FX4 payload and towing question

[Wbutter1]

I am looking at purchasing a 2020 Expedition Max with the heavy tow package. One of them has the FX4 off-road package and one does not. My question is which is better for towing and does the extra equipment in the off road package lower payload significantly? Thanks!

 

[Aspen03]

I thought the fx4 was mostly cosmetic (variations of existing equipment) except for the skid plates and a few other random things? I wouldn't think it a significant ount but if 50 or 100lbs is going to make it or break it just give the dealer a call and find out what the weight and payload are.

The fx4 if you plan to be off road in any capacity is likely the better choice being it has suspension setup for the task, terrain management, 360 cam, etc. Useful features nonetheless even if not used all the time.

 

[Wbutter1]

Thank you. What about the 18” wheels on the off road package vs the 20”? Would they be better for towing.

 

[mwl001]

Thank you. What about the 18” wheels on the off road package vs the 20”? Would they be better for towing.

Others might have more experience with this question, but generally wherever you have "squishiness" - whether that's in your frame, your suspension, or your wheels/tires, that's going to make for a less pleasant towing experience. Of course, all those things affect your ride too. So in my opinion more sidewall (unless it's a stiffer LT tire) is going to make for a less pleasant towing experience than larger wheels. I have the 22" wheels and as long as my tires are fully inflated I feel like they don't contribute to any unpleasant characteristics - I think that's mostly the independent rear plus the weight distribution connection for me.

 

[Bigfishfin]

Thank you. What about the 18” wheels on the off road package vs the 20”? Would they be better for towing.

As noted in several posts in the forum strings, tire selection is much better with 18” wheels...IMHO, real trucks don’t have low profile tires...

 

[bwhinnen]

Check here for a good range of payloads versus trim and features. There is a google sheets doc on page 4/5.

 

[Aspen03]

Not that I have any experience towing anything other than a car trailer but I would opt for 18s in almost any instance over the larger sizes. There are probably hundreds of tire choices in 18s, they'll be less costly as well and if you were to ever get a flat they are so prevalent thst even the most backwoods shop would probably have something available where a low pro 20-22 is going to be a much more selective choice. The day to day ride quality of an 18 are likely better as well. LT tire is the way to go unless it's a light load which I'm guessing it's not based on the original question asked.

I've never seen a tow vehicle that hasn't curbed/rubbed a tire on something in my life. The sidewall on that 18 is also going to save you $ where w 22 you're gouging the rim in almost every instance. You just have to decide whether you're going for utility or cosmetics.

 

[shane_th_ee]

If you go look at the payload thread, the FX4 package isn’t the heavy hitter on payload: it’s the sunroof which costs about 150lbs.

 

[Wbutter1]

Thank you everyone for the help!