How to Tell If F150 Has Max Tow Package? – [Top 6 Easiest Methods]

Recently, I got my hands on a new Ford F150. And I needed to know if it was equipped with the right parts to have the maximum towing power.

After researching for hours and talking to multiple F150 owners, I finally got some solid answers.

So how to tell if F150 has max tow package? If the towing capacity of your Ford F150 is 13,200 pounds (14,000 pounds for 2021+ models) and it has an upgraded rear bumper, then it is equipped with the max trailer tow package (53C).

But there is so much to it. The package comes with many things, which I will discuss in this article.

What Is Included in the Max Trailer Tow Package?

Unlike the other available packages, the Max Trailer Tow Package includes a lot of things. Here is a list of the things that are common with some of the alternatives:

• Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver, which is included with the standard package as well.
• Integrated Brake Controller that you can find on the other packages.
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector.
• 7 pin wiring harness.

Now, allow me to list the things that make this package unique:

• 3.5L EcoBoost Engine without heavy-duty package.
• 3.55:1 electronic locking axle for the rear with a 3.0L Power Stroke V6.
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid with 4×2.
• EcoBoost engine with heavy-duty payload package.
• 36-gallon fuel tank with extended range.
• Hybrid 3.0L Power Stroke or V6 Diesel Engine.
• Upgraded rear bumper.
• PowerBoost Full Hybrid with 4×4.
• 3.73:1 electronic locking axle for the rear with the 5.0L PFDI V8.

What Are the Requirements to Have the Max Tow Package on F150 ?

Before I get into the methods, let’s discuss the max trailer tow package requirements. Ford offers this maximum trailer towing package with some specific engines.

Here’s the list:

• 3.5L EcoBoost Engine
• 5.0L V8 Engine
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 Engine
• 3.0L Diesel Engine
• Heavy-Duty Payload Package (627) on XL trim

So first thing first, if your engine doesn’t match with any of the above-mentioned ones, you can tell right away that your F150 doesn’t have the max trailer tow package.

How to Tell If F150 Has Max Tow Package?

In the previous section, I mentioned the eligibility of having the max trailer tow package. And, if you’re eligible, here are the top 6 easiest methods to figure it out.

1. Window Sticker

If you have the window sticker (Monroney label) available to you, then you can easily figure out what kind of trailer tow package your F150 is rocking.

If it’s the max trailer tow package (53C), you’ll definitely see it is listed in the “optional equipment/other” section on the window sticker.

In my opinion, this is the easiest way to figure out if your F150 has the max towing package or not.

2. Upgraded Rear Bumper

You can check the rear bumper of your Ford F150. If it boasts the max trailer tow package, it will not have the standard bumper. Instead, it will sport an upgraded one with an upgraded trailer hitch receiver.

The upgraded rear bumper is an exclusive item, because Ford only offers this with the F150 max trailer tow package.

So, how do you figure out if it’s an upgraded one or the standard? You can examine the safety chain loops of the trailer hitch receiver.

If the chain loops are angled (as shown in the picture below), your truck has the upgraded rear bumper.

3. Trailer Hitch Receiver Ratings 

As you know, the trailer hitch receiver comes with a ratings label. If your truck has the MTTP, the Max Gross Trailer Weight ratings will be 12000+ pounds.

So just by knowing the towing limit of the trailer hitch receiver, you can figure it out easily.

4. Heavy-Duty Payload Package (HDPP)

The Heavy-Duty Payload Package (HDPP) pushes the GVWR to 7850 pounds and improves the payload and towing capacity of your Ford F150.

If your truck comes with this payload package, then it is obvious that it has the Max Trailer Tow Package.

5. Upgraded Rear Axle

If your truck has the max trailer tow package, the rear axle ratio of your F150 will be 3.55 (L9) with an electronic-locking differential. If you have the Heavy-Duty Payload Package (627), the gear ratio will be 3.73 (L6).

You’ll find this information on the window sticker. For any reason, if you don’t have the window sticker, you’ll also find it in the Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label available on the door latch post pillar or the left front door lock.

6. 36-Gallon Fuel Tank Capacity

To check whether you have the max trailer tow package or not, match the fuel tank capacity of your Ford F150. If it has 36 gallons of capacity, you can be sure that the truck is rocking the max trailer tow package.

But there are some exceptions. The 36-gallon tank is not exclusive to the max trailer tow package. That means you can have the extended fuel tank with other trailer packages as well. 

If you have the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine, this method will not work for you because Ford doesn’t offer the 36 gallons tank capacity with this engine configuration, not even with the max trailer tow package.

Is the Max Trailer Tow Package Worth It?

The max trailer tow package includes loads of things. And I am pretty sure that you know all about them after going through the segments I have covered above.

If you opt for upgrades separately later down the road, you will surely have to spend more than the actual price of the package. That alone makes it worth it.

Nevertheless, if you are still looking for reasons to opt for the Max Tow Package, first, consider the towing capacity. It can increase the capacity significantly. Depending on the model you chose, you can expect to get about 800 pounds of increase.

Furthermore, the package includes a proper braking mechanism for the trailer you will be pulling. That will provide more control and increase the car’s handling when you are towing a high load.

Lastly, the fuel tank will see a massive upgrade. Even when you are not towing anything, the 36-gallon fuel tank can offer you peace of mind that there will be no need to worry about refueling when planning a long trip.