Towing without tow package

[Mavster Mechanic]

Keep in mind the tow package does include a transmission cooler, as well as a larger radiator and fan.

Keep in mind we are talking about hybrids and you are not. Important detail.

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[Mavster Mechanic]

Great info. Thanks

Thanks. I am not handy or techy so all the brake controller or data scanner stuff does mot work for me. Grew up in the era where we just put a temporary hitch on a RWD sedan and knew nothing about tow protocol/weight limits etc.

OK there's your answer.

Make sure you stick to 1500 lbs dry weight and under so you have room for "things".

Tow/Haul is most useful on hills.

On level ground I doubt you'd notice any difference between tow and normal.

 

[710-oil-614]

Has nothing to do with the engine power or battery power (exactly the same in all hybrids) and transmission (almost the same but a little beefier for 2025 plus AWD).

HF45 much less powerful than the HF55 which was necessary for Ford to achieve the 4K tow rating for Hybrid AWD.

Although for actual hauling and towing duties I'd rather have the 22-24 twist-beam rear axle than the independent rear suspension on the AWD Hybrids.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

HF45 much less powerful than the HF55 which was necessary for Ford to achieve the 4K tow rating for Hybrid AWD.

Although for actual hauling and towing duties I'd rather have the 22-24 twist-beam rear axle than the independent rear suspension on the AWD Hybrids.

Again, power is the same 2022 to 2026.
If you mean torque rating for the transmission it went up 20% in 2025.

"Much" is such a relative adjective.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

one thing to consider for the OP, i couldn't tell from you post is if your truck if FWD only or AWD.

(so as info, at least per google AI)....

Adding extra weight to the rear of a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle negatively impacts steering by reducing front tire grip, leading to increased understeer (less responsive turning). It shifts the vehicle's center of gravity backward, creating a "pendulum effect" that can make handling unpredictable and reduce braking efficiency.

Key Impacts on (FWD) Steering and Handling:

• Reduced Front Traction: Because FWD vehicles rely on the front tires for steering and power, adding weight to the rear lightens the load on the front axle, decreasing its ability to turn.
• Understeer: The car may not turn as sharply as expected when the steering wheel is turned, as the front wheels lose grip before the rear.
• Pendulum Effect: Excessive rear weight, especially behind the rear axle, can cause the back to swing out, making the car harder to control in corners.
• Snow/Ice Considerations: While some believe this adds traction, it actually reduces the weight needed on the driven wheels for traction, making it harder to steer and, if on a hill, harder to accelerate.

Mumbo Jumbo. Does not match real world scenarios.

I put my truck / trailer combo on a three axle scale with people in the truck to get actual axle weights.

Facts:
Front was a little HEAVIER than the unladen curb weight.

Two big adults in the front seats and luggage in the rear seats was pretty far forward of the rear axle. More so than the trailer is rear of the rear axle.

My trailer has brakes. My Maverick brakes about the same with the trailer attached as without. But I always brake early just incase.

You need to enjoy your hobbies. If you are a worry wort you probably never leave the house.

 

[OleFordGuy]

Mumbo Jumbo. Does not match real world scenarios.

I put my truck / trailer combo on a three axle scale with people in the truck to get actual axle weights.

Facts:
Front was a little HEAVIER than the unladen curb weight.

Two big adults in the front seats and luggage in the rear seats was pretty far forward of the rear axle. More so than the trailer is rear of the rear axle.

My trailer has brakes. My Maverick brakes about the same with the trailer attached as without. But I always brake early just incase.

You need to enjoy your hobbies. If you are a worry wort you probably never leave the house.

your so full of yourself, what a joke

 

[ABTremor]

one thing to consider for the OP, i couldn't tell from you post is if your truck if FWD only or AWD.

(so as info, at least per google AI)....

Adding extra weight to the rear of a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle negatively impacts steering by reducing front tire grip, leading to increased understeer (less responsive turning). It shifts the vehicle's center of gravity backward, creating a "pendulum effect" that can make handling unpredictable and reduce braking efficiency.

Key Impacts on (FWD) Steering and Handling:

• Reduced Front Traction: Because FWD vehicles rely on the front tires for steering and power, adding weight to the rear lightens the load on the front axle, decreasing its ability to turn.
• Understeer: The car may not turn as sharply as expected when the steering wheel is turned, as the front wheels lose grip before the rear.
• Pendulum Effect: Excessive rear weight, especially behind the rear axle, can cause the back to swing out, making the car harder to control in corners.
• Snow/Ice Considerations: While some believe this adds traction, it actually reduces the weight needed on the driven wheels for traction, making it harder to steer and, if on a hill, harder to accelerate.

The only item on that AI generated list that is specific to a FWD vehicle us number 4, the traction statement- the rest of it will hold true for any vehicle.
Take any vehicle, especially a pickup truck and load the back up to capacity and you'll notice the handling and braking will suffer.

Go over the recommended limits and the amount of suffering can go up exponentially with the increased rear biased weight distribution.

 

[Backin15]

Keep in mind we are talking about hybrids and you are not. Important detail.

Yes, I understand that, according to Fords website the Hybrid 4K tow package does include the transmission cooler and the higher capacity radiator.

 

[Pointyears]

Yes, I understand that, according to Fords website the Hybrid 4K tow package does include the transmission cooler and the higher capacity radiator.

No. The Eco includes the higher capacity radiator. The hybrid just has the "upgraded" fan, in addition to the transmission cooler and brake controller.

 

[Backin15]

No. The Eco includes the higher capacity radiator. The hybrid just has the "upgraded" fan, in addition to the transmission cooler and brake controller.

You are correct! I was thinking of the transmission cooler which both have, both get the fan but the Hybrid doesn't get the radiator.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

You are correct! I was thinking of the transmission cooler which both have, both get the fan but the Hybrid doesn't get the radiator.

100% of hybrids sold to date come with a transmission cooler.

My 2022 FWD Hybrid has a transmission cooler. And I have the ScanGauge OBDII reader. The truck stays cool as a cucumber towing uphill on a 95°F day.

My point stands. The turbo 4k really needs upgraded cooling. The hybrids don't.

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