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

[sjwhiteley]

I ordered HD tow package, thus 26mm radiator, on my 2024 vehicle. And the build sheet clearly states it gets a standard duty radiator.

So, if you do not get the HD tow, what radiator do you get? The 26mm is an option, so what’s different? What does 26mm even mean?

 

[Hellwig]

So, if you do not get the HD tow, what radiator do you get? The 26mm is an option, so what’s different? What does 26mm even mean?

My understanding is 26mm radiator means standard duty. Otherwise, Ford owes me a heavy duty radiator.

 

[5280tunage]

So, if you do not get the HD tow, what radiator do you get? The 26mm is an option, so what’s different? What does 26mm even mean?

You get the 26mm plastic one.

 

[Mr Big]

Being in Florida, I'm so glad my Expedition has the heavy-duty tow package with heavy duty radiator, 3.73 3L rear end and all the other features included.

 

[JasonH]

There are aftermarket upgrades available, as well as the Ford OEM part. It's not the end of the world, but it does suck that Ford is decontenting its vehicles to boost margins.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

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.

hah. I towed 10000 miles in 4 months last year. admittedly it was only a 5000 lb trailer, but still. over hill, over dale. from Santa Cruz, California to McAllen TX, meandered down the east coast of Mexico to Yucatan to Chetumal, then across to the west coast, and meandered back up to Nogales, Phoenix and home to Santa Cruz with side trip to LA to visit wife's family.




yellow stars are most of the places we camped.

 

[Calidad]

hah. I towed 10000 miles in 4 months last year. admittedly it was only a 5000 lb trailer, but still. over hill, over dale. from Santa Cruz, California to McAllen TX, meandered down the east coast of Mexico to Yucatan to Chetumal, then across to the west coast, and meandered back up to Nogales, Phoenix and home to Santa Cruz with side trip to LA to visit wife's family.

View attachment 84092


yellow stars are most of the places we camped.


View attachment 84093

Not really a stressful load but thats a lot of miles. 750 miles from Seattle to Tahoe in July. Towed great but I do think the original thermostat was acting up. Never saw Hot temps but I had to pay attention to inconsistent temp spikes. Haven’t towed with the new thermostat yet but non towing temps are 10 degrees cooler and far far more stable so far.

 

[Rob6805]

Glad I have a 21 w/ HD Tow.

 

[Mr Big]

My 2019 Platinum has the HD Tow package, and it's a game changer in Florida during the summer months for sure. Engine temps stay spot on and transmission temps are lower than my friend's 2020 Expy XLT.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

i bought my 2019 in late 2023 as a CPO, is it possible the dealer did the thermostat as part of their CPO prep ? It had about 62K miles on it when I bought it. I'm up over 78000 now, and my indy shop said coolant test suggests I should change it at the next service, I figured I'd ask them to do the thermostat at the same time. Can I assume that if they get a genuine Ford thermostat it will be the updated version? Is there a part number change ?

 

[Left Coast Geek]

hmmm, parts.ford.com says Part #: RT1252 (HL3Z8575B) is for up to late 2021 and Part #: RT1250 (ML3Z8575A) is for 2022+ ... so are these not interchangeable ?!?