2016 SR 2.7L towing

I have a 2016 SR 2.7L 4x2 automatic. No towing package.

I don't plan on towing more than what it's rated for. I have installed a

$184 Draw-Tite 75238 Class IV Max-Frame Receiver (with 2" Square Receiver Tube Opening) , black

Draw-Tite 75238 Class IV receiver hitch. No trailer light hookup yet. I want Toyota parts, but the factory wiring harness Part Number 82164-04E11 is $944. I could be wrong, but they said the only way to know for sure is to get a VIN for a '16 SR which has the towing package.

I'm tempted to trade the damn thing in for an '18 with a towing package. Hell, I don't even need a V6, but I won't complain if I do get one, but the towing package SHOULD come on all of them, and it does not. Even the 2018 brochure says it's "S" (standard) on all, but reality is, not all 2018 inventory has the towing package. How is this even a thing? Oh well...

I'm blowing smoke, so forgive me. I am not too thrilled about using aftermarket light wiring harnesses, even though I know they are highly reviewed. Mostly I'm curious how well the 4 cylinder automatics do while towing, when they don't have the ATF cooler, and all those other goodies. My previous Tacoma was a '99 4 banger with a stick shift and was pretty bullet proof. I miss that one.

 

Ive installed aftermarket light wiring on several of my cars and trucks over the years....have never had issues. There’s probably even a plug/play solution for the Tacoma that you can get at an auto parts store off the shelf.....typically they just plug into each tail light. Not sure about availability of these for a gen3 as I have the tow pkg on my truck and haven’t looked, honestly. Unless you need trailer brake control, light wiring is simple.

A light kit and a hitch receiver (from uhaul, trailer.com, etc) together shouldn’t set you back more than $200 or so I would think. No way I’d pay $900+ for OEM parts.

If you’re worried about trans temps, I’m sure there is a cheaper aftermarket trans cooler option out there somewhere. What do you plan to tow?

 

Eventually, I plan on towing a small travel trailer, either a Casita or an R pod. The occasional boat (nothing huge, 25 horsepower single engine type.)

Maybe none of it matters until I have these things or am ready to buy them. Common sense dictates to trade it in for one with a towing package, for the cost of the extra cooling accessories I’d have to install.

 

I used to have a 98 regular cab 2.7L 5sp. I bought a 6x10 cargo trailer when I owned it. Loaded I figure it weighs about 2300 pounds. A few years later I traded for a 15 SR Access cab 2.7L 5sp set up with an OEM tow package. The 15 tows the trailer a little better, but the 98 did well. I used one of the tail light wiring 4pin harness on the 98 and never had a problem. I suspect though you would want a 7 pin.

$900…. When I added my backup camera module on the 15 the dealership wanted $750. Bought it on Amazon for $120.

 

Interesting. I just posted the other day with questions about towing a vehicle with my ‘16 SR5 4-banger, and everyone said I should be fine. I have towed before and it was fine. I just run in ETC PWR mode with sequential shift. I’ve had no problems with lots of things lighter than a vehicle. I even towed across country before.



As far as wiring, I just let me local uhaul install an aftermarket 4-pin connector. It’s not pretty like the 7/4 split, but I haven’t had any issues either.

Again, they said a small car should be fine. So if you already know you’re not going past the limit for your truck/hitch, then I wouldn’t worry about it. Just slap any old wiring in and you’re good.

 

$150 ScanGauge - SG2 II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges , Black , 5"

https://www.amazon.com/ScanGauge-Compact-Multifunction-Computer-Customizable/dp/B000AAMY86

I’ll let you know how towing my gf’s Honda from Chicago to Raleigh goes if you are still a little ways out from being ready to tow

 

I was lucky enough to find my 15 with factory hitch and wiring. They tacked on 500 for it, but worth it to me. It may just be my imagination, but my 15 seems to tow better than my 98 did.
I would feel good towing up to about 3000 lbs.

 

Does anyone have a clue what this massive bundled up wiring harness on the drivers side just behind the bumper is for? Why so much slack?

 

ETrailer.com has wiring harness, plug mount and hitch for about 180. Shipped. Install took 20 mins for hitch and 25 mins for wiring.

 

You can get the oem style light plug to replace the dummy plug in the bumper and not have your wire hookup hanging down.
This will snap right in. https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Hopkins/HM40975-11998.html

 

I’ll need to swap mine out at some point. At the time I was too afraid to do any splicing and electrical cause I was still under warranty. Too many miles for all that now

 

Do you mind sharing what Uhaul charged for the wiring install? Im in South Carolina so could be comparable as I see your in North Carolina. Im thinking of having them install the wiring for my truck and I will install the Drawtite hitch. Thanks

 

Sure thing. It was kinda pricey. Somewhere in the 200s I think. But definitely less than $300. I figured it was better to spend the money on it than mess something electrical up attemping it myself.
I’d trust myself to do it now though. You might be able to save some money by having a friend, coworker, or another TW member help you with the install.

 

If you find a good local hitch install place they should be able to.give you the 7 and 4 pin connector and install.it where the OEM goes. They can even install a break controller if that's something you might want. it shouldn't be that expensive either. Just something to.think about

 

I’m already wired up. Thanks tho. If I change anything, it will be to add the OEM 7/4 split

 

This thread was helpful in my research. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...wiring-mounting-installation-question.420763/

I've gotten most of the bits in that thread, except for the wiring for a brake controller. I'll be all set for hauling an open trailer for some deck lumber / building materials in the next few weeks. I'll add a brake controller later, if/when we get a travel trailer.

 

What kind of tires are those and what size?

 

Cooper ST Maxx 235/85/16

 

They look nice on the truck. How's the ride? Is it quiet?

 

Just went on vacation and was 700 mile round trip. Slight hum from them but that is to be expected. Not too Rough considering the e load rating. Average mpg was 22 with them at 33 psi. I got them from discount tire direct EBAY for 650 shipped with 3 year certs. Will definitely get them again.