Tow Package Question

Hello TW - This is my first post here and I'm calling on the TW experts for some help. I've been lurking for a few months because I'm planning to buy a 3rd gen Tacoma. One of the options I'm considering is the tow package, but not because I tow anything. In the days before interweb forums it wasn't unusual for someone to order a tow package on a truck just to get the extra cooling capacity, bigger battery, alternator, etc. The thought was that it could keep the temps down in your engine and transmission and prolong the life. There was likely some truth to that back in the day of dumber vehicles, but does it still hold today? So, what do you think? Is anyone considering ordering the tow package just to get the extra cooling, etc??


Lastly, I did follow proper newb protocol and searched the forum before posting my question - without success obviously

Thanks.

 

I've heard that same as you have. IMO it's totally worth it for everything you just mentioned, plus it will be worth more down the road than a truck without the tow package

 

The ONLY way I would accept an autotragic

 

I would go for it. Honestly the tow package is the only option I would get on my TRD OR. Sucks there is not a brake controller thrown in though.

 

I rarely tow but living in the Rocky Mountain West with crazy hills I always equip my trucks with the tow package for the reasons you stated. Yes, I can just add a harness and hitch for the number of times I tow but all of the other upgrades are easily worth the ~$600 and will mean a lot to the guy you are selling to that does tow 3 years or 10 years from now. Tow packages are the biggest no brainer in truck options and that from a guy that doesn't tow much.

[edit: it can get hot as p!$$ out here and the options above help things run smoothly with or w/o something in tow - why not get the extra capacity - I doubt you can add that capacity for that little aftermarket , alternator, coolers, hitch, harness ... it adds up fast!]

 

The 2016 I have on order has the tow package. I had my last Tacoma almost 2 years and never towed anything but......for resale purposes alone, it's worth the extra $$$.

 

I have an OR with the tow package. I tow quite a bit, most of the time not enough to warrant the package for craft of my own, but the occasional tow of our yacht clubs pontoon boat is well worth it. What I am saying is.....you just never know. All trucks are ment to be tow and having one equipped is a safety device for an emergency tow you may have to do. I equipp all my cars with hitches for light towing and have the truck for heavier work. It is worth it.

 

It was said a few months ago that the Tow Package would be standard equipment. I would assume this means nearly all vehicles will be built with the tow package. I haven't seen many invoices without it.

For 600 bucks, it's a steal. You get the alternator and 3 coolers, I don't think anyone has mentioned the Power Steering cooler, and wiring harness built in and bar and receiver. You get added oil capacity for all three and more available amperage. schwing. It's the only option I hope to get on my DCLBOR4x4

 

Have you ordered yours yet?

 

6 months ago. I've had it for 4 months. They delivered it to my door

 

Great feedback. I will get the tow package. Thanks everyone!

 

It looks as if you've made your decision, but unless you really tow, I would take with a grain of salt that the extra coolers add to engine and transmission life. Though there is a superficial logic to this idea, I haven't seen any references to studies that show that the temperature difference with the coolers is enough to extend engine life. This sort of logic could be reversed, and a conclusion drawn that coolers on a vehicle that doesn't tow keep lubricant temperatures too low, impairing their penetration qualities, and thereby shortening engine life. Again, show me some references.

 

I put 200k on my Tundra with a tow package and extra coolers etc. Towed locally maybe 20 times in 10 years. Anecdotal, yes, but it didn't hurt it IMHO. Pretty sure that when I had to go up mountain passes with my foot in the floorboard with a full load of people, bikes, and camping gear with outside temps in the 90's and the mountain elevations between 7000 and 10000 feet it didn't hurt and probably helped - the idiot gauges never moved. Having the tow package will help with resale and the occasional need to tow does arise.

 

Toyota said they used drum brakes off a 1985 Buick because no one will actually tow with this truck. Please be advised.