Towing without the package

I'm in the market for a Tacoma, preferably used. There is one that I am eyeing that has most things I want, but it's lacking a tow package.

How much will I be able to tow (if at all) without the towing package? I don't own any ATVs, bikes, etc, however I do have a trailer I use to tow a riding mower, push mower, and assorted lawn care stuff.

Or is it possible for a dealer to slap on a Tow package for a fee?

 

if you are gonna be hauling at least some weight on a decent trailer......i'd go ahead and get a tow package, as its better than hooking up top the bumper,imo......however......the dealer probably aint gonna be cheap at all. you may do better to try ebay and find a good used hitch,then get a transmission cooler and let a reputable shop install it for you......then you can add the trailer wiring to your truck.......it'll save you some money.

 

I towed an overweight U-Haul trailer from Portland Oregon to Myrtle Beach S.C. without the tow package, it did have a Reece hitch though, still going strong, but be smart and get the tow package.

 

You neglected to mention which engine the truck you are looking at has, or if it is a gen 1 or gen 2 truck.

In any case without the towing package you can still tow you are just limited in the anound of weight and limited by how much time and or money you want to put into having the towing bits installed.

Short answer.
Gen 1 - 4 cyl 3500lbs,
Gen 1 - 6 cyl 5000lbs,
Gen 2 - 4 cyl 3500lbs,
Gen 2 - 6 cyl 5000lbs,
Gen 2 - 6 cyl 6500lbs (with factory towing package)

All the parts required can be sourced aftermarket, and detailed write-up on their install and links for what and where to purchase are covered in the towing bible which is stickied at the top of this section.

 

Easy mod if what you buy doesn't come with the tow package.

Less than $200 if you buy the hitch, receiver, & wiring harness from etrailer or go to U-Haul. They'll put the whole shabang in for you. The factory tow is a heck of a deal, if you can find one with, it is worth it for sure!

I added one after the fact because my truck was a leftover model year & my towing was less than 2000lbs. As much as I wanted the factory tow, I liked the price of the leftover better. Good luck with your purchase.

 

Generally, how much is a transmission cooler? I have a sr5 without tow package and want to put one in. So if i put in this transmission cooler will my towing capacity increase from 5000lb to 6500 lb?

 

tranny coolers (generic ones) run from about 50 bucks to several hundred. not too difficult to install IF you read the instructions.

No it will no increase your capacity to 6500 lbs. There's other factors that need to be considered.