Why does Toyota not offer a factory tow package on the 4cyl?

I understand the 4cyl is max tow at 3500lbs and it is capable off of the bumper, but I have a few gripes with this.

1. The bumper is fairly high off the ground on the 4x4 which puts a standard trailer at an awkward angle, even worse if you lift the truck and/or put a taller tire under it.
2. You have to be fairly careful backing up, doesn't take much to be a little off and you just dented a pretty, expensive bumper.
3. Having an actual 2" receiver is nice for more than just towing. It provides a stronger, safer point to add a shackle for recovery. Easier to remove a tongue with a ball on it to switch to different size balls. Allows to pop on a cargo rack, bike rack, bed extender, etc.

Why not just offer from the factory the hitch and 4/7pole plug with the pig tail to install a brake controller easily but still specify tow rating is still 3500lbs?

You look at most new light weight campers, even pop-ups have trailer brakes now. I know it isn't too terribly difficult to add all this yourself but then you have to splice into your brake lead, run wires from the back end up to the battery, add relays somewhere under the hood, etc.

Just a thought, let me hear your insight.

 

Mostly an issue of supply and demand. Every year, the dealers get together with Toyota and figure out what options sell. Most people that tow want the six cyl motor. I've learned the hard way that a small engine will tow, but will suck gas like a bandit when it's pulling. Add in a few hills and your mileage will suck.
Toyota figured that their basic tow bumper will work for most quick tows and people will add their own reese hitch if they are serious about it. As for adding them as a factory option; I guess there wasn't enough demand.

 

Well, even some V6's dont come with a towing hitch. Most people will never, ever tow with the 4 cylinder anyway so why put hitches on them from factory? You can put on an aftermarket hitch for $100-$200 so it really isnt a big deal.

 

If you want a hitch on your Tacoma, do what I did...buy a receiver (got mine on eBay) and a light harness. Took less than an hour to install both of them and was a heck of a lot cheaper than what they would have cost from the factory or the dealer.

 

I am new and just saw this thread. I just purchased a 2015 4WD access cab with the 2.7L engine. It came with the SR package, convenience package and amazingly a tow package. It is listed right on the factory window sticker. It is a Toyota receiver hitch and factory wired 4 pole connector. Price on the window sticker was $550. Overpriced, but I got a deal on it. Seems no one wants a manual in my area
Compared to my 98 2.7L 4WD it tows very well.

 

The v6 tow package comes with a bigger battery and a bigger alternator in addition to the hitch and trailer wiring. If the 4cyl. Comes with the same equipment $550 isn't too bad a price all things considered.

 

And also a transmission cooler!

 

Not with the manual transmission, but it definitely makes it a better deal for you auto guys!

 

x2, my V6 didn't come with the tow package but a couple hundred bucks for a receiver and a plug and play wiring harness and boom, ready to tow.

 

My 2.7L came with a factory tow package and I towed thousands upon thousands of miles with it in the hills of NH, Maine and VT. Actually tows a few thousand lbs just fine. Any more than 2500 and it would struggle.

 

I ended up throwing on a Reese Class III hitch and a 4 pole connector for under $175. For now this will work for all my plans and I don't need to worry about transmission issues, manual FTW.