Add tow package to 2009 Tacoma?

I recently purchased a used 2009 Tacoma (Access Cab). It has a hitch, but does not have the factory tow package. It's got a new frame, and has had the leaf spring TSB done. I'd like to add the tow package capability to this truck. I'd like to match the capability of the factory tow package equipped trucks - which I believe is 6500# (Is that correct?)

I know I'll need the transmission cooler and the engine oil cooler. I may look at upgrading to the high-output alternator. Are there other things that were included in the original package? On another thread, I heard there was a different fan? Can someone confirm what things were included in the factory package? Is there a reason to consider something other than Toyota parts for this upgrade? If so, I'd appreciate recommendations on brand/part.

I'm not looking to create the ultimate towing machine (description of my towing needs below), but if there are other things I should be considering while I'm having this work done?

I'd appreciate any guidance or suggestions the towing gurus here may have.

My typical towing:

I live in Vermont, so a good bit of my towing will be in hilly areas. Most of my towing will be in the 2500-3500# range (a pop-up camper or a trailer load of firewood). This will be mainly under 50 miles or so over roads with a speed limit of 50 MPH or less), but will include occasional trips of 200 miles or more with some of the driving on Interstate highways.

Once or twice a year, I'd tow my tractor (max. weight with an implement or two: just under 5000#). It would be 25 miles or less, some rolling hills, no mountains and speeds would be mostly 40 MPH. It would be nice to be able to handle a few miles at 50 MPH, but that can be avoided if necessary.

 

Any idea how I can tell if the hitch which is installed is a class III or class IV?

 

For the hitch, it should tell you what it is, since it is aftermarket. The rest, I would say no, but maybe with the tractor towing. But I am far from an expert on this.

 

If your trailers have brakes obviously a brake controller. I have a 2008 w/o factory tow package . I added trans cooler the hitch and brake controller . Heavy duty battery was also standard with TP .

 

I've done towing before, and already have a brake controller I will be pulling from my van, so I'm set on that front.

I did take a closer look at the hitch, and found a sticker stating it's a 5000# rating (5500# with WD hitch). Did toyota make both a 5000# and a 6500# hitch for these trucks? The sticker seems to be from Toyota.

 

On my 2015, there is no sticker. i thought all tow packages included IV hitch receiver, but i could be wrong

 

This one did not have the Factory tow package (no trans cooler or engine oil cooler). The hitch may have been added at the port or by the dealer (or it may be an aftermarket one -- I need to look more closely)

 

Just remember what ever you do to your truck it will still have the same official manufacturers tow capacity rating as when it left the factory. Granted if you make various modifications your truck will easily be able to haul/ tow heavier loads than the factory specs. The only problem and this would be rare is if you have an accident while towing over manufacturers specs your insurance may not cover you. It would take a sharp claims investigator but they are trained to look for that kind of thing.
Here’s how it would work - lbs over manu spec and you fail to stop in time and rear end someone causing injuries and wrecking their car. The insurance guy sees that you are 1500 to 2000 lbs over and says sorry we don’t cover you under the circumstances. Unlikely that will ever happen but there’s a possibility.