A towing package contains the following parts:
- A tow hitch
- Electrical connections for the trailer
- Engine and powertrain improvements
- Better brakes
- More advanced transmission systems
- And stronger shocks and struts
How can I tell if I have a tow package?
Tow package?
- eli_harper13 [OP] Well-Known Member. Is there a quick, easy way to tell if our Tacoma has the tow package? ...
- ksj Well-Known Member. Create owners account on toyota.com and look up your vin is the best way imo.
- TSmoove Well-Known Member
- JaCado I make bad choices. ...
- TSmoove Well-Known Member. ...
- JaCado I make bad choices. ...
- El Duderino Obviously, you're not a golfer. ...
How much does it cost to install a tow package?
- Classic Chevrolet (Grapevine, Texas) paid $399 and said: It was worth it.. ...
- Reese Trailers (Asheville, North Carolina) paid $250 and said: 2018 CRV Was it worth it? ...
- Silas (Las Vegas, Nevada) paid $306 and said: Used a local business that specialized in Tow Hitches. ...
Do I actually have a tow package?
You can get an aftermarket tow package with the Class V hitch hardware, but if your truck is only rated for a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, then 2,000 pounds is all you can practically get out of the whole thing. A factory tow package, on the other hand, gets you a vehicle that is designed from the ground up for heavy duty towing.
What does tow package actually mean?
capacity, you can usually tow:
- Two Motorcycles
- A Teardrop Trailer
- A Pop-up trailer
- A Utility Trailer
- A Fiberglass Fishing Boat
- A 20 Foot Aluminum Fishing Boat
- Two ATVs
- A Small Camper Trailer
- 2 Goats
- Jet Skis
How do I know if my truck has a tow package?
0:115:39Does My Truck Have A Tow Package | Pete's RV Quick Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe thing that comes equipped on the truck is called a receiver. So we're gonna ask you does yourMoreThe thing that comes equipped on the truck is called a receiver. So we're gonna ask you does your truck have a receiver does your truck have a hitch on it.
Do all trucks come with a tow package?
Most trucks, like the popular Ford F-150, already come standard with a tow hitch. When you buy a heavy-duty truck, it's expected that you'll do at least some towing with it. But if your towing needs exceed the basic Class 3 limits, then you may benefit from an added "tow package."
Can I tow without a tow package?
If you have a bumper with a ball mount (round hole where you can install a ball) you can tow on the bumper. However, this is not the ideal towing location. If its a one time thing with a light load you should be fine, but if its going to be regular, you will want to install a hitch receiver.
Does a tow package increase towing capacity?
False. The towing capacity of your trailer hitch does not override your maximumvehicle manufacturer assigned capacity ratings. However, upgrading your trailer hitch maximizes the towing capabilities of your vehicle and avoids any limitation set by your factory hitch ratings.
Is tow hitch and tow package the same thing?
Towing packages will usually come with more than just the hitch components – a complete tow package will usually include a bunch of upgrades to the tow vehicle itself. The first thing you look for in a towing package is the tow hitch itself, and this is the core of the whole deal.
How do I know if my F-150 has a tow package?
If you're still unsure, the easiest way is to look up your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Ford ETIS website and look over the various specifications to confirm whether your truck comes with a max tow package or not.
How do you install a towing package?
1:504:18How To: Install a Trailer Hitch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce the hitch is slid up into place put the provided washers on your bolts. And start threading theMoreOnce the hitch is slid up into place put the provided washers on your bolts. And start threading the center bolts into the holes on both sides of the frame.
Can you add max trailering package after purchase?
The Max Trailering Package can be added to both crew cab and double cab all-new Chevrolet Silverado models, whether you purchase or lease.
At what weight do you need trailer brakes?
1500 lbs.In California, brakes are required on any trailer coach or camp trailer having a gross weight of 1500 lbs. or more.
How much does it cost to add a tow package?
You can expect hitch installation to start around $100 and go up to $800. Keep in mind, that you'll also have to buy the tow hitch and other parts separately (which can easily run you another $150–$200).
How much towing capacity do I need for a camper?
When matching a trailer to a tow vehicle, a good rule-of-thumb is to keep the trailer's GVWR at less than 75 percent of the tow vehicle's trailer towing capacity. So, if the tow vehicle is rated for a maximum of 6,000 pounds, the chosen trailer should have a GVWR of 4,500 pounds or less.
How can I add towing capacity to my truck?
How to Increase Towing CapacityGet the Right Hitch. First and foremost, you will need to invest in the right type of hitch. ... Use a Programmer. ... Replace Axles. ... Upgrade the Braking System. ... Install a Bigger Radiator. ... Upgrade Suspension. ... Enhance Your Intake and Exhaust. ... Upgrade Your Truck.More items...•
What is a tow package?
A tow package, simply described, should be a complete set of everything you will need to tow your load of choice reliably and safely. Tow packages can be completely different in terms of the equipment and hardware they cover. Most aftermarket tow packages, for example, are designed so that you will have everything you need to upgrade your tow ...
What is aftermarket tow package?
Most aftermarket tow packages, for example, are designed so that you will have everything you need to upgrade your tow vehicle. A factory tow package, on the other hand, may include the tow vehicle itself as part of a complete set that is designed, built and tested to be a towing setup first and foremost. The type of tow package you are going ...
What is a receiver hitch?
Receiver hitches provide you with a heavy duty square tube, the receiver part, which can accept tow ball mounts, pintle hooks, weight distribution hitches, and all sorts of receiver attachments you can use with your hitch setup.
What is tow hitch hardware?
The tow hitch hardware is an important part which directly contributes to the overall towing capacity of your whole setup, plus the type of mounting hardware you have also determine the kind of trailer couplers you can use. The tow hitch is usually installed directly to the vehicle frame, and depending on the tow mount that comes with your package, ...
What does plugging in trailer wiring do?
Plugging in your trailer wiring to these connectors allow you to power up the brake lights, turn signals, reversing lights and license plate lights of your trailer. All these components are usually required by law to be powered appropriately, and any tow package worth the money will have a good wiring setup.
What is a factory tow package?
A factory tow package, on the other hand, gets you a vehicle that is designed from the ground up for heavy duty towing. The car manufacturers, in the case of a tow package vehicle, has considered every component and made sure that they are more than adequate for the extra load that a trailer imposes on them. With a factory tow package, you can be ...
What is included in a heavy duty tow package?
A complete heavy duty tow package will usually include things like an auxiliary transmission cooler and heavy duty rear shocks or springs. They may also include brake upgrades, usually in the form of larger drums or brakes. Sometimes, a dealer may even include an extra spare tire with a factory tow package, as well.
Tow Hitch
This is the core of a towing package and is available in the form of a receiver hitch or a simple ball, and you can bolt these to the frame members. When we talk about the receiver hitch, it is a square tube accepting the ball, which is then placed with the help of a hitch pin.
Electrical Connections
Usually, a tow package includes the wires through which the trailer is connected with the vehicle's lighting system. This wiring has a connector available close to the hitch and provides electricity to the turn signal, the license plate light, and the brake lights.
Brakes and Suspension
There are a number of tow package applications that have upgraded to the brakes and suspension of the tow truck. This includes more robust shocks and heavier springs that can be very helpful for the tow vehicle for controlling any heavy loads. Larger disks or drums can be included in the brake upgrades for increasing the safety of the vehicle.
Transmission
It is not the engine or the brakes that happen to take all the load of the drive train component when towing, and it is actually the transmission, especially the automatic one. More heat gets generated by the transmissions during the tow, which is why they need some additional cooling.
Drivetrain
The trucks and cars equipped with a tow package are geared differently compared to the non-two package vehicles because towing the heavy loads needs more force. This can include modifications in transmission gearing and can turn up as a high gear ratio in the rear of the differential end.
What Upgrades Are Included In Factory Towing Packages?
A Towing Package will vary depending on the type of truck. For example, a Towing package for a Ford F-150 may include some different items than what is included in an available Towing package from Ram Truck. These packages typically come with everything you need to tow your vehicle or trailer and can be customized further if needed.
How Much Does It Cost To Add A Tow Package?
How Much Does It Cost To Add A Tow Package? Tying up all these features into one purchase usually costs approximately $1500-$2500 including installation. This cost also varies by make and model of the truck, so we recommend checking with your dealership first before purchasing any upgrades that are not part of their standard upgrade inventory list.
You Might Not Need a Towing Package Included
You Might Not Need a Towing Package Included Towing packages are not necessary for many trucks. They can be added as an aftermarket option, or you might have one already installed in your truck depending on the make and model year of your vehicle.
How Do I Know If I Have A Tow Package Installed?
You may find it difficult to tell if you have a factory-installed Towing Package – especially if you don’t remember from when – because they come preinstalled as an upgrade.
Conclusion
Tow packages are pre-installed from the factory including all equipment needed to assist during tow situations like winch kits, towing hooks, and more.
What is a tow package?
A tow package also includes wiring that allows the trailer to be connected to the lighting system of the automobile or truck. This wiring will consist of a connector located close to the hitch and will feed electricity to the brake lights, turn signals, and licence plate light.
What is a heavy duty tow package?
Suspension upgrades can include heavier springs and more robust shocks that help the tow vehicle control heavy loads. Brake upgrades can include larger discs or drums to increase vehicle safety when towing heavy loads .
What is a tow hitch?
Tow Hitch. Naturally, the hitch is the core of the tow package. This hitch can come in the form of a simple ball, or it can be a receiver hitch, either of which will be bolted directly to frame members. A receiver hitch is a square tube that accepts a ball which is then held in place with a hitch-pin. The size of the ball and receiver will be ...
Which drive train component takes the most abuse when towing?
Transmission . Surprisingly, the drive train component that takes the most abuse when towing is not the engine or even the brakes. It is the transmission —especially if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission .
Does a tow package have a hitch?
Simply because a vehicle is equipped with a hitch, even if factory installed, does not mean it has a tow package.
Do you need a tow package for a trailer?
You may not require a heavy-duty tow package but only a trailer hitch, which will also include the all-important electrical wiring. This will save you from the decreased fuel economy that comes with a tow package.
Does higher gear ratios increase torque?
While this higher gear ratio will result in increased torque to the drive wheels and decreased wear and tear on the engine and transmission, it will also result in decreased fuel economy when the vehicle is used in non-towing applications.
Does a tow package increase towing capacity?
If you own a vehicle with a high towing capacity, you may have some options with the hitch and weight distribution. Remember, this doesn't increase the vehicle's towing capacity; this only relates to the towing equipment that must still comply with the vehicle's towing capacity.
When should I use the tow haul mode?
Push it any time you need more pulling, stopping or steering power to compensate for a heavy trailer or load. When you do, the TOW/HAUL indicator will appear in the bottom half of the speedometer. When you're in Tow/Haul Mode, you'll notice the system holds lower gears longer when you accelerate or decelerate.
Should Overdrive be used when towing a trailer?
Generally speaking, if you are towing a heavy load and are finding that your vehicle is shifting in and out of overdrive pretty frequently, then it would be a good idea to turn your overdrive off. I usually turn off overdrive if I am towing a trailer through a hilly road, or through heavy traffic.
Do all f150s come with tow package?
Without the Class IV trailer hitch, which is included in the Trailer Tow and Max Trailer Tow packages, all versions of the F-150 are limited to a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity.
What is a heavy duty tow package?
A complete heavy duty tow package will usually include things like an auxiliary transmission cooler and heavy duty rear shocks or springs. They may also include brake upgrades, usually in the form of larger drums or brakes. Sometimes, a dealer may even include an extra spare tire with a factory tow package, as well.
What SUVs have tow package?
10 Best SUVs with a Tow Package 2016 Cadillac Escalade. With a tow rating of 8300 lb., the 2016 Cadillac Escalade once again proves it is more than just another pretty luxury face. 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. 2017 Dodge Durango. 2017 Ford Expedition. 2016 GMC Yukon Denali. 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 2017 Lincoln Navigator. 2017 Nissan Armada.
What is included in Jeep tow package?
A tow package means you get a hitch and wiring harness, stiffer springs, and a trailer sway dampening feature. Sometimes, depending on the vehicle, it means you get a bigger radiator and cooling system, larger alternator, lower gears, larger signal relay to handle more turn signals along with the stuff mentiond above.
What is a trailer package?
A trailer package or tow package is often an add-on to a vehicle that will allow you to pull extra weight on your vehicle. There are some people that will refer to a trailer package as simply a hitch and some electronics, but that isn’t really the case. It is more of a complete vehicle upgrade. Do you really need one?
Why is it better to buy a new vehicle with a trailer package installed?
This is because a lot of components will need to be upgraded. To be honest, it is better to buy a new vehicle that has a trailer package installed (or a used one that you know has a trailer package installed) rather than upgrade a vehicle that you already own.
What does the paper mean on a trailer package?
When a vehicle is purchased with a trailer package, various pieces of paper will be included with the trailer package that basically signifies what has been installed in that vehicle.
Is it cheaper to buy a trailer package?
A trailer package will be a lot cheaper if you buy it when you buy a vehicle new. This is because you are just swapping out components before the vehicle has been made. If you buy after you have built the vehicle, then you will need to buy completely new components. For example, in the case of Ford with engine upgrades, ...
Do you need a tow package for an RV?
If you are planning on towing an RV with your vehicle, then you will almost certainly want a towing package. It will drastically increase the amount that your vehicle is able to tow. This can help to prevent a surprising number of headaches.
Is it cheaper to upgrade an engine than to buy one?
For example, in the case of Ford with engine upgrades, it is cheaper to have an engine installed that is slightly upgraded than buy one engine, and then have to buy a completely new engine to upgrade the towing capacity of the vehicle.
Can a Ford truck be upgraded?
Take Ford vehicles, for instance, some of their trucks can be upgraded to have a bigger engine and stronger axles. In many cases, this will also include an upgrade to the braking system too. In almost all cases, there will be a complete overhaul of the vehicle’s components. This may include better springs, etc.
What is a Ford trailer tow package?
A Ford vehicle is a very capable machine in itself, but a Ford trailer tow package, properly installed and used with the appropriate trailer, can really boost the towing capabilities of the entire setup. A Ford trailer package, or a Ford trailer selector as they are sometimes referred to in the manufacturer documentation, is a set of equipment options that upgrades the weight rating of the tow vehicle.
What is a Class I tow package?
Depending on the tow vehicle that you have, you may be able to avail of a Class I trailer tow package for light duty towing, to something capable of commercial class towing with a gooseneck trailer tow package. Ford labels its various tow packages depending on the maximum trailer weight the whole setup can safely carry.
What is the standard towing package for Ford Expedition?
For heavy duty towing applications, you can boost it further with a 536 tow package that includes a radiator upgrade, electronic traction assist, pro trailer backup assist ...
What tow package does the Explorer have?
The Explorer also has another tow packages available for it, well. You have the 52R option, which comes with a Class III trailer hitch receiver rated for 4,500 pounds with a weight distributing mount. The Ford Expedition, the brand’s flagship full size SUV, comes standard with a 7 wire harness, a standard Class IV trailer hitch receiver, ...
What is the 52R kit?
The Ford Explorer comes standard with Trailer Sway Control, so the 52R kit meant for it simply comes with a 4 pin trailer wiring harness as well as a Class II trailer hitch receiver. This kit requires a 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine to be used effectively for towing. The Explorer also has another tow packages available for it, well.
What is the wiring harness on a Ford Flex?
A Ford Flex, the mid-size crossover SUV that superseded the Ford Taurus X, uses the same 53G kit, but with a 7 wire harness with a 4 pin and 7 pin connector. You also get an auxiliary engine oil cooler for the non-EcoBoost engine models. The receiver itself is rated at 2,000 pounds.
Can you get a 2 speed automatic 4WD?
You can also get a 2-speed automatic 4WD if you have a 4×4 model. A Ford Transit gets an extensive 53B tow package that includes 7 wire harness, trailer wiring provision, hitch receiver, tow/haul mode, and electric brake controller tap-in. A Ford Ranger, on the other hand, comes standard with a 4 pin trailer wiring harness and trailer sway control, ...
What is a towing package?
Each year, Dodge offers an option casually referred to as a towing package, made up of installed parts to optimize the truck for towing.
How much can a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 tow?
The maximum towing capacity of the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 is 10,500 lbs. The tougher and more powerful 2500 and 3500 versions tow a maximum of 15,450 lbs and 19,000 lbs, respectively.
