What Is Included In F150 Tow Package

The Ford F-150 Tow Package typically includes a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, 7-pin wiring harness, and often an upgraded trailer brake controller, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Smart Trailer Tow Connector for enhanced towing capabilities.

The Ford F-150 Tow Package is like giving your truck a superhero cape—it turns a strong truck into a towing champion! We know towing can be confusing, but don’t worry. We’ve broken everything down in a simple, clear, and yes, kind of fun way, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

So, what is included in F150 Tow Package? The standard Tow Package consists of a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness, trailer sway control, and an upgraded rear bumper. The Max Trailer Tow Package adds even more, like a 36-gallon fuel tank, enhanced engine cooling, upgraded rear axle, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

Wondering which tow package is best for your needs? Or how much more weight can your truck handle with it? Keep reading—we’ll cover every detail to help you tow like a pro!

Understanding F-150 Towing Packages

Ford offers two main towing package options for the F-150:

Standard Tow Package

The standard package (sometimes called the Trailer Tow Package) provides essential features for everyday towing needs. It’s perfect for occasional towers who don’t need maximum capacity but still want reliable performance.

Max Tow Package

The Max Tow Package takes capabilities to the next level with additional upgrades designed for those frequently towing heavier loads. This comprehensive package transforms the F-150 into a serious hauling machine.

What’s Included in the Standard F-150 Tow Package

The standard towing package includes everything you need for reliable towing performance:

Class IV trailer hitch receiver
4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
Trailer sway control
Upgraded cooling system components
Smart Trailer Tow Connector (in newer models)
Pro Trailer Backup Assist prep kit (in newer models)

These components work together to provide a safe, stable towing experience for a wide variety of trailers. The Class IV hitch offers substantial capacity, while the wiring harness ensures proper electrical connectivity between your truck and trailer.

What’s Included in the F-150 Max Tow Package

The Max Tow Package builds on the standard package with these additional features:

Enhanced engine cooling system
Upgraded transmission oil cooler
Higher-capacity radiator
Integrated trailer brake controller
3.55 or 3.73 electronic locking rear axle
Higher GVWR package
36-gallon extended range fuel tank (on select models)

These upgrades significantly increase the F-150’s towing capacity and provide better control when hauling heavy loads. The integrated brake controller is particularly valuable, offering seamless control of electric trailer brakes directly from the driver’s seat.

What's Included in the F-150 Max Tow Package

What Does the 2016 F-150 Tow Package Include?

The 2016 F-150 offered comprehensive towing solutions that set new standards for the half-ton truck segment.

The standard package included a Class IV hitch receiver, 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness, trailer sway control, and auxiliary transmission cooling. Optional Pro Trailer Backup Assist made its debut this year, revolutionizing how drivers back up with trailers.

For maximum capability, the 2016 Max Tow Package added a 3.55 or 3.73 electronic locking rear axle, integrated trailer brake controller, and enhanced cooling systems. When properly equipped, the 2016 F-150 could tow up to 12,200 pounds – impressive for a half-ton truck.

What Does the 2018 F-150 Tow Package Include?

By 2018, Ford had further refined the F-150’s towing capabilities with new technology and improved performance.

The standard package now featured the Smart Trailer Tow Connector, which added trailer light check and monitoring capabilities through the instrument cluster. All the essential components from previous years remained: Class IV hitch, wiring harness, sway control, and auxiliary cooling.

What Does the 2018 F-150 Tow Package Include

The 2018 Max Tow Package included:

3.55 or 3.73 electronic locking rear axle
Integrated trailer brake controller
Higher-capacity radiator
Extended range 36-gallon fuel tank (on select models)
Upgraded frame components

These enhancements allowed properly equipped 2018 F-150 models to tow up to 13,200 pounds – a class-leading figure at the time.

Towing Package Features for the 2019 F-150

The 2019 F-150 continued Ford’s commitment to towing excellence with refinements to both packages.

The standard package maintained its core components while ensuring compatibility with Ford’s innovative Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. The Smart Trailer Tow Connector became standard equipment, offering enhanced monitoring capabilities.

The 2019 Max Tow Package included all previous components plus enhanced frame and suspension elements specifically engineered for heavy towing. Properly equipped 2019 F-150 models could safely tow up to 13,200 pounds, maintaining Ford’s leadership position in half-ton truck capability.

How Engine Choice Affects F-150 Towing Capacity

Your engine selection significantly impacts towing capability, regardless of which package you choose:

Entry-Level Options

3.3L Ti-VCT V6: Good for light loads and occasional towing
2.7L EcoBoost V6: Excellent balance of power and efficiency

High-Capacity Options

3.5L EcoBoost V6: Typically provides the highest towing ratings
5.0L V8: Strong all-around performance with traditional V8 character
3.0L Power Stroke Diesel (select years): Great for long-distance towing with better fuel economy

For maximum towing capacity, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 paired with the Max Tow Package usually delivers the highest ratings across most model years.

F-150 Towing Technology Features

Modern F-150 towing packages incorporate advanced technology that makes towing safer and easier:

Pro Trailer Backup Assist

This innovative system allows drivers to steer a trailer using a simple knob on the dashboard. Just turn the knob in the direction you want the trailer to go, and the system handles the complex steering inputs automatically.

Smart Trailer Tow Connector

This system provides:

Trailer connection status
Trailer light check functionality
Trailer battery charge monitoring
Trailer brake diagnostics

Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

Factory-installed controllers provide seamless control of electric trailer brakes, with adjustment capabilities and status information displayed in the instrument cluster.

Dynamic Hitch Assist

This camera-based system displays a dynamic guideline on the center console screen, helping drivers align the hitch with the trailer coupler without a spotter.

How to Identify if Your F-150 Has a Tow Package

If you’re unsure whether your F-150 includes a factory tow package, look for these indicators:

Class IV trailer hitch receiver under the rear bumper
4-pin and 7-pin wiring connectors near the hitch
Integrated trailer brake controller on the dashboard
Additional cooling components are visible in the engine bay

For definitive confirmation, check your vehicle’s window sticker or build sheet, or use your VIN to verify with a Ford dealer.

Maximizing Your F-150’s Towing Capacity

To get the most from your F-150’s towing capabilities, consider these factors:

Choose the Right Configuration

Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost typically offers the highest ratings
Axle ratio: 3.73 gears generally provide better towing than 3.55
Cab/bed: Regular cab models often have higher capacity due to lighter weight
Wheelbase: Longer wheelbase models generally provide better stability

Essential Towing Accessories

For serious towing, consider adding:

Weight-distributing hitch for heavier loads
Extended towing mirrors for better visibility
Transmission cooler (if not included in the package)

Conclusion

The Ford F-150’s towing packages offer comprehensive solutions for a wide range of towing needs. Whether you choose the Standard Tow Package for occasional use or the Max Tow Package for frequent heavy hauling, Ford has engineered these systems to provide reliability, safety, and convenience.

When selecting an F-150 for towing, consider not just the tow package but also how engine choice, axle ratio, and other factors affect your total capacity. With the right configuration, the F-150 delivers class-leading towing capabilities that have made it America’s favorite truck for decades.

Always refer to your specific vehicle’s owner manual for exact towing specifications, as capabilities vary based on exact configuration and model year. With proper equipment and preparation, your F-150 can provide years of confident towing performance for both work and recreation.