Adding on tow package.

Hello everyone. Well I bought a 2007 Tacoma Prerunner crew cab with the 4.0 V6. The dealer told me it had the tow package. Which technically it does but I started looking and it’s not the factory which would give me the 6,000 pound towing capacity. Right now I have a OEM hitch and 4prong connector (w\5 prong piggy backing).

Now if I wanted to tow 6,000 pounds what would I need to add? I’m going to say the tranny cooler is a must but do I need the 130amp alternator and heavy duty battery? Also I’ve found 7 pin connectors with the wire harness for my truck but since it didn’t come with it from the factory would trailer brakes still function when it’s hooked up.

Thank in advance for all feedback.

 

Based on what you say your truck definitely does not have the tow package. No matter what you add or modify the weight and tow weight ratings do not change. Only the manufacturer can change the weight ratings. I believe your truck has a max tow capacity of around 3500lbs. Nothing is going to change that. You can add and modify which will make towing easier on you and your truck but the tow capacity remains the same.

 

I’m under the impression that the only thing different from my truck and those that came with a factory tow package is that the trucks with the tow package came with a 130 amp alternator, heavy duty battery, transmission oil cooler, and a class IV hitch with 7 pin connector. So technically if I were to add these items my truck wouldn’t that suffice for me to haul up to 6,000 instead of 3,500? Same motor and suspension.

 

Ok I see what your saying. Took me a second

 

Here Is an informative article on increasing tow capacity

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto...city/information/increase-towing-capacity.htm

 

Well I guess if I add some of that stuff I shouldn't have any issues hailing a 3500 pound camper lol

 

Even though you can’t increase tow capacity adding things like a oil cooler and tranny cooler is a good idea. Whether towing or not they will extend your engine and transmission life.

 

Yea I’m probably gonna add those anyways. I appreciate you pointing out the legal flaw in my idea. You probably saved my butt if one day I got in a reck towing anything Over 3500 even if I added everything the factory tow package came with.

 

Except he is 100% wrong.

The only real physical difference between a 3500lb truck and a 6500lb truck is the hitch. That's it, period, end of statement. The tow package doesn't include larger brakes or anything else. You are limited to 3500lbs because that is what the bumper is rated for. Add a class 3, 7 pin socket and a brake controller and you're 100% gtg.

The 4.0l tacoma is rated for a max of 6500 lbs. That's the trucks rating, it has to be properly equipped though. Exactly nowhere does anything say that capacity only exists if the bolts were installed originally by someone working at toyota. They're not magic parts that have to be blessed on their way off the factory floor. You can't equip your way to exceeding 6500, but you can certainly equip your way from 3500 to 6500 with exactly 0 legal issues.

Stay within all the specs, gvwr etc and live a long and happy life.

The larger altrnator only exists because you can charge a trailer. The 7 pin is needed for trailer brakes and the 12v charging wire. The tranny cooler is a good idea but it's more for longevity than anything else. Billions of miles have been towed over the years without them.

 

Sense I’ve gotten conflicting information i did what I probably should of done in the beginning I called the dealership and got passed around for an hour til I found someone who could give me an answer. They see where they installed the hitch and have told me that that hitch is the one needed and I can tow 6,500 pounds legally.