Adding tow package after purchase?

Can the dealer install a tow package if the car didn't come with one initially?

Has anyone bought a 2016 Tacoma without a tow package and installed an aftermarket tow package themselves?

 

i know there was one am setup for the 2g but i'm unsure on the 3g.

 

Pretty sure this is a factory installed item that is very time and labor consuming to install after-the-fact. But I have no hard evidence of this unfortunately. I have been witness to several discussions on the topic and the general consensus (by those with more mechanical experience than myself) is that the pieces, parts, and install process would take too much work to warrant paying for it as an aftermarket add. Which is why it is HIGHLY encouraged to add the tow package to the truck when purchasing because the $650 they charge is a very small price to pay in comparison to doing an aftermarket job.

TLDR: Not likely to be worth it to install aftermarket. Expensive.

 

You can add the actual hitch, but you can't add all the factory coolers and whatnot

 

so basically the transmission and engine oil coolers can only be added when the car is built; not after the fact?

 

Essentially this is what we're telling you, yes.

EDIT: this thread may help you -- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...g-system-upgrades.442554/page-6#post-12882097

 

Correct. Along with the wiring built into the vehicle.

 

The factory installed coolers aren't all they're cracked up to be. You can get better ones aftermarket for a lot less money.
The vehicle wiring can certainly be added. They actually have a proper brake light kit that doesn't leech off your actual tail lights, which I would recommend for anybody pulling a trailer.
After that, its just a matter of the actual *plug* near the bumper, the marginally larger alternator, and a different fan clutch. I mean of course, besides the actual receiver.
All of these parts can be added later on, but there is always the question of whether or not they are actually needed or useful. The alternator, for instance... might be good if you opt for ELECTRIC trailer brakes and have an array of lots of obsolete incandescent light bulbs, but if you use hydraulic brakes and all LED bulbs, you won't need particularly much extra power.

 

Don't agree with all of the above suggestions. Literally thousands of trailer owners have added transmission coolers (as a second cooler in series with oem or larger replacement) for towing. Check RV.net under tow vehicles.
Do you have a decent garage nearby with experience with hitch and cooler installation?

Second, unless your towing a travel trailer with a need for 12v power to it while driving (ie charge batteries, power fridge, etc) there is no need to go to a larger alternator, especially if all you're doing is powering lights on the trailer. I would also hold off on changing the fan clutch until after you've towed the trailer some, to see if you do have a need for it.

Factor tow package also includes an engine oil cooler.

What size/weight trailer are you going to tow? How often? How much hilly/mountain driving?

 

question to edm3rd

i live in memphis, can you recommend a mechanic to instsall fan clutch (if needed) and transmission cooler?

thanks

buddy, in memphis

 

You don't need or want a mechanic to install those parts, they're both about the same complexity as replacing your battery.

 

@0uTkAsT was talking about adding these coolers in his build thread. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-16-sr-dcsb-4x4.400243/page-115#post-12913855

 

Sorry for the delay, been out of town. A good radiator shop would be your best bet as they are use to dealing with transmission coolers. Another option, and maybe a better one is a transmission shop. If you know anyone who tows a decent size trailer maybe they can make a recommendation. Make the fan clutch the last thing on your list - not sure it would help much, standard fan clutch is probably all you need. Sorry, but haven't had any work done that I can personally recommend a shop.

 

There's pretty much nothing you can add stock, that you can't add aftermarket. It just comes down to if cost/time makes it worthwhile compared to driving it off the lot ready to go. Any cooler toyota offers, you can get 'better' aftermarket. 'Better' isn't always 'better' though. Just because you can add one that is suitable for an 18 wheeler, doesn't mean you should. Wiring is wiring, easy to do. Brakes, easy to do, coolers, easy to do (work involved) hitch, easy. Pretty much everything will be bolt on. You just have to buy it and bolt it.

Gears... that one I'd pay for. Easy and expensive to mess up.