Towing package necessary for 5x12 utility trailer?

Hey, I've been reading up on this thread and gathered so much information. For that, I want to just say thank you to everyone and this forum as a whole.

So my question is, how necessary or helpful would a towing package be for me?
I have a basic 5x12 Utility Trailer and will be towing that 5-6 days a week with a couple of commercial lawn mowers on it (800-900 pounds each). So, I just wanted to know if I should really consider getting the towing package on the 4-door SR5 or can I save some money and get a 4-door SR without a towing package for about $8000 less than the SR5.

Would I be putting too much strain on the truck without a towing package?

Anything helps!! Thanks in advance.

 

The tow package is one of the few options that makes sense money wise. It is worth it for what you get. Just make sure the tranny fluid gets checked physically, not by a computer.

 

Ok, thank you. I just thought it was for people who do very heavy duty towing. Saving that $8000 would really help me, but not if it's going to take a toll and my brand new truck, which I hope to last me 300-400k by what I've been reading about Toyota's.

 

Remember that I'd be having to spend about $8000 to get the towing package because I believe it's only available on the 4x4 Double Cab SR or better...which makes the truck go from 22k-23k to 30k

Would I be putting too much strain on the truck without a tow package?

Edit: How often should I get this tranny fluid checked physically. I have heard there is no dipstick for tranny fluids

 

Tranny Cooler, Oil Cooler, and Power Steering Cooler....Worth it. Unless you like buying transmissions.

 

I guess that's a good way to look at it. $8000 well spent? Haha. Thank you

 

No it wouldn't. Honestly for 8k I'd put an aftermarket tyranny cooler (optional because you don't need it for what your towing) and have the reciever hitch installed. If there were integrated trailer brakes, then maybe. But no you don't "need" it

 

OP if you really want to, I'm sure you can save the 8k and have all those things added. You might be spending more per individual item, but still less overall.

 

That's kind of where I am at the moment, trying to figure that out. I currently tow with a 1999 Ford ranger 3.0L V6 and I'm sure it doesn't have a towing package. So far so good. But this is a lot bigger investment, where I couldn't afford something to go wrong.

Is Oil and Power Steering coolers worth it, if I went ahead and got the tranny cooler installed aftermarket?

And the heavy duty battery, alternator and brakes aren't necessary either?

 

If you're towing regularly get it: it comes with more than a hitch and trailer wiring. You get a larger battery, larger alternator, and tranny cooler. You'll want it.

 

Yeah, I agree. But you have to understand I will have to get a more expensive model of the truck, which will cost me 8 Grand.
I'm thinking about the aftermarket route, but some say it's hard to duplicate the factory towing packages for some vehicles. Not sure if that applies for the Tacoma.

 

If the ONLY reason for you getting the SR5 vs the SR is the towing package, then go ahead and just go aftermarket. You'll be fine with that amount of weight. If there are even a couple of other things in the SR5 package you want, like intermittent wipers, then you may as well upgrade to SR5.

 

None of the other things are that important to me. Just need a great, reliable truck that works for my business that I can hold onto for years and years to come.

I really do appreciate the help. I'll certainly be looking into the aftermarket.

 

You need to look at towing capacities. The SR with a 4 cyl. is rated at 3500 lbs. If you have two 900 lbs mowers plus the weight of your trailer and then if you carry any other tools/extra gas etc. You are creeping up on the limit depending on your trailer weight. If you get the v6 with tow package you just doubled your towing capacity.

 

I guess my next question would be how long could a 4 cyl. engine last me compared to the v6?

 

The increased capacity is calculated by the addition of the cooler as well. How much does your trailer weigh? Ideally you don't want to be more than 80-85 percent of capacity on a regular basis.

 

I believe the trailer is about 750-800 pounds

 

Any Toyota truck that doesn't have the tow package is going to have a much lower tow rating for it.

 

If you're going to be towing that much weight that frequently, I would definitely spring for the v6

 

Yeah, it'll be the same price for SR v6 4x4 as it would for the 4x2 SR5 v6 with a tow package... Seems like if I'm going to do, I've got to do it right. Comes in at about $30,500, but that'll be my cheapest and best option. I really appreciate the help from everyone