Baja Tow Package?

Hi all. I’m new to the group, having just bought my first Toyota. I picked up a 2013 Access Cab Baja Edition about a month ago, and have a question regarding the tow package that’s on it. Everything that I have read indicated that the Baja’s got the TRD Off-Road tow package with TSC (trailer sway control), trailer brake integration, and a 7-pin connector. That’s all I can find in the manual as well. However, my truck has a 4-pin connector, and no evidence of TSC. The Toyota website and customer support have been useless, and the dealer has already told me several things that are wrong. So, I have come to the experts at TacomaWorld.com for help. Can anyone tell me what I’ve got in terms of towing – hitch class, TSC or not, trailer brake compatibility, receiver size…?
Thanks in advance. I look forward to many years with my new Taco.
Paul

 

Welcome to TW! Not too familiar with the new towing systems, someone will chime in.

 

So while I'm waiting I checked the sticker on the hitch itself. Itsays for V6 trucks it is rated at 5000 max trailer weight, and 500 max tongueweight. The manual says 6500 max trailerweight. WTF? It also says I need TSC - which I can’t findon this truck. I was planning to rent aU-Haul car trailer to take my ’68 Firebird to my buddy’s speed shop two-and-a-halfhighway hours away. Doesn’t look likethat’s going to happen now.

 

...IF you have the tow package.

The tow package is an optional package. You probably just have the tow hitch accessory which is rated at 5000.

welcome

 

Are you sure it was a factory install to a dealer install? Sounds like a dealer install if it is a 4 pin.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/286187-towing-package.html

 

Pulled out the window sticker and the hitch is on there as factoryinstalled, but there is no tow package listed. My bad for assuming. Didn’t buythe Baja to tow with, so not a big issue – the need to trailer my car just cameup and this seemed like an easy option. Would like to have the extra fluid/oil coolers and big alternatorthough. I wonder if it would be possibleto have the full tow package installed by the dealer. The fluid coolers, alternator, battery, class IV hitch,7-pin connector, and TSC is what Toyota lists for the package. Seems pretty straight forward if the wiringis there. Every heard of this beingdone?

 

Sounds like you might've gotten hosed like my uncle did when he bought his 4-Runner. The dealer told him it had the factory tow package while really it was a dealer installed hitch and harness. I made sure to check for the tranny cooler, 7 pin harness, etc when I bought my taco so I knew it was the factory tow package.

 

A good indicative would be if it came with a separate Trailer Brake Jumper Harness. I just got a 2009 4x4 OR with the towing package and I found that connector harness in the glove compartment along with the manual. I also noticed the tranny cooler and engine oil cooler? I had this same setup on my previous 2001 Dodge Dakota Cuad Cab 4x4 with the towing package also, so I figured is the norm for towing.

 

Everyones right about not getting the factory tow package. Just make sure you didn't pay for it!

 

Well, no tow package. A factory installed hitch on the sticker, but nothing else. Paid a fair price that was well under sticker for the truck, and it was not easy finding a Baja, so no worries about getting ripped. The dealer never said tow package - I must have read it somewhere, saw the hitch and made an incorrect assumption.

So, now that I know what I know, does anyone know if the tow package can be dealer installed? I don't really need it now, but it would be nice to have the beefed up cooling and charging systems.

Thanks for the help.

 

Trans cooler is easy. Aftermarkets are easy install and cheap. You would probably not want to pay for am alternator upgrade and probably not needed unless you add lights and want to charge batteries while towing.

 

I have put aftermarket trans coolers on hot rods before, but I would like to keep everything factory in appearence.

Can the factory oil and trans coolers be added as bolt-ons? Can TSC be added? Can trailer brake integration be added?

Also, assuming that I can't get to factory specs for the tow package, can I just add a better hitch to up the max tow weight to 6500? Are the leaf springs different between a tow package and non-tow package truck?

 

I got the towing package w/ my truck it has the extra coolers, and 7 pin connector. It never arrived at the dealers location because I picked it up at Southeastern Distribution Center when it arrived from Baja mfr facility.
Had to get the local dealership to install the 4 leaf rear suspension, and didn't notice any difference in ride until I installed the TJM bull bar bumper and had to change out the front shocks to Bilsteins.