Ford got rid of radiator upgrade option from HD Trailer Tow Package since model year 2022

[Hellwig]

Radiator upgrade option had existed in Tow package (536) for 2018 to 2021 model year. Starting from year 2022, it disappeared. And Ford misleadingly adds a "26mm radiator" option on their Build & Price portal, going with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. It just means standard duty radiator. Thankfully, Ford still keeps the upgraded rear axle option in the Tow package.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Radiator upgrade option had existed in Tow package (536) for 2018 to 2021 model year. Starting from year 2022, it disappeared. And Ford misleadingly adds a "26mm radiator" option on their Build & Price portal, going with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. It just means standard duty radiator. Thankfully, Ford still keeps the upgraded rear axle option in the Tow package.

The Ford part’s catalog for the 2022 Ford Expedition shows two radiator applications:

ML3Z8005A - standard duty.
ML3Z8005B - heavy duty.

Are you sure of your information?

 

[Hellwig]

The Ford part’s catalog for the 2022 Ford Expedition shows two radiator applications:

ML3Z8005A - standard duty.
ML3Z8005B - heavy duty.

Are you sure of your information?

I ordered Tow package but I got the standard duty radiator.

 

[Hellwig]

2021 Ford Expedition Trailer Towing Selector vs. 2022 Ford Expedition Trailer Towing Selector

 

[Hellwig]

There is another possibility that Ford may only throw heavy duty radiator on models with high out engine (440hp). But for regular 380hp ecoboost (or even the 400hp engine), it definitely goes with the standard duty radiator no matter whether it has Tow package or not.

 

[Hellwig]

Ford saved $32.26 per each, according to Lakeland Ford online parts store.

2022 order guide provided by forum member smstroben.

2022 HD towing package radiator

Ordered and received my 2022 Limited expedition 304A with HD tow package. I had assumed that would include an upgraded radiator, is this not the case?? It had been included in previous years and is included in the 2023 HD tow package. There was not an (add on) box that I saw to upgrade the...

www.expeditionforum.com

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

There is another possibility that Ford may only throw heavy duty radiator on models with high out engine (440hp). But for regular 380hp ecoboost (or even the 400hp engine), it definitely goes with the standard duty radiator no matter whether it has Tow package or not.

Interesting.

When I ordered my 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4 - the HD towing package was standard and included the HD radiator (and other features).

One would think that the HD towing package would include all upgrades, whether a standard package inclusion (as mine was with the Limited) - or as a standalone option?

I’ve always wondered what a Ford truck (with or without a towing package) would not just have the HD radiator standard across the line?

 

[Hellwig]

Interesting.

When I ordered my 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4 - the HD towing package was standard and included the HD radiator (and other features).

One would think that the HD towing package would include all upgrades, whether a standard package inclusion (as mine was with the Limited) - or as a standalone option?

I’ve always wondered what a Ford truck (with or without a towing package) would not just have the HD radiator standard across the line?

My assumption is, after Ford secretly upgraded 2022 Expedition's coolant thermostat spec from whatever to 195F, their engineers also figured heavy duty radiator is not necessary for regular engine anymore. Just wondering if the same scenario applies to F150.

 

[JasonH]

Interesting.

When I ordered my 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4 - the HD towing package was standard and included the HD radiator (and other features).

One would think that the HD towing package would include all upgrades, whether a standard package inclusion (as mine was with the Limited) - or as a standalone option?

I’ve always wondered what a Ford truck (with or without a towing package) would not just have the HD radiator standard across the line?

The vast majority of people with half tons don't tow. And of the small percentage that do, they don't tow enough to need the upgraded radiator. It seems like a silly thing, but for Ford they're always looking for ways to reduce costs to stay competitive with the competition on price. One of the ways they do that is by decontenting vehicles to reduce the advertised starting price. Ford will nickel and dime on everything, which is how you end up with important upgrades that cost $1,000 on a $70,000 vehicle. Porsche and Audi also employ this strategy. Before 2018, HD Tow upgrades were standard on all Limited and higher trims. I guess the marketing people got in the mix and decided that they could earn some extra margin by making it optional for those that really wanted it. Ford sold something like 40K Expedition through Q2 of 2023, that's up to 40M in revenue for the HD Tow upgrade for the first half of the year. It doesn't sound like much for a company this size, but there's a reason they employ bean counters.

 

[rd618]

The vast majority of people with half tons don't tow. And of the small percentage that do, they don't tow enough to need the upgraded radiator. It seems like a silly thing, but for Ford they're always looking for ways to reduce costs to stay competitive with the competition on price. One of the ways they do that is by decontenting vehicles to reduce the advertised starting price. Ford will nickel and dime on everything, which is how you end up with important upgrades that cost $1,000 on a $70,000 vehicle. Porsche and Audi also employ this strategy. Before 2018, HD Tow upgrades were standard on all Limited and higher trims. I guess the marketing people got in the mix and decided that they could earn some extra margin by making it optional for those that really wanted it. Ford sold something like 40K Expedition through Q2 of 2023, that's up to 40M in revenue for the HD Tow upgrade for the first half of the year. It doesn't sound like much for a company this size, but there's a reason they employ bean counters.

Spot on, also about perspective, having a vehicle start 1k less is more important for attracting customers. Especially when the overwhelming majority of them never tow anything.