Tow Package or No?

[destination]

Could use some advice on how important the tow package really is for my intended uses.

I'm considering picking up a good deal on a 2018 XLT - much fewer to choose from if you have to have the HD Tow Package for 9k. I usually go for max spec, but with the other packages I want, this ends up adding a lot more than just the $1500 HD Tow package to the price.

I'm planning to tow 2-3 times per year about on a 1000 mile trips in the summer - about 2-3k pounds boat and trailer plus five people and gear in the truck. Frequent shorter towing of the boat on most summer weekends, 200 mile round trips.

Is the extra cooling and steeper 3.73 ratio worth it for me? Any drive-ability concerns or experiences with the 3.31 ratio to be concerned about?

 

[gtncpa]

I no expert, but from what I have read on this forum you should have no trouble pulling your boat without the HD Tow Package.

 

[Habbibie]

Doesn't sound like its needed on your end, is the trailer a 4 pin flat connector or a 7 pin with brakes? Not sure what an expy without a tow package has for trailer connection (im assuming either a 4 pin flat or none) but that'll be my only concern and adding a brake controller if your trailer has brakes.

3.31 to 3.73 gears on a daily driven vehicle wont be noticed, and seeing it's not a sport car it wont matter either. Better highway mpg's with the 3.31

 

[East-TN]

Could use some advice on how important the tow package really is for my intended uses.

I'm considering picking up a good deal on a 2018 XLT - much fewer to choose from if you have to have the HD Tow Package for 9k. I usually go for max spec, but with the other packages I want, this ends up adding a lot more than just the $1500 HD Tow package to the price.

I'm planning to tow 2-3 times per year about on a 1000 mile trips in the summer - about 2-3k pounds boat and trailer plus five people and gear in the truck. Frequent shorter towing of the boat on most summer weekends, 200 mile round trips.

Is the extra cooling and steeper 3.73 ratio worth it for me? Any drive-ability concerns or experiences with the 3.31 ratio to be concerned about?

For the specifics you listed, the HD Tow Package is probably not required. But the other considerations are: If you can afford it, why not get the HD Tow Package? If you decide to tow something bigger/heavier in the future, then you are ready to tow it. Plus, when/if you go to sell your vehicle it will be slightly more desireable if it has the HD Tow Package.

 

[Uturn]

The non-tow package Expedition is still rated to tow 6k and will not have an issue with your boat. It is also equipped with wiring for both the factory brake controller(will need to be activated by dealer) or a aftermarket brake controller(has a plug-in and a pigtail is included). Of course the controller may not be relevant since most boats either do not have brakes or are equipped with surge brakes.

 

[destination]

Totally agree about just having the HD Tow just in case - never know when you might buy a bigger boat. Its really not about cost though, its more about what is available within 200 miles and I'm also one of those people that has to have a deal to pull the trigger.

I'm curious if anyone has towed long distance without the Tow Package - really putting it to the test by going over mountains with 5k+ on the hook or 16 hours of straight interstate at 70+ mph. I'm really more interested in the cooling capacity than the towing capacity at this point.

I saw another thread that pointed out that adding cooling capacity aftermarket is probably not more economical than just getting the package, plus you miss the higher capacity for resale.

 

[Black]

The non-tow package Expedition is still rated to tow 6k and will not have an issue with your boat. It is also equipped with wiring for both the factory brake controller(will need to be activated by dealer) or a aftermarket brake controller(has a plug-in and a pigtail is included). Of course the controller may not be relevant since most boats either do not have brakes or are equipped with surge brakes.

You can activate it yourself using ForScan.

The HD tow package has a bigger radiator and an extra trans cooler.
The more you can do to keep these thing cool is a huge plus towing or not.

Do you need it? Nope. Depending upon cost differences I would try to find one with it.

 

[aggiegrad05]

You can activate it yourself using ForScan.

The HD tow package has a bigger radiator and an extra trans cooler.
The more you can do to keep these thing cool is a huge plus towing or not.

Do you need it? Nope. Depending upon cost differences I would try to find one with it.

Question (and I promise I am not being argumentative, I am curious): several folks on here have mentioned that the HD Tow Package comes with a trans cooler...where are y'all seeing that?

Here's what the brochure/website says is included in the package on the 2018 (no mention of a trans cooler):



And this is from the 2017 brochure (obvious mention of a trans cooler):


I'm not saying the 2018 doesn't include it in the package, but why omit it from the brochure if it does? Manufacturers are not known for their modesty.

 

[Black]

You may be correct and they all include them now with the 10 speed. Though I am almost positive I read the added cooler in a 2018 Brochure back towards the beginning of the year when I bought my 2016 but was researching 18s aswell.

 

[JohnT]

You can activate it yourself using ForScan.

I am assuming you purchase or obtain the 2018 brake controller controls and retrofit them to the dash?

 

[5150 pops]

I am assuming you purchase or obtain the 2018 brake controller controls and retrofit them to the dash?

Correct, there's a thread about it here and/or F-150 forum. Fairly easy.

 

[5150 pops]

Question (and I promise I am not being argumentative, I am curious): several folks on here have mentioned that the HD Tow Package comes with a trans cooler...where are y'all seeing that?

Here's what the brochure/website says is included in the package on the 2018 (no mention of a trans cooler):
View attachment 27333


And this is from the 2017 brochure (obvious mention of a trans cooler):
View attachment 27332

I'm not saying the 2018 doesn't include it in the package, but why omit it from the brochure if it does? Manufacturers are not known for their modesty.

To save on ink?
Seriously, I remember reading all Expedition in '18 had trans coolers, but hd tow had uprated cooler.

HD 2 speed transfer case, oil cooler, bigger rad, and the backup assist, (gimmick).

I've not been able to to find anything currently in print, that shows all on one page though, from Ford.

Another tidbit I can't prove, that a GM told me was between std and Max only a total of 10% of the total production run of both, not each, would be outfitted with HD Tow pkg. for '18. Once the production allocation was finished, a dealer could still place a special order for a customer though.

I tend to believe the rarity whether it's 10% 15% or 20% it was fairly hard to find mine.

 

[Uturn]

I am assuming you purchase or obtain the 2018 brake controller controls and retrofit them to the dash?

Pictures not worth much, but yes it is available.
https://parts.autonationfordwhitebe...kaXRpb24meT0yMDE4JnQ9eGx0JmU9My01bC12Ni1nYXM=

 

[shane_th_ee]

I had two dealers quote $495 (incl parts and labor) to add the integrated trailer brake controller as a dealer installed option.

 

[JohnT]

Awesome, one controller just ordered. Way cheaper than a decent brake controller and properly integrated into the car

Thanks

edit

Assuming Forscan settings from 2015 to 2017 transfer across?
Trailer Brake Controller - Activate (if installing a factory brake controller)
IPC 720-07-01 xxxx x8xx xxxx
Change to 8 to Activate factory brake controller

Trailer Brake Controller - Gain Activate (if installing a factory brake controller)
IPC 720-04-01 xx4x xxxx xxxx
Change to 4 to Activate Gain display in IPC


edit 2 special order from Ford so might be waiting a day or 3 longer than expected but no biggy

Hello
One or more of your parts have been special ordered from Ford, and will be ready to ship to you in 3-4 business days. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, and we appreciate your patience.

Thanks again for your order!
xxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx
Autonation Ford WBL

 

[East-TN]

Awesome, one controller just ordered. Way cheaper than a decent brake controller and properly integrated into the car

Thanks

edit

Assuming Forscan settings from 2015 to 2017 transfer across?
Trailer Brake Controller - Activate (if installing a factory brake controller)
IPC 720-07-01 xxxx x8xx xxxx
Change to 8 to Activate factory brake controller

Trailer Brake Controller - Gain Activate (if installing a factory brake controller)
IPC 720-04-01 xx4x xxxx xxxx
Change to 4 to Activate Gain display in IPC


edit 2 special order from Ford so might be waiting a day or 3 longer than expected but no biggy

Hello
One or more of your parts have been special ordered from Ford, and will be ready to ship to you in 3-4 business days. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, and we appreciate your patience.

Thanks again for your order!
xxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx
Autonation Ford WBL

Please post back what FORScan changes you made to activate in the 2018...I’ll add it to the Expy FORScan spreadsheet.

 

[Uturn]

There may be one issue. I can not write to the instrument cluster with Forscan. It is the only module that I cannot write to. Ford is having their suppliers change some of the program language that now uses cloud based programming software and I believe the IPC is the first to see the change.

 

[JohnT]

When it arrives and I hook it up I will have a play

 

[destination]

Has anyone done a lot of towing with a non-HD tow package Expy? Would like to hear if you were happy with the performance and temps.

 

[5150 pops]

When it arrives and I hook it up I will have a play

This guy did it himself on his '17 with Forscan after being told by his dealer, it was impossible, because it wasn't factory installed.
LOL.

BTW, when I was still swimming through all the different scenarios of acquiring an expedition, I too was quoted by a local dealer, around $400-$450 parts and labor to get Factory IBC, on an expedition not originally equipped.