How to tell if F150 has Max Tow Package

The Ford F-150 towing packages are really confusing. We get it!

In this article we unpack exactly how to tell if F150 has Max Tow Package and what is in the package.

The different towing packages

Ford is not very consistent with its naming however there are three packages (17T, 53A, 53B) that it calls Trailer Tow Packages….

….and there is one package (53C) that it calls the Max Trailer Tow Package. So if you know you have package 53C then you know you have the Max Trailer Tow package. Easy!

You may also see the 17T package referred to as the Tow Technology Package.

The 53A package is sometimes called the Heavy Duty tow package by people online. However, that’s not a term that is consistently used by Ford and it is potentially confusing with the Heavy Duty Payload package (627). Note that option 627 often requires the Max Trailer Tow Package and that can cause even more confusion!

Finally, the 53B is sometimes called the Class II Trailer Tow Package.

Key Point
Package 53C is the Max Trailer Tow Package

Before we can give definitive guidance on how to tell if you have the Max Trailer Tow Package we need to review what it includes.

What is included in the Max Trailer Tow Package?

The Max Trailer Tow Package changes up some items from the stock F-150, and adds some additional items.

The standard 4-pin trailer wiring harness is replaced for the 7-pin version
A reinforced 2″ receiver rated at 14,000lbs. This is in contrast to the other tow packages where the hitch receiver is rated for 11,600lbs
Smart Trailer Tow Connector. This simply monitors lights on your trailer and can inform you if a bulb has blown. See the video below.
Upgraded rear axle
Upgraded rear bumper – see note below.
Integrated trailer brake controller. Most trailers should have integrated electronic brakes, the truck’s trailer brake controller can activate these providing enhanced safety and reduced wear-and-tear on the truck’s brakes
Tailgate LED – useful for lighting your hitch area
Pro Trailer Backup Assist (Not included on XL 100A). With this option you will see a dial on your console marked Pro Trailer. It allows you to take your hands off the wheel and control the direction of the reversing trailer while using the assistance of the camera system. Most people either love it or hate it! See video below for more information.
36 Gallon extended range fuel tank (not Powerboost or XL regular cab models).

What is the upgraded rear bumper?

The upgraded rear bumper is basically just a reinforced receiver that has been enhanced over the 2″ receiver available with the other towing packages (53A, 53B). The regular receiver is rated for 11,600lbs.

The Max Trailer Tow Package increases this rating to 14,000lbs. Note that this maximum load can only be achieved with the use of a weight distributing hitch, and the maximum tongue weight must be within 1,400lbs. If a weight distributing hitch is not used (i.e. a weight carrying hitch) then the maximum tow rating is 5,000lbs and the maximum tongue weight must be within 500lbs.

The label on the right is the hitch from a F-150 with the Max Trailer Tow Package. You can see it is rated for 14,000lbs with a weight distributing hitch, and 5,000lbs with a weight carrying hitch.

Smart Trailer Tow Connector

Pro Trailer Backup Assist

What does Tow Package 53B include?

Package 53B essentially gives you a hitch. The receiver is 2″ and rated for 11,600lbs. You also get the 7-pin wiring harness which gives the Smart Trailer Tow Connector, but that’s about it.
You don’t get too much with this package.

What does Tow Package 53A include?

Tow Package 53A builds on 53B with three additional items. (Yeah, we know it makes no sense that 53C is the most complete package, followed by 53A and then 53B)

Trailer brake controller. If you see an integrated trailer brake controller in your F-150 then you likely have 53A or 53C
Tailgate LED
Pro Trailer Backup Assist (not XL 100A model). This is included on the base model XLT (302A) and above.

What does the Max Trailer Tow Package (53C) add?

When you compare the 53A and 53C packages there are three differences.

Upgraded rear axle
Upgraded rear bumper. This is the reinforced receiver rated to 14,000lbs.
Extended range gas tank with 36 gallons (not Powerboost or XL regular cab models).

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How to tell if F150 has Max Tow Package?

There is not one simple test, but follow these steps and you will get a considerable degree of certainty.

Does it have an integrated trailer brake controller? If you do not have the trailer brake controller then you do not have the Max Trailer Tow Package.

Based on the above test, you might still have the 53A or 53C.

Look under your hitch and find the label (see above for an example). Is the hitch rated for 14,000lbs with a weight distributing hitch? If you have the 14,000lbs rating and the above two bullets hold then it seems almost certain that you have the Max Trailer Tow Package.

Note that checking you have the extended range 36 gallon fuel tank is not a foolproof method since this option is also available on the Heavy-Duty Payload Package, and is not available on the Powerboost and some other models.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between F-150 tow package and max tow package?

The main addition with the Max Trailer Tow Package compared to the other tow package (53A) is

Upgraded rear axle
Upgraded rear bumper. This is the reinforced receiver rated to 14,000lbs.
Extended range gas tank with 36 gallons (not all models).

What does F-150 Max Tow Package include?

The Max Trailer Tow Package includes;

7-pin wiring harness
A reinforced 2″ receiver
Smart Trailer Tow Connector
Upgraded rear axle
Upgraded rear bumper
Integrated trailer brake controller
Tailgate LED
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
36 Gallon fuel tank

How much can my F-150 tow?

See our separate articles that explain how much an F-150 can tow, and how much the Ecoboost 3.5L can tow.

Conclusion
You are very likely to have the Max Trailer Tow Package if your hitch sticker rates the hitch at 14,000lbs plus you have the integrated trailer brake controller and Pro Backup assist dial. These items will almost certainly indicate you have the Max Trailer Tow Package.