Is 4k Towing Package Worth It

[Cancunbadlands]

The enhanced engine cooling is worth the extra money alone

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[El Kabong]

inexplicably, there are plenty of Mavericks with a completely blank bumper

I'm fairly certain the dealers (and their corporate lot planning masters) do this to get low-priced fleet-spec strippers on the lot, plenty of folks just need a basic truck.

But I agree it makes sense to add this to a base XL for $150 as it would cost more than that to have it added after the fact (if even the individual parts are available).

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

All 5 model years it's been like this. All you have to do is add the 2k tow package for $150 to the XL. That's less than 1% of MSRP. Yet inexplicably, there are plenty of Mavericks with a completely blank bumper.

So 2k tow for $150 is apparently not a must have but (I certainly would add it). On the other extreme, we've got people adding AWD, CP360 and 4KT and calling that a must have. I have 0/3 and in 50k miles, I'd just call them nice to haves. I think a lot of people are gonna be happy with the XL FWD in either powertrain for some time. And of course the only AWD XL in 2026 is the Hybrid option.

All this leads me to believe Ford really knows how to get to us climb the ladder on the build-and-price website. They've got us by the short and curlys. Come for the XL, leave with the Lariat, lol.

I see the hitch/wiring option is $150 now.
I was wondering if they had raised the price.
For model years 22 and 23 it was only $100 option. Just for resale value alone it was worth $100.
You don't have to tow anything to make it worthwhile. Use it for a bike rack or extension rack for the bed.
Having the truck equipped with tow package. Opens you up a larger pool of buyers and possibly a higher resale.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

And of course the only AWD XL in 2026 is the Hybrid option.

There's less than a $300 difference between a XL Hybrid AWD and a XLT 2.0EB AWD. It's worth that for the wheels alone.

HRG

 

[notfast]

I'm fairly certain the dealers (and their corporate lot planning masters) do this to get low-priced fleet-spec strippers on the lot, plenty of folks just need a basic truck.

Another reason is liability. Employees don't need training on and can't improperly use something if it isn't installed.

Though liability also works the other way. Employers would rather not get worker's comp claims, so I'm sure that is partly why XLs can be ordered with a power seat as a standalone option if the buyer has a Fleet Identification Number. Might reduce worker's comp claims due to a driver's seat with a limited range of motion.

 

[MrFletch]

For those of you who have it, is it worth it even if you don't tow?

The 4K tow package is the one honest to goodness no brainer of an option package. The upgraded cooling for the engine, the hitch, the 4 pin and 7 pin connectors, and the trailer brake controller for less than $800. No brainer.

You may say I never intend to tow something. You have a truck, you're likely to tow something at some point in time. Rent a small trailer to haul a lot of dryway, lumber, or gardening materials. Haul a kid's stuff to college after you rent a small U-Haul trailer. Help a buddy tow his boat. You want to try out camping and rent a small pop-up trailer to tow to the state park.

The tow package gives you a reasonable amount of capability and a lot of flexibility. Trucks are like a Swiss army knife, you never know when you need an accessory, but you're glad it is there.

 

[Escapologist]

Most importantly, it gives you an interweb high horse to sneer at the peasants from

 

[tom_tucker]

The 4K tow package is the one honest to goodness no brainer of an option package. The upgraded cooling for the engine, the hitch, the 4 pin and 7 pin connectors, and the trailer brake controller for less than $800. No brainer.

You may say I never intend to tow something. You have a truck, you're likely to tow something at some point in time. Rent a small trailer to haul a lot of dryway, lumber, or gardening materials. Haul a kid's stuff to college after you rent a small U-Haul trailer. Help a buddy tow his boat. You want to try out camping and rent a small pop-up trailer to tow to the state park.

The tow package gives you a reasonable amount of capability and a lot of flexibility. Trucks are like a Swiss army knife, you never know when you need an accessory, but you're glad it is there.

For 2026, It's a $3760 upcharge for the required equipment (3) vs. a FWD configuration. In 2023, since the base engine was hybrid, you've got 5-6k more equipment on your window sticker than my low build with no ecoboost, awd, cp360, 4k, fx4.

It's a no brainer if you opt for AWD and cp360 but the cost is not trivial vs the FWD. I can say that FWD has been better on-road than a RWD with part time 4x4, like my '92 Toyota Pickup (2" lift).

I may end up putting the universal air bags on my FWD and a brake controller and keep it at or under 2k towing. So far in year 4 I have not towed anything.

 

[Tbone289]

Thanks for the information. So it seems that for 2026, the EB no longer gets an auxiliary transmission oil cooler with the 4k tow package, but the hybrid does get one.

The lack of auxiliary cooler for the newer Ecoboost Mavericks was mentioned on page 1 of this thread. It actually changed in 2025. If you do a part search for Maverick transmission coolers, there is no auxiliary air-to-oil cooler for the 2025+ 4K tow EB Mavericks, only for the Tremor.

The mention of it on the 2025 order sheet is inaccurate. This is not the first instance I've seen of the ordering sheet having inaccuracies. Sometimes items are carried over from the prior year on the sheets even though production has changed.

See this thread from 2025. Note that the service manual does not show an auxiliary cooler as the earlier (2022-2024) models do: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...ssion-temperature-cooling.74073/#post-1222372

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

For 2026, It's a $3760 upcharge for the required equipment (3) vs. a FWD configuration.

Apples vs oranges. What's next, complaints that it costs $14K more to get orange tow hooks on the front?

HRG

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Most importantly, it gives you an interweb high horse to sneer at the peasants from

Why do you think Tremors have a lift kit? Make's it easier to sneer at those peasants,,,,,

HRG

 

[GearGuy]

For my purposes, the tow package is well worth it. I currently tow a pop up camper that can easily be towed with the 2k pkg, but we plan to upgrade to a larger trailer in its foreseeable lifetime. I also appreciate that overall the truck is a bit more robust as I plan on keeping it for a while.

My thoughts... Each person buying a vehicle has to figure out what they intend to do with it, short term and if applicable, long term. Per the OP, sounds like towing is not a consideration, but the cost of the truck is. Transmission heat is mentioned as a concern, but I would think the truck is rated to handle 2k towing in higher temps, and the OP will not be towing, so the truck should be fine. IF the transmission design starts to have a history of higher than average failure or general concern grows, then the OP can later invest in an aftermarket cooler and replace the fluid more frequently.

My opinion... Too many people in general are paying too much money on a vehicle that they really don't need and/or can afford. Something that is almost certain to depreciate in value. I believe that's why the Maverick is a successful niche product cost/ability. I suggest assessing your needs, consider your desires, buy appropriately, then enjoy.

 

[tom_tucker]

Apples vs oranges. What's next, complaints that it costs $14K more to get orange tow hooks on the front?

HRG

Maybe you need to work on your metaphors? Thankfully, I paid a hell of a lot less for a Maverick than you did. Tremor in the flat plains, LOL. I'll go ahead and pocket the 14k and the 4k tow package can take a hike.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Maybe you need to work on your metaphors? Thankfully, I paid a hell of a lot less for a Maverick than you did. Tremor in the flat plains, LOL. I'll go ahead and pocket the 14k and the 4k tow package can take a hike.

At least I get to enjoy my truck year round.

HRG

 

[Maverick Hopeful]

Thank you all! I've decided to get the 4k package since most of the price differences on the PHX area are pretty close. Does anyone have experience buying a new previous year model? Aka a new 2025 from a dealer. Wondering if it's worth it and what kind of discount if any to expect.

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