Looking at a 2019 Platinum

[CougarCruiser]

I'm looking to switch from an F150 to a family hauler SUV. I have my eyes set on a '19 Platinum with the 2nd row captains chairs.

One thing it doesn't have is the max tow/heavy duty tow package. I don't do heavy towing, and don't imagine myself doing much of it down the road. I do have a small utility trailer, a bike rack, and would like the ability to tow up to, say,,,, 5000 pounds.

Will not having it hurt resale much? Can I add the factory electronic brake controller later?

 

[JExpedition07]

Won’t hurt resale too much, a bit. Yes you can add a brake controller later.

 

[F150 Pat]

I just sold my 2016 F150KR. Ordered a Limited before Christmas and it's coming in next week. 301A, Special Edition Package, 2nd row bucket seats. It's a nicely equipped vehicle. Max tow is part of the special edition package. Saw the Platinum at the auto show with the beige seats. Way to light for me.

 

[Artie]

I don’t tow heavy either but I got the tow package anyway. The main reason is it gave me the two speed transfer case which I did want and if ever do tow heavy I have the option. Also, since I’m a moron at backing up the small trailer I do have and the tow package backing up thingy makes me look like a pro when my wife watches me so there’s that.

In other words it was worth the small cost to me.... small when compared to the cost of the vehicle I should say.

 

[scottdm]

I don’t tow heavy either but I got the tow package anyway. The main reason is it gave me the two speed transfer case which I did want and if ever do tow heavy I have the option. Also, since I’m a moron at backing up the small trailer I do have and the tow package backing up thingy makes me look like a pro when my wife watches me so there’s that.

In other words it was worth the small cost to me.... small when compared to the cost of the vehicle I should say.

I also don't plan to do much towing but I required 4 low and wanted more features than were available on the XLT with FX4 package. I ended up getting a Limited 302A with HD Trailer Tow package and added skid plates after the fact to my Limited.

 

[CougarCruiser]

I'm looking at an in-stock unit, that doesn't have the tow package. Hence, my concern. If I was ordering it, it'd be a no brainer. It looks like the standard pack doesn't get you trailer assist (never used on my f150), adds 4low, and raises the tow rating to over 10k with the lower gears. Otherwise, you get a class III rated for 9k? Frankly, that should be fine for me. I just don't want to take a hit down the road because it doesn't have it. The trailer brake I may add just in case - sounds like that's not a huge deal.


any other must have options or things I should make sure check the boxes on? I do wish it had the lower gears - if for acceleration improvements more than anything.

aftermarket wise... Anyone recommend a B&O interface if I do a little stereo improvement? Or a ECU tuner for performance?

 

[Jace]

Here are the Towing Capabilities from Ford:

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

I just sold my 2016 F150KR. Ordered a Limited before Christmas and it's coming in next week. 301A, Special Edition Package, 2nd row bucket seats. It's a nicely equipped vehicle. Max tow is part of the special edition package. Saw the Platinum at the auto show with the beige seats. Way to light for me.

Great minds think alike. That is how I ordered mine. With the 22" wheels it is very similar in appearance to a Stealth (303-A) but several thousand less. I think that a Platinum would have been equipped pretty much the same as ours but with massaging seats; probably a nice feature, but something we don't really need.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

 

[JasonH]

These vehicles have horrendous depreciation, so any hit you take will driven by the fact that it's a new Ford more so than the particular configuration. I'm biased, but I purchased my 2017 for a substantial discount for what it stickered for. My advice is to get a used 2018 with the tow package. The vehicle will likely sell easier when you're done with it.

 

[Jace]

View attachment 28749

Do you have any pics from the front/side angle? I really like that setup!

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

It's at the dealer now having some sensor issues addressed. I'll take a couple more when I get it home again.

 

[Mothnuts]

I don’t think I’d worry too much about the tow package for how you are going to use it, especially concerning resale. I ended up putting it on the ‘19 Platinum I ordered mainly because I really liked how the loaner I had with the tow package handled the hills compared to our Tahoe (which was terrible). I plan to trade mine every year, but am concerned it is an option I probably won’t see much return on....hopefully I’m wrong. I was going to test drive one without the tow package, but every one they had on the lot had it. I’ll probably try to test drive one before ordering the next one, unless I feel like I got most of the money back. I’ll most likely never use the receiver hitch on ours.

 

[lobsenza]

The tow package changes the rear axle ratio. The tow package should have slightly better acceleration and slightly worse fuel economy (highway mostly). I have found in some vehicles the higher numeric axle ratio included in the tow package will make the vehicle feel less laggy. I have only driven with the tow package, so I cannot personally compare.

 

[dlcorbett]

The tow pkg wont change anything in terms of handling characteristics.

 

[Mothnuts]

The tow pkg wont change anything in terms of handling characteristics.

Sorry, I was referring to the rear axle ratio when I said handled...I wasn’t very clear on that. The Expy didn’t lose a single mph, whereas the Tahoe would lose close to 5 mph on the same incline.

 

[Sgt Darkness]

We bought the 18 Ltd Expy 301A in Oct 18 and with it being built on 21 Aug 18 most of the probs with the Freon, mirrors, etc were corrected, knock on wood....I don’t do much towing but on occasion I will use my trailer to haul stuff to help people out if needed. Most always I use the Silverado Z71 4x4 with tow for any towing I do. You may already have the Expy and, if so, congrats you will love her......the Expy beats the Sub, Tahoe and GMC by a large margin. I also drove the Infinity and Mercedes but the Expy won that battle. 4x4 will increase your resale value but without 4x4 you should get 24 on hiway versus 20/21 with the .373 gears so you’re making money as you drive. Post a pic when you can!!