I checked the manual, and based on the chart, the GCWR is 14,300. The truck empty weighs about 5000, so that should leave me with around 9000 for towing. But the manual also says that if you don’t have the tow package, you shouldn’t go over 5000. So now I’m stuck wondering… do I have the tow package or not?
Have you tried checking your VIN to pull up the window sticker? What engine do you have? There are a few different setups.
- Class IV Trailer Hitch - just the hitch and a 7-pin connector.
- Trailer Tow Package - comes with extra transmission cooling and some suspension upgrades.
- Max Tow Package - only on the 3.5 Ecoboost and includes more features like a locking diff and a different bumper.
In later years, Max Tow came with an integrated brake controller, but I’m not sure when they started including that. My ‘17 has it as part of the 53C Max Tow package.
@Shawn
Here’s the window sticker:
From what I’m seeing, I guess I don’t have the tow package?
From what I’m seeing, I guess I don’t have the tow package?
Nice, where’d you find that?
Yeah, I think you’re right… either because it’s a Lariat or a 5.0, it only has the Class IV Trailer Hitch under ‘Functional Equipment.’ If you had the tow package, it would be listed under ‘Optional Equipment’ with extras like transmission and oil cooling.
@Shawn
This is where I found it:
@Shawn
So here’s my question… why does the manual say the GCWR is 14,300, but the towing limit is only 5000?
Zoe said:
@Shawn
So here’s my question… why does the manual say the GCWR is 14,300, but the towing limit is only 5000?
That’s probably an ‘up to’ number, or there’s some fine print about ‘when properly equipped.’
@Shawn
That makes sense. But realistically, can you tow more than 5000 without issues?
Zoe said:
@Shawn
That makes sense. But realistically, can you tow more than 5000 without issues?
If you upgrade a few things, yeah. The tow package includes suspension upgrades and a better front stabilizer. I think even without the tow package, the factory hitch comes with a bigger radiator, which helps with transmission cooling.
A better stabilizer and an upgraded transmission cooler would probably be the biggest things to look at. If your truck has a 3.31 diff, it might struggle a bit off the line, but once you’re rolling, it won’t matter much.
@Shawn
So towing a little over 5000 isn’t a big deal?
Zoe said:
@Shawn
So towing a little over 5000 isn’t a big deal?
If you make sure the suspension and transmission cooling are up to the job, yeah. If your truck doesn’t have a transmission temp gauge, I’d suggest getting something like a Scangauge so you can keep an eye on temps. My ‘17 has an option to switch between a boost gauge and transmission temp, so I always keep the temp visible when towing.
@Shawn
Give me a sec, I’ll find the website I used.
@Shawn
How do I pull up the window sticker? I know I don’t have the Max Tow Package, but I’m trying to figure out if I have the regular tow package.
Zoe said:
@Shawn
How do I pull up the window sticker? I know I don’t have the Max Tow Package, but I’m trying to figure out if I have the regular tow package.
Ford used to let you pull up the sticker for free, but now they charge $49.95 for it. They used to have an open database at this link:
https://www.windowsticker.forddirect.com/windowsticker.pdf?vin=
Try adding your VIN to the end of that URL and see if it works. If it says ‘not released for this vehicle,’ then Ford probably locked it down. Other sites might have it, but most of them were just pulling from Ford’s database in the background.
@Shawn
I found one for $9.99.
Here’s the link:
So based on this, I’m guessing I don’t have the tow package?
Here’s the link:
So based on this, I’m guessing I don’t have the tow package?
Yeah, that’s what it looks like. I left a comment on your other post too. It would say ‘Trailer Tow’ or ‘Max Tow’ under ‘Optional Equipment’ if you had it.