Ford F150 Options?

[rvnovice]

This is my first post. We have never owned a truck or an RV. We are considering ordering a 2024 Ford F150 and an Escape 5.0 (5th wheel). We had an impressive tour of a local trailer earlier this week, and we will visit the factory next month. We also walked through an Escape Trailer meetup at an adjacent campground while waiting for the ferry on Whidbey Island, WA.

We need some advice on which F150 options to order. I know about the Ecoboost and the extended fuel tank from reading other posts. I’m not sure about axle ratios or other items. We plan to get a high trim level for comfort and safety features. I don’t want to tow near the rated limits of the truck, and I’m more concerned with braking than acceleration.

Does anyone have an F150 wish list for specifications? Any insight or guidance would be appreciated…

Washington State RV Novice

 

[Centex]

...
We need some advice on which F150 options to order. I know about the Ecoboost and the extended fuel tank from reading other posts. I’m not sure about axle ratios or other items. We plan to get a high trim level for comfort and safety features. I don’t want to tow near the rated limits of the truck, and I’m more concerned with braking than acceleration...

This may run a bit long, sorry about that, but IMO there's a lot to cover if one wants to be an informed F150 buyer.

I'm going to attach various excerpts from the most recent F150 'dealer order guide' for reference (dated 02/16/2024 and subject to revision at any time). I'd attach the whole document but that exceeds forum attachment size limits.

Let's start with Trim Levels (refer to attached 2024 F150 TRIM STD EQUIPMENT.pdf)

• XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch (KR), Platinum.
• The attachment provides the standard equipment lists for each trim level; each higher trim builds on the previous, so you have to start at the lowest to get the complete picture for any trim level.
• As a general rule, the higher the trim level, the lower the available payload all other things being equal; this simply because the higher trim luxury options add weight which detracts from available payload
• Based on your stated interests, IMO the Lariat is likely the lowest trim of interest to you

IMO the Lariat is a 'sweet spot' trim level, offering all of the safety features and a good balance of convenience / luxury features in consideration of preserving payload capacity. Note that though the 5.0 V8 is standard on the Lariat, the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost I prefer is an available option in conjunction with the Tow/Haul Package.

Insofar as standard equipment, among other things the more luxurious KR and Platinum add the following which are relatively 'high weight' items detracting from payload

• Power-Deployable Running Boards
• Pro-Power 2KW AC power source
• Multicontour seats on the KR (more motors than the 10 & 8-way power seats on the Lariat)
• Active Motion seats on the Platinum (even more heavy motors than the KR seats)
• Twin Panel Moonroof

All 'nice' items, but carefully consider the pros and cons in light of payload implications, this equipment adds-up to several hundred pounds reduction in payload all other things being equal.

Axles / Axle Ratios (this info is the same for 2WD and 4WD)

Sticking with Lariat and higher trims, IMO the Tow/Haul package is a 'must have'; it's optional on the lariat and included on the KR / Platinum. That gets you, among other things

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• 3.55:1 ratio Electronic Locking Rear Axle with the 3.5L EcoBoost

Note that there is no option for other than the 3.55:1 ratio with the 3.5L EcoBoost + Tow/haul package; that makes things easy in terms of ordering and IMO it's a great ratio with that engine + 10-speed transmission anyway, so take it and be happy.

Enough for this post, more to follow ....

 

[Mary F]

Get the max tow package. It includes an integrated brake controller, larger gas tank, rear axle with the better gear ratio. Also, if you’re doing a special order, be sure to request the center console (assuming you prefer that over the center jump seat). Personally, we like the super crew cab because it has adequate flat floor space for our dog’s travel kennel. This does mean the truck bed is short (5.5ft, I think), so you will want to be sure the 5.0TA works with the short bed (ours is a 21 pull behind, so not an issue for us). Our friends refer to the F-150 as the rolling sofa; comfort is excellent!

 

[Centex]

Attached for reference are the complete equipment and options for Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum from the previously mentioned 2024 dealer order guide.

I'll now offer my personally biased list of preferred options if I were specifying a 2024 F150 for towing my 5.0TA [option code in brackets] (IMO reasons in parentheses). This is as close as I can get to my 2022 'Dream Truck'** with 2024 options

• Lariat Trim
• [998] 3.5L EcoBoost (it's a great towing motor for all altitudes)
• [High 502A Equipment Group] (it's the only way to get the new Heads-Up Display, included fixed running boards are nice given height of 4WD)
• [68L] Bed Utility Package (I very much enjoy the full-powered down-and-up tailgate when hitching / unhithing my 5.0)
• [53T] Tow/Haul Package (see previous post)
• [54W] Trailer Tow Mirrors (I love 'em, would not be without them, fully powered extend/retract/fold/unfold; nope, not strictly necessary, but they provide un-equaled visibility down the sides of the 5.0 with the large area of both flat and convex mirror sections)
• [DIO / Dealer Installed Option] Individual Trailer TPMS/Customer Placed Trailer Camera (I installed this on my 2022 F150 which provides completely integrated trailer TPMS and rear view cam with no need for separate displays; I love it; ordering with the truck ensures that the truck will have all of the specific capabilities included in the truck wiring harness and SYNC system)

That's it! Note the 36-gallon tank is included in all F150 SuperCrew truck in 2024. Many other options avoided in consideration of maximizing Payload.

All just one person's opinion based on my preferences, YMMV, no worries, and Happy Shopping!
____________________

More just FYI...

** My 2022 'Dream Truck' cannot be replicated in 2024 because Ford discontinued the SuperCab (vs SuperCrew) Lariat starting in 2023 . I happen to love the 145" wheelbase SuperCab with a 6.5ft box; with the 2024 SuperCrew a 145" WB requires a 5.5 ft box, or a 6.5ft box requires a 157"WB. Just a matter of luck of timing for me, I'm very happy with what I've got and plan to drive it a very long time!

Though living in Texas I ordered my truck to my exact specifications from Granger Ford in Granger, IA. Hands down the best vehicle buying experience in my long life, several other members of this forum have also enjoyed buying from Granger. See this thread on another forum about their 4% below invoice pricing on ordered 2024 F150's

4% Under Invoice on any 2024 F-150 Order at Granger Ford

Just for your consideration.

 

[Centex]

Get the max tow package.....

Just FYI, for 2024 Ford offers only one tow package (53T Tow/Haul Package).

"Max Tow" only exists as an 'axle upgrade' to package 53T, is still the same 3.55:1 ratio with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

The difference is a 3/4-float axle design and larger ring gear rather than a semi-float axle design. Yes, it offers a slightly higher rated towing capacity, but the amount of that increase in 2024 has not yet been published by Ford. Ford's current version of the 2024 RV and Towing Guide is conspicuously absent any mention of the Max Tow Axle Upgrade option (?!?).

Noting the 3/4-float axle for earlier years (mine included) is currently the subject of a NHTSA recall with no known date for the permanent remedy, I would NOT recommend that option if buying a 2024 F150.

The 2024 53T Tow Haul Package has plenty of capacity for towing any model Escape Trailer, includes the trailer brake controller, and all SuperCrew trucks (except the hybrid PowerBoost) come with the 36 gallon tank in 2024.

And, yes, many folks on this forum have demonstrated that the F150 5.5ft box is perfectly adequate for towing the Escape 5.0 if one prefers the shorter wheelbase that affords.

 

[LRL]

This is my first post. We have never owned a truck or an RV. We are considering ordering a 2024 Ford F150 and an Escape 5.0 (5th wheel). We had an impressive tour of a local trailer earlier this week, and we will visit the factory next month. We also walked through an Escape Trailer meetup at an adjacent campground while waiting for the ferry on Whidbey Island, WA.

We need some advice on which F150 options to order. I know about the Ecoboost and the extended fuel tank from reading other posts. I’m not sure about axle ratios or other items. We plan to get a high trim level for comfort and safety features. I don’t want to tow near the rated limits of the truck, and I’m more concerned with braking than acceleration.

Does anyone have an F150 wish list for specifications? Any insight or guidance would be appreciated…

Washington State RV Novice

I had a 2022 Platinum Hybrid. I got the hybrid because of the integrated generator. I”ve used it both to power the trailer’s A/C and to power our house during a power outage.. but mainly I got it for the trailer and to eliminate the need to carry a generator. I’ve been very happy and it’s quite comfortable. It tows comfortably and (I think… but what do I know!) safely.

 

[Centex]

I had a 2022 Platinum Hybrid. ...

Very nice truck! Would you mind sharing the 'payload' number from the yellow door-frame sticker?

 

[LRL]

Very nice truck! Would you mind sharing the 'payload' number from the yellow door-frame sticker?

I’d be happy to, but I’m out of the country right now and won’t be back at the truck for a couple of weeks. Sorry! If I remember I’ll check and get back to you in a couple of weeks.

 

[rvnovice]

Thanks everyone!

Thanks for the replies and information! A special "thank you" to Alan (Centex) for the very detailed information with attachments and links! This is amazingly helpful information and I'm very grateful for your time and input!

 

[Centex]

I’d be happy to, but I’m out of the country right now and won’t be back at the truck for a couple of weeks. Sorry! If I remember I’ll check and get back to you in a couple of weeks.

No worries, I was just curious.

I know that forum member "kavm" tows his 5.0 with a 2021 hybrid PowerBoost SuperCrew, 6.5’ box, 4x4. Though not certain I believe his is a Platinum, he has posted his payload number is 1350#. Traveling with <300# of occupants and nothing other than his 5.0 pin weight + Andersen Ultimate hitch in the bed he's confident he's well under that payload number, and he's happy with how his rig behaves.

Certainly any F150 Lariat, King Ranch, or Platinum will have adequate payload for the 5.0 pin weight. One just may need to be attentive to the accumulated weight of the hitch, occupants, and cargo in the truck in some cases, particularly if one prefers a conservative 'rated payload cushion'.

Not an apples-to-apples comparison, but FYI my 2022 4x4 Lariat SuperCab with 6.5' box and 3.5 EcoBoost has a sticker payload number of 1848#. It can be surprising how configuration and options increase curb weight / reduce payload, given the GVWR of ~7100# for upper-trim F150's.

 

[oldwave]

Lower payloads are less of an issue with the non 5.0 trailers. I’d want 1800 lbs of payload with a 5.0.

 

[Jim Bennett]

As mentioned, the max towing package is about the only option that you really need, the others are up to you. I keep hearing about a larger fuel tank. Around here they are 136 liters which gives me lots of range. How big is this larger one? Maybe things have changed, mine is a 2015.

Lower payloads are less of an issue with the non 5.0 trailers. I’d want 1800 lbs of payload with a 5.0.

Mine is a fair bit lower and I have no issue with exceeding it. I think in pounds my cargo capacity is 1565. Pin weight is the biggest issue and mine is 340 kg (748 lb) and the cargo aside from us is maybe 250 lbs.

 

[Centex]

... I keep hearing about a larger fuel tank. Around here they are 136 liters which gives me lots of range. How big is this larger one? Maybe things have changed, mine is a 2015....

Just FYI (this is all US model data, things might be different for the Canadian market) ....

From 2021 through 2023 the SuperCrew** standard capacity was stated as 26.0 gallons (98.4 L). A 36 gallon (136.3 L) tank was available as a stand-alone option or was included with the "Max Tow Package".

In 2024 Ford implemented a plan to reduce production costs which involved major changes to available options 'bundling'. As a result, all** SuperCrews now get the larger tank as standard and the "Max Tow Package", as such, has been eliminated in favor of a single "Tow / Haul Package" (which includes the Trailer Brake Controller among other things).

**The hybrid Powerboost is always an exception to the gas tank rules - it always gets a 30.6 gallon (115.8L) tank due to space taken for its hybrid battery.

 

[brroberts]

I set my minimum at 1800lbs payload, and I have a 19, not a 5.0. I’m about 1600lbs as is. Propane, Gen. set, water, hitching, tools, two adults, grill, chairs, screen shelter, 565lbs tongue weight, solar panel, and some miscellaneous things. The truck gets pretty full.

 

[GinoandLinda]

This is my first post. We have never owned a truck or an RV. We are considering ordering a 2024 Ford F150 and an Escape 5.0 (5th wheel). We had an impressive tour of a local trailer earlier this week, and we will visit the factory next month. We also walked through an Escape Trailer meetup at an adjacent campground while waiting for the ferry on Whidbey Island, WA.

We need some advice on which F150 options to order. I know about the Ecoboost and the extended fuel tank from reading other posts. I’m not sure about axle ratios or other items. We plan to get a high trim level for comfort and safety features. I don’t want to tow near the rated limits of the truck, and I’m more concerned with braking than acceleration.

Does anyone have an F150 wish list for specifications? Any insight or guidance would be appreciated…

Washington State RV Novice

We have a '22 XLT. The things we have that we really like are the tow package and the 36gallon tank. We also opted for the 6.5' bed although folks here tow 5.0s with the 5.5' bed with no issues. We were looking for an XL (one trim level below the XLT) and couldn't find one so ended up with the XLT. So glad we got that. The larger infotainment screen is really nice. The trim levels above XLT should be really nice as well.

 

[BritCanuck]

I think things have changed a bit since I custom ordered my F150 back in Feb 2022.

My spec is F150 2022 Iconic Silver 4x4 XLT 2.7EB SuperCab, 6.5ft bed. 302a tech package, Sports package, 2.7 payload package, 360 Camera, Pilot 2.0. Tow mirrors, B&O upgrade.

My priorities based on towing were :-

1) Maximise payload....need lots of weight capacity in the truck for possible future plans, e.g. generator, inflatable kayak, foldable E-bikes, etc.

You will run out of payload before tow capacity. The higher trims remove payload capacity as they are typically heavier.

My payload is 1900lbs. My tow capacity is 10,100lbs, about double the max weight of my Escape 5.0. I got the tow package (7 pin hitch, trailer break), think that was included with the payload package, can't remember.

2) Reasonable amount of tech for a nice ride. Got the 302a package. Pretty much got everything I wanted apart from heated wheel. I'd need to move upto the Lariat trim to get that which would reduce my payload/increase cost. My F150 is the most comfortable/quiet ride I've ever had. The 302a comes with a fantastic 12inch display. I"m quite impressed with the Ford NAV system especially once you tell it what you are towing size wise, it will try and avoid bad/dangerous routes, e.g. low bridges.

3) 6.5ft bed vs Crewcab. I went with the reduced cab size with the Supercab, and went with the 6.5ft bed. No chance of punching out my back window during a jack knife. I can do a 90 deg turn with the trailer (not recommend as the trailer tires don't actually move!).

4) Something specific to the F150 and 360Camera system (thanks to Alan E above!). With the correct cabling and a harness change you can integrate the Ford trailer backup camera and trailer TPMS system into the truck displays. Saves you having to have a extra couple of separate displays. Great having the trailer backup camera display on the massive 12 inch monitor. I'm about to do this in the next couple of weeks.


5) Range. I've got the 36 gallon fuel tank. Reckon my towing range is about 500Km, which is a lot further than my bladder!

6) Tow mirrors!

7) Tailgate step. Love this, I'm not getting any younger, makes it very easy to get stuff in and out of the truck bed.

 

[Centex]

I think things have changed a bit since I custom ordered my F150 back in Feb 2022.

My spec is F150 2022 Iconic Silver 4x4 XLT 2.7EB SuperCab, 6.5ft bed. 302a tech package, Sports package, 2.7 payload package, 360 Camera, Pilot 2.0. Tow mirrors, B&O upgrade. ....

Indeed things have changed since 2022, and not all for the better as far as towing an Escape trailer goes

Among the things you enjoy that are no longer available in 2024 ...

• The 2.7 EcoBoost "Heavy Duty Payload Package" has been eliminated
• The sole remaining "Tow / Haul Package" is not available with the 2.7 EcoBoost (though the integrated Trailer Brake Controller is available as a stand-alone option on some trims with the 2.7E
• The "Tow Mirrors" we both love are no longer available with the 2.7 EcoBoost

Though many here enjoy towing their Escape trailers with that wonderful 2.7 EB engine in an F150, it seems Ford has decided that's not a good engine for all of the towing-friendly features (or 'the market' wasn't buying enough of them equipped with those features).

A pity, IMO, given the popularity of lighter weight trailers in general.

I'm a long-time happy F150 owner, but not a blind fanatic about them - they have some great features but they're also struggling on several fronts at the moment, IMO. Personally, I'm glad to not be in need of a full-size truck at this time.

There are some solid competitors worthy of serious consideration by current new-truck shoppers, I think.

 

[GregColdewey]

You've got some great advice so far, and I agree with it all. Get the tow package, the 3.5 ecoboost and you will have a great set up. I have a 22 F-150 Lariat Powerboost with the 7.5 KW generator and we have absolutely loved it. We have full power for the trailer by plugging into the truck anywhere we are. So far I've only used it a few times when camping in national parks without power and we were in shady spots so the solar couldn't keep up. Just plug in for a few hours recharge the batteries and we were good to go. The other time was in New Mexico last summer when my batteries were failing and I had to charge every day even with sun and solar...it saved the trip. (batteries have been replaced). It's a great peace of mind and opens up boondocking options without the need to carry a generator.

Second thing is that the electric motor does provide some power on takeoff to the point that the trailer is not even noticeable when accelerating.

Does not help MPG when towing, but around town daily driving I get around 25 MPG which is amazing for a big truck...and that is where most of my driving is as opposed to towing.

 

[Jeremy Kessenich]

5) Range. I've got the 36 gallon fuel tank. Reckon my towing range is about 500Km, which is a lot further than my bladder!

Hilarious and yet so true.

 

[WillyB]

Things I like about our XLT F-150.
* 4x4
* 4 Door
* 3.5 Ecoboost
* 3.55 Locking Differential
* 36 Gal Tank
* Center Console
* Heated Seats
* Sliding Rear Widow
* Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

Things I wish I had on my F150
* Power Folding Tow Mirrors (Only available on Lariat level and above)