Putting towing package on Tacoma without one....?

yep, exactly

coincidentally, my hitch isn't even a Tacoma hitch. it was free and a modified GM hitch, which makes it lower and better for my trailer's tongue angle. 6+ years without issues, not bad for free.

 

I bought a Toyota branded trailer hitch on Craigslist. Came from a 1998 PreRunner Ext. Cab TRD. I only paid $70 for it.

I think Toyota still sells brand new trailer hitches for something like $140, which is comparable to aftermarket hitches.

The tow package does definitely exist. It comes with the higher pitched Radiator fan to draw more air, the trans cooler, the four flat wiring, and the trailer hitch. There's even someone on here selling the Toyota branded Four flat wiring harness and controller box on the first gen marketplace brand new. It was all incredibly rare though.





Last time I checked the part number engraved on the hitch in the picture is still active.

 

looking into getting a hitch for my 4 cyl 2004 prerunner. Does anyone know if the 4 cyl is capable of towing the same weight as a taco with factory installed hitch?

 

Yes, 4 cylinder engines regardless of trim level are rated to tow 3,500 pounds. All the towing package from the factory was was a differently pitched radiator fan to draw more air, a transmission cooler, a trailer hitch, and 4 pin trailer wiring.

 

I stumbled on a junker 97 taco with a towing wiring harness. Will this fit on my 2004 prerunner? Plug and play?

 

i found out my truck has a module behind the rear seat behind the driver side. its for the trailer brake lights

 

When I get home, Ill have to check out if mine has one too. does the module require further installation or does the harness have to plug into it to activate the trailer brake lights.

 

the Toyota module is a separate box that plugs inline up under the cab and has a dedicated 4-wire run to the rear.

 

Thank you for the clarification. This is my first truck and Im still getting to know her! lol.