America loves the Ford F-150. But that doesn't mean that some people don't have questions. We regularly receive questions asking about our tow packages, for example. Are the F-150 tow packages the same as the trims? Will this change how my car works? These are valid questions. So that's why we’ve created a two-part blog series to answer your questions and help you decide which package is right for you.

What Is a Tow Package?

Let’s begin with the basics. It's easy to think that a tow package is nothing more than a trailer hitch. However, it's much more than this and is extremely valuable to your vehicle. It's also important to note that every vehicle with a hitch does not have a tow package.

Of course, the hitch is the core of a tow package. These hitches can come in the form of a ball or a receiver hitch. If you have a ball, the size of this determines what type of loads you can haul. The same goes for the receiver size, which is a square tube that accepts a ball and then holds the ball in place with a hitch pin.

Tow packages also include the following:

• Wiring that connects the trailer to the lighting system of the automobile or truck.
• Upgrades to the suspension and brakes.
• Drivetrain upgrades such as a better transmission.

All of these are important in order to stay in line with safety regulations and also make it so your vehicle is able to do the job right. Depending on your tow package, there may be more. Discover more with Bayou Ford.

What Are the Current Tow Packages?

Are you curious about the current tow packages for the 2021 Ford F-150? Currently, there are four different packages to choose from. Take a look for yourself!

Class IV Trailer Hitch.

Are you looking for something classic? The Class IV Trailer Hitch might be the best choice for you. This package has:

• 7-pin Wiring Harness; Includes 7-pin-to-4-pin Adapter
• Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (Includes BLIS ® with Trailer Tow Coverage where BLIS ® is Available)

Tow Technology Package.

Ready for an upgrade? The Tow Technology Package includes:

• 360-Degree Camera with split-view display
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (std. on Lariat and higher)
• Integrated trailer brake controller (std. on King Ranch and higher)
• Trailer Reverse Guidance

It’s important to note that this trim is optional on XL (101A), XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum (700A). However, it is included with Platinum 701A and standard on Limited. To have this package, your car must have:

• Class IV trailer hitch (53B) on XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum
• Class IV trailer hitch (53B), Trailer Tow Package (53A) or Max Trailer Tow Package (53C) and Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 on XL 101A

Interested? The order code for this package is 17T!

Trailer Tow Package.

Are you looking to do the job right? This package is standard on the Limited trim but is optional on the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. It also includes:

• 7-pin wiring harness (incl. 7-pin to 4-pin adapter)
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver (std. on Lariat and higher)
• Integrated trailer brake controller (std. on King Ranch and higher)
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist (47E; NA on XL Base [100A]; reqs. Tow
• Technology Package [17T] on XL 101A)
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (std. on Lariat and higher)
• Tailgate LED (std. on Lariat and higher)

Additionally, customers also have the option to put on additional equipment if that's what they desire.

• Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 (43A; XL 101A only)
• Tow Technology Package (17T; XL 101A only)

The order code for this package is 53A!

Max Trailer Tow Package.

Take towing to the max with this tow package! Currently, this package is optional on XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. It's important to note that this package requires the Heavy-Duty Payload Package on the XL trim. And for those interested, the order code is 53C. The package itself includes:

• 3.55:1 electronic-locking rear axle with 3.0L Power Stroke V6 engine
• 3.5L EcoBoost engine without Heavy-Duty Payload Package (627) and
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine with 4x2
• 3.73:1 electronic-locking rear axle with 5.0L PFDI V8 engine, 3.5L
• EcoBoost engine with Heavy-Duty Payload Package (627) and 3.5L
• PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine with 4x4
• 7-pin wiring harness (incl. 7-pin to 4-pin adapter)
• 36-gallon extended range fuel tank (except with 3.5L PowerBoost Full
• Hybrid V6 or 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel engine)
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver (std. on Lariat and higher)
• Integrated trailer brake controller (std. on King Ranch and higher)
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist (not included on XL)
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (std. on Lariat and higher)
• Upgraded rear bumper

As for optional equipment, buyers have the option of the following:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 (43A: 101A)
• Tow Technology Package (17T: 101A)

Want to Know More About the Pro Power Onboard Options?

So what is the Pro Power Onboard? Some jobs may require you to have a source of power. But have you ever thought of your truck being that source? This new technology can turn your pickup truck into a mobile generator that can provide power to virtually any electrical tool, appliance, system, or device. In particular, this also allows you to bring a new level of convenience to your job or activity.

• 2.0 kW Pro Power Onboard. Available only on the gas-powered F-150 and comes with two 120-volt, three-prong outlets. This is great for camping, landscaping, and light construction projects. Available on all series with gas engines except the 3.3L PFDI V6.
• 2.4 kW Pro Power Onboard. This is standard with 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 except for Limited. With a full tank of gas, it can power equipment for up to 85 hours! This config comes with two 120-volt bed outlets.
• 7.2 kW Pro Power Onboard. Want enough power for an entire tailgate? Exclusive to the F-150 hybrid, you can reach new heights as a standard generator only produces around 4 kW of energy. Power whatever you need with four 120-volt outlets, plus an additional 240-volt outlet for heavier equipment. This choice is available on all series equipped with 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, standard on Limited with 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6.

The Pro Power Onboard is new to the 2021 model and offers great benefits for your activities. Keep an eye on your power usage with the app or through the touch screen on your truck. From either of these, you can monitor, manage, or turn the system on/off at will.

Curious About the Co-Pilot Packages?

We all could use a little help during our drive. But what is Ford offering to make it easier for our customers? Grab a look at the available Co-Pilot Package options and choose the right one for your new 2021 Ford!

• Ford Co-Pilot360 ™ 2.0. New for 2021 and includes great and helpful services such as post-collision braking, standard brake assist, a Blind Spot Information System, and much more! This is optional with the XL but is standard on the XLT to Limited trims.
• Ford Co-Pilot360 ™ Assist 2.0. The next level of safety and convenience! Now you can get new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Evasive Steering Assist, and much more! Not available for the XL and optional for the XLT and Lariat. But it’s standard for the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited Trims.
• Ford Co-Pilot360 ™ Active 2.0 Prep Package. This is a hands-free driving feature designed to keep a vehicle centered in the lane when using Adaptive Cruise Control. It comes with three modes that change the way you drive—Not Engaged, Hands-free mode, and Lane-Centering Mode. The software that provides this package will be available through an update or via dealer installation in the third quarter of 2021. Our customers will be notified and have the ability to purchase software on our FordPass app.

Choose From the F-150 Tow Packages Today!

Tow packages can make a big difference in your Ford experience. Visit Bayou Ford in Laplace to view our impressive selection. And call us at 1-985-250-2853 to schedule a test drive. When you purchase a new vehicle at Bayou Ford, it comes equipped with our 1,000,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty. This is just one of the ways “We Do Right By-You”.