MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE if not planning to tow?

[Randall Stephens]

In model year 2025, the E-LOCKER ONLY comes with the MaxTow option.

And a few other minor features ....

Does the max trailer tow really get the dual onboard chargers? I haven’t had a chance to check the order guide.

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[TaxmanHog]

Does the max trailer tow really get the dual onboard chargers? I haven’t had a chance to check the order guide.

With regard to the FLASH trim, I don't think it changes the battery pack to 131KW, I haven't confirmed it yet, running out the door.

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

no, there's absolutely no difference in any of these LIGHTNINGS other than the additional CHILLER and Cooling Lines to the battery pack, with the MAX TOW option... the battery is the weak point when heating up when towing heavy loads - the shocks or suspension are no different - the truck, itself, is already built for up to 10,000lb of towing, no matter what trim level - the only difference is the size of the Battery Pack, and the Additional CHILLER.

TOWING TECH is a totally different subject, and/or option...

Also remember that Lightnings with Max Tow have manual battery cooling (high temperature preconditioning) if you are not pulling a trailer. Switch the truck from Normal or Sport mode to Tow/Haul mode. That will turn on the second cooling loop and cool the battery.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Does the max trailer tow really get the dual onboard chargers? I haven’t had a chance to check the order guide.

With regard to the FLASH trim, I don't think it changes the battery pack to 131KW, I haven't confirmed it yet, running out the door.

Looking at the FLASH BUILDER, similar data, (this is likely a static display of features for the option)

I don't think you will get dual OBC unless OPTIONED under a FLEET ORDER BUILD, and from my reading what they're saying is that if you've optioned the 131 KWH battery and dual OBC then you MUST have the 9.6KW PPOB.

This would still be a rare build for retail offerings (abandoned fleet builds) is about the only way you're going to see one.

Also from the FLASH builder options pick list.

 

[WXman]

• Would having this option enhance future sales potential to the next owner, does having MAX TOW increase trade value of the truck?

Sadly, I think most EV buyers have no idea what Max Towing actually is nor do they care. Which is probably why finding one on a dealership lot with the package is like finding a needle in a haystack. I searched my entire area and found ONE Lightning, a used one, with the Max Towing package added.

You need the max tow package to get the maximum tow rating (10k pounds) and the max payload capacity (2235 pounds). You also need the proper tires. The extra equipment provides compensation for its weight and more.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...pdf/2023-Ford-RV-and-Trailer-Towing-Guide.pdf

Well see that would be a game changer. But according to all the information I had seen, Max Towing does not increase payload rating, it actually decreases it. And the guys here also said that no other mechanical changes are made to Max Towing trucks. So which is true will be the wild card here.

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

Sadly, I think most EV buyers have no idea what Max Towing actually is nor do they care. Which is probably why finding one on a dealership lot with the package is like finding a needle in a haystack. I searched my entire area and found ONE Lightning, a used one, with the Max Towing package added.



Well see that would be a game changer. But according to all the information I had seen, Max Towing does not increase payload rating, it actually decreases it. And the guys here also said that no other mechanical changes are made to Max Towing trucks. So which is true will be the wild card here.

Not sure where you are getting your information. Tech Specs say Max Tow package and Extended Range Battery is the only way to get the 10,000 pound towing capacity:

 

[WXman]

Not sure where you are getting your information. Tech Specs say Max Tow package and Extended Range Battery is the only way to get the 10,000 pound towing capacity:

Oh I fully understand that the truck only gets the 10,000 lb Towing rating if it has the Max Towing package. What I'm saying is that I recently asked the Forum here if there are any mechanical differences between a Max towing package truck and a non-max towing package truck and all the guys said that the additional cooling is the only real difference.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Pulling 10K on a non-max tow might be structurally possible, but the battery and motors could might overheat in the wrong conditions.

Back to the OP's concern, he's NOT TOWING, so we are spinning wheels arguing over this if he will own the vehicle long term and will never have a need for the extra capacity.

 

[Firn]

Not sure where you are getting your information. Tech Specs say Max Tow package and Extended Range Battery is the only way to get the 10,000 pound towing capacity:

Towing yes, but what about payload.

I have not dug into it but I didnt belive that max tow improved payload capacity at all.

OK, so this is where it gets interesting...

Well, that's 250 lbs. less payload capacity you will have. And since trailers (campers, enclosed trailers, boats, etc.) are designed to put 10-15% of their total weight on the tongue, that translates to a loss of 2,500 lbs. or more of maximum gross trailer weight.

So, using myself as an example.. my trailer/camper weighs 7,500 lbs. so assuming 13% on the hitch that's 1,000 lbs. Wife, myself, and two big teenagers go 800 lbs. Our coolers and camping gear are 200 lbs. So that's 2,000 lbs. of payload. My truck is stamped 2,030 so I'm OK.

Does it weight 7500lbs, or is it maximum gross weight 7500lbs?

I agree with your point, but I also think this is more for using the truck with equipment or dump trailers, etc. I cannot imagine pushing the lightning on a RV road trip with 10,000lbs in conditions needed extra cooling (mountains, etc).

 

[WXman]

Towing yes, but what about payload.

I have not dug into it but I didnt belive that max tow improved payload capacity at all.


Does it weight 7500lbs, or is it maximum gross weight 7500lbs?

I agree with your point, but I also think this is more for using the truck with equipment or dump trailers, etc. I cannot imagine pushing the lightning on a RV road trip with 10,000lbs in conditions needed extra cooling (mountains, etc).

My trailer has a GVWR of 9990 (paper rating to keep it under the 10k trigger for additional paperwork that some states require). Trailer itself has a curb weight around 4,700 lbs. When I load it, depending on what I am hauling, it'll go 7,500 or more.

I realize the OP is not worried about towing. I just saw this thread and thought it is interesting that in the quest to give the Lightning more towing capacity by adding more equipment, they ironically reduced its ability to tow by adding that equipment. This happens to a lot of trucks actually, but the Lightning's "Max Towing" package is just a prime example.

 

[hturnerfamily]

all these arguments sometimes have NOTHING to do with the truck's CAPABILITY to tow... meaning that they are ALL built EXACTLY the same, as far as the frame and suspension to 'tow' up to 10,000lbs with no issues... the payload does not change, the bed load does not change, and the hitch load does not change just because you add the optional 'MAX TOW', on any trim level* - it ONLY changes the battery's capability to NOT OVERHEAT as easily under more stressful long-range loads...

watch from 2:20...

You could take a basic PRO SR 98kw battery LIGHTNING, with nothing more than it's stock build, and easily tow 10,000 lbs - the 'Max Tow' package doesn't change that, it only adds the additional COOLING capability to keep the battery pack in correct temperature range. This also has NO BEARING on legal aspects of the 'weight' of towing for this truck, since NOTHING changes, structure or suspension wise... the truck is built EXACTLY the same as a PLATINUM with 10,000lb 'rated' tow limit, structure wise.. your sticker might show otherwise, but the actual physical limitations have not changed.

What happens if you EXCEED the max towing weight, under 10,000lbs? Nothing, at least with the truck, itself, but you could STRESS the battery pack beyond it's 'heat capacity' rating, and potentially degrade the battery pack's future capabilities...

with any 'Max Towing' package, on any trims, there is NO change to motors, NO change to the battery, NO additional noticeable 'weight' for any equipment*, NO change to the hitch, NO change to anything....except an Additional dedicated Compressor for the CHILLER, exclusively for the battery pack.



*The additional compressor for 'Max Tow' may weigh 10lbs, for instance...and, Ford's stated towing limit CAN be slightly less on the Platinum, but not because of the 'Max Tow' package it includes, but because of additional heavier parts that come with this trim level, wheels/tires, etc.
Also, this is in reference to the original LIGHTNING 2022 build, so check your details in case Ford has changed or modified these builds for later models, otherwise...

 

[TaxmanHog]

Tongue weight is factor in the proper loading of the trailer.

The trucks available tongue weight based on installed truck options {EXTRA AC COMPRESSOR, ETC} and loaded with passengers & gear in the bed or frunk impacts "AVAILABLE" tongue weight, that in turn impacts the 10% loading ratio or the maximum that trailer might "SAFELY" loaded to.

It's all math and FORD has a load calculator to confirm limitations.

 

[TaxmanHog]

A 2025 XLT w/o MAX TOW available for sale 1FTVW3LK5SWG19311
https://www.windowsticker.forddirect.com/windowsticker.pdf?vin=1FTVW3LK5SWG19311

A 2025 Platinum w/o MAX TOW 1FT6W7L74SWG13071
https://www.windowsticker.forddirect.com/windowsticker.pdf?vin=1FT6W7L74SWG13071

A 2025 Lariat with MAX TOW 1FT6W5L71SWG17101
https://www.windowsticker.forddirect.com/windowsticker.pdf?vin=1FT6W5L71SWG17101

 

[MrLoganRoss]

Max tow. Factory only option and another feather in the resale cap. Bed liner: 600 gets you a better after market liner. Charger: plenty of options.

in other words, go with the features you can’t add after the fact. The bedliner and mobile charger are easy adds at any time.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Two Flash models with nearly identical configuration. One has the max tow package, one does not. Both have all-season tires. The one without the max tow is missing the electric locker.

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