newbie with a question...which will likely lead to questionS

If this is in the wrong area of the forum, let me know, moderators, and I will move it.

I am seriously looking into buying a Tacoma (2013-2016), specifically to haul a single axle camper/trailer (GVWR 4,700).
I realize the dealer/seller can likely answer this, but I wanted to hear it from....someone other than the person I am buying from.

What, exactly/specifically, is included in a tow package on a Tacoma, other than the hitch?

Thanks.
Amelia

 

Transmission oil cooler and pre-wired for trailer brake, pretty much it.

 

Welcome to TW! On the 2013-2015 models the tow package also includes:
-High output alternator (help with electric brakes)
-Lower temperature fan clutch (helps keep the engine cooler for towing)
-Automatic transmission cooler (to keep the auto temps down for towing on grades)
-Oil cooler to help reduce oil temperature.
-Factory electrical connections for trailer brakes.

Note that this is with the factory tow package, many dealers will slap on just the tow hitch and say it has a tow package but it will be missing all the above. So be sure to double check. 2016 is likely the same, but I am not certain on the 2016 packages. The 2013-2015 4.0 is likely better for around town towing with more low end torque than the 3.5 in the 2016 which has more top end power.

 

Thanks, crashnburn.
That's exactly why I came here - because I fear being told I have a "tow package" when it wasn't a true tow *package*. I guess my best option is to take my potential purchase to my mechanic to see if it has those things since I no longer trust dealerships...and I clearly don't know much about automobiles.

So, just to be clear, it's safe to say there is no upgrade on suspension or drivetrain with a Tacoma tow package, correct?

 

Aside from the upgrades mentioned above there are no upgrades on the drivetrain or suspension.

An easy give away is to look and see if there is a smaller radiator mounted in front of the main radiator. Assuming the truck is not supercharged, that is the transmission cooler, meaning it is extremely likely the truck has the factory tow package. Most dealers looking to slap on a tow hitch and say it has a tow package would not go to the lengths of adding a transmission cooler.

 

Here's to you Amelia. Welcome to TW.

 

Why even answer if that's all you can muster..? You're missing like 90% of actual facts.

 

How about this then.


This is a great place for towing info @cleverforumname : https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

i saw that^ before i posted my question. however, perhaps maybe i overlooked the part about what, EXACTLY, is included in a tacoma tow package. or, perhaps that specific information isn't there in that link. as i said, i did not see it...hence this post, asking the question. and if i did overlook it.....oops.

 

thank you, guerrilla. i was named after her.
<3

 

If you are going to tow with a Tacoma, there is a huge amount of info on there. I honestly didn't look to see if it has info on what the tow package includes and what it doesn't, but if your ARE going to tow with a Tacoma and are unfamiliar with them, it would be a good source of info for you.

 

Great user name. I saw this recently for 2016-2017.
V6 Tow Package: Class IV Towing Receiver Hitch, ATF Cooler (Not Available On Manual Transmission), Engine Oil Cooler, Power Steering Cooler, 130-Amp Alternator, 4 & 7-Pin Connector w/Converter, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC)

 

thanks, as i said, i did see that link. i read it. and we've done a sh*t ton of research and are still in the process of researching, HENCE MY QUESTIONS HERE.

 

I understand, I'm glad you are one of those that searched before posting. I'm not questioning your questions here.

If you get the 2nd gen version with a 4.0 it will have the same trans cooler mine has even though mine is older. It will be the easiest way to know for sure what the truck has. I can snap a pic of it if you like.

 

you caught that, eh? hahahaha! thanks!

and thanks so much for the added info. i couldn't find it on the toyota site, tho i think car websites only put info for current year models. looks like we are going for / are on the search for a 2013, 2014 or 2015 tacoma with a (real) tow package.

 

Real tow-package Transmission Oil cooler:



Same Drive-train as 13-15 Tacoma. Same part for transmission oil cooler.

 

I was gonna say something "clever" and fly but figured I'd refrain with my game, and with a level plane and keep it tame, cool name tho.