Adding a tow package

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is the correct subforum for this question, or if this question gets asked frequently. I couldn't find anything in the search.

I bought a new 2015 Tacoma, V6 4x4, which apparently did not come with a tow package. The real bummer is that when I bought it off the lot, I expressed that I would be interested in pulling a small travel trailer. I had no idea that there was even an option for a tow package, just figured it came equipped.

Now that my wife and I are in the market for a travel trailer, we are realizing that we might be screwed. I mentioned the idea of adding a tow package myself on a different forum, and someone told me it would be nearly impossible, and cheaper to just get rid of the truck and get a new truck. I was told that it's more than just adding a new alternator, oil and transmission cooler, and that the whole transmission would have to be replaced. Of course this is heartbreaking news to me since we are still paying the truck off.

So what are my options here? Am I really stuck hauling trailers less than 3,500 lbs? Hoping for some good news here. :/

 

I'm no expert, but I feel confident saying the transmission is exactly same for all the V6 trucks.

 

X2 on the post above.


Who told you this??? This is news to me.. i thought they just added a trans cooler and the other goodies mentioned

 

The transmission cooler is The "easy" part. The oil cooler is what's hard, from what I understand.

 

Someone told me that the transmission had to have multiple gears replaced, that it's an entirely different gear ratio on the Tacos with tow package. I'm happy to hear that it might be BS!

 

Where are you located @noiseordinance? I'll be selling my factory receiver that comes with the tow package in a few months if you're local.

 

This is why we can't have nice things.

 

I'm in Portland, OR. Looks like it might be a ways away. D'oh!

 

Glad you are here doing research. And I'd not take any more automotive counsel from whoever feed you the 'trade it' line.

But first things first.

How do you know you don't have a tow package? You seem to think you don't, but how did you confirm you don't?

 

you can install the aux trans cooler some what easy, then add the correct trailer hitch, i would also add the brake controller and wiring (if needed, depends on how much you want to tow)
I havent needed the oil cooler yet, but time will tell.

 

Well shit, that's embarrassing... My wife said she looked on the spec sheet and it didn't include the tow package. So I called the dealership and they ran my VIN and indeed I do have a tow package. Jesus I feel like an idiot now.

So I guess ignore everything I've asked... lol. WOW.

So if I have a tow package pre-installed, what other stuff will I need to be purchasing to pull a small trailer besides the hitch and such? Sorry... I've never towed anything... can you tell?

 

CHARLIE MURPHY!! LOL..

 

RIP !

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

Tow package has the 7pin trailer plug so depending on your trailer setup you may need a 7pin to flat 4pin adapter. You will need a hitch with the proper drop so trailer will be level. Tow package is pre wired for trailer brakes so installing a brake controller may be necessary dependin on weight. Always keep transmission in 4th instead of overdrive so that it's not hunting for gears. Probably need to slow speed as well to keep RPMS down and for fuel economy. If I'm not mistaken there is a tow/haul section on here somewhere also that has good info.

 

Depending on the weight of the trailer you may need to add a weight distribution hitch and brake controller.

Lots of great places to camp in your area. Enjoy

 

When I run my vin number it is unclear whether I have the tow package or not - but when I look at the truck I do not see the transmission cooler which confirms I do not have the package - long way of saying I would not take the dealer's word for it (although I thought all 4x4s had the package?)

 

Wow. Look at all the anxiety and money I just saved you.

When I'm in the neighborhood you can buy me a Diet Coke.

See someone already linked you to the towing Bible thread.

I'd also crawl around under the truck and look things over. Just because you should know where stuff is.

Just don't overdo the trailer size thing. Lighter/more compact always tows better.

 

When I go to the customer section of the Toyota website where I registered myself as the owner, the below came up for the specs of my truck. Apparently I have the V6 Tow Package and didnt even realize it. I'm not sure I would trust the hitch with a heavy load with how much more rust is on it than the frame.