Tow Package Question

I have looked on some different parts of the forum about the tow packages. I have a 2006 tacoma sr5 v6 but I was curious what the difference is with the tow package vs without. I want to tow with my truck but do I need to upgrade the alternator and all the stuff that the tow package comes with? For instance, the tow package has a different alternator than stock non-tow package trucks but does it make that much of a difference?

 

trans cooler would be the biggest thing to upgrade. bigger alternator isn't really necessary

 

how heavy is what you want to tow?

 

Nothing too crazy, I have an 20 foot aluminum boat which would pretty much be it. I might tow other stuff but nothing like a camping trailer or anything.

 

Then all’s you need is a tow hitch and a wiring harness from Amazon. I was in your same situation with my 1st gen. Picked up a good receiver hitch that bolts to the frame and a wiring harness from amazon for the trailer brake lights.

 

Tow pkg has Trans cooler, oil cooler, larger output alternator and 7 pin wire connection.

Look here for pic of where and what the coolers looks like

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oil-tranny-fluid-cooler-with-factory-towing-package.135019/

 

From that little info, I'd go with a hitch and a harness and not worry about the the tranny cooler, oil cooler and alternator. I tow about 1200-1300lbs with a tow package and other than stopping the truck doesn't feel it unless I'm going up a steep hill.