this goes along with what I was saying if you don't have the moon roof, etc. you may have a higher tow rating. Thanks flagman!

 

[MtnMan]

Here is what I get for a 402A w/ tow package..

And 400A non tow package..