Comprehensive list of differences with factory tow package?

I found a pdf that described the A750E/F transmission as used in the Tundra, and it mentions the "ATF warmer" and, when equipped with the tow package, an ATF thermostat to divert ATF to the cooler only when the transmission reaches a high enough temperature.

Is that true on the A750E/F as used in the Tacoma?

The reason I ask is, my truck was not built with the tow package, and I figured if I ever want to tow more than 3500 pounds, I could add an ATF cooler, engine oil cooler, and trailer brake controller. I thought that would completely replicate the additions of the factory tow package.

I don't figure the ATF thermostat is a significant problem--I could always cover the cooler in the winter or when it's not being used for towing. But it makes me wonder if there are any other 'hidden' changes that come with the tow package.

Tow Package:
1. Toyota factory Class IV hitch
2. 7-pin trailer harness and socket.
3. 7-pin to 4-pin adapter.
4. Pre-wired for an add-on trailer brake controller.
5. Transmission oil cooler.
6. Engine oil cooler.
7. 130 amp alternator (20/30 amps over standard alt.)
8. Larger battery.

 

I've never seen one floating around. Besides what you've already mentioned I know you also get a heavy duty alternator and battery. I've seen break down in cost of adding the towing package accessories on one of the forums and it's a lot of money to do. I think that the oil cooler is pretty darn expensive if I remember correctly. Also, do you have a factory hitch? The factory hitch is a class IV, all the after market hitches I've seen are class III.

 

The Valley hitch I added is marked and listed as a class IV.

Yeah, I forgot to add the battery and alternator to the list. I can sort of see why they would bump up the alternator--you might be keeping a 12v fridge running in a travel trailer. I can't really see why you would need a larger battery...

Toyota is really damned proud of that oil cooler. I think I saw a price of several hundred dollars. That is ridiculously overpriced, if I couldn't find a reasonable price for it then I'd go with an aftermarket oil cooler. But I'd probably only do that after putting in an oil temp gauge and seeing if I actually had excessive temps.

Anyway, I'll update the list...

 

Comparing pictures of engines with factory tow packages to my engine, it appears that the upper port for the engine coolant (which is connected to the oil filter mount) is either not drilled, or the thermostat housing (I presume) is a different part.

So, adding the Toyota oil cooler would mean finding a source of coolant, or drilling/tapping that piece.

I am not sure where the other coolant hose terminates, in all of the pictures I've collected it heads "down" the front of the engine...somewhere.

 

my new 2010 arrives on halloween..it will have the v6 auto with off road and tow package..
looking at online specks the auto trannys come in two different versions.. i wonder what the differences are? and since the trannies are different ,how bout the reaar end gearing.. can anyone inform me of this??

 

The two versions of the tranny you are seeing (A750-E and A750-F) are the 2wd and 4wd versions. They mainly seem to differ in the output housing, all other specs I have found are identical. The coolant/thermostat housing on the transmission seems to differ between tow and non-tow tacos regardless of whether it's an -E or -F tranny.

 

FYI the larger alternator is so that you have enough juice to power all the lights and the electric brakes on the trailer without putting extra strain on the truck. Most travel trailers do not have a 12v fridge and only have propane or 110v setups. The 12v fridge as well is powered from the battery on the tongue of the trailer. That battery is also used to apply the brakes on the trailer should you have a hitch failure and everything comes disconnected. (Required by law in some states). You're better off upgrading your alternator and battery so you don't find yourself with a dead battery or dimming lights when running at night. Any extra power needed with your current setup will come from the battery which the alternator won't be able to charge up fast enough.

 

When I was at the dealer they had a "tow package" listed in their accessories information. The list price was @$650 or something like that. What does that package include other than the wire harness and hitch? I want to add towing capability. Does anyone know what they offer in that package as compaired with the list of factory specs listed above. If the oil cooler...are upgraded the dealer price wouldn't seem that outlandish, but dealer prices always are so I am concerned.