What's in a Ford HD Tow Pak?

[Dale & Julie]

New members, new TT'ers, lots of questions. There seems to be extreme knowledge and experience on this forum, any help greatly appreciated.

TT
08 Rockwood 8315 - 33'
Dry Weight - 5847
GVWR - 7850
Equal-i-zer WDH w/Prodigy brake controller

TV
07 Expedition EL 4x4 5.4L w/ 6 speed OD Auto
No HD tow pak, but came with Class III and HD tranny cooler (5 fin - confirmed at dealership)
The difference in capacity from tow kit to no tow kit goes from:
Max trailer weight - 8750 to 6000
GCWR - 15000 to 12400

The only other things that the HD tow pak adds is add'l radiator capacity, 7 pin plug, Class IV hitch, and pre-wired harness for brake controller (as near as I can determine). I have been told at the dealership the rear suspension in the same. What would cause the huge difference in towing capacity?

Dale

[aintgotnun]

dunno.............


anyone else??

[eandsphotography]

i'm gonna say $5 grand!!! and a little sticker on the back that says HD

[Dale & Julie]

That was kind of my thought too. I was justa little concerned being that close to the GCWR w/o the tow pak. We'll get it out on the road and see how it performs before I start adding anything else and $$$

Thanks!

[Radio]

Don't forget the bigger battery, alternator and tranny cooler. Package *may* include the fancy mirrors and brake controller.

[johnthen]

Biggest difference is the rear end gear ratio. You get more towing capacity with a bigger rear end.

[Dale & Julie]

Rear end=3.73, and according to the brochure, the only way the 4x4 comes is with the 3.73 with or without the HD tow package. Just a little paranoid making sure the TV is properly equipped to pull the TT. Don't think I can rely on my salesman, had one from a different dealership trying to sell me a heavier Dutchman (about 8000 pounds dry) knowing full well what I was pulling it with.

Thanks for all the info, guys.

[brianR]

Tire size (bigger tires = less towing capability); Gear Ratio of Rear End (4:10 = best torque but less gas mileage); 4x4 can tow less.

[Bulldog66]

Perhaps this will help.

http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=1452151

Cheers.