A tow package is a common choice when selecting a car or truck to buy or when thinking about upgrades.
Simply put, a tow package should be a full set of everything you’ll need to tow your chosen load reliably and safely. The hardware and equipment that are included in tow packages can vary greatly.
Read on, and we’ll go over everything you need to know about towing packages.
Table of Contents
Things Included In A Towing Package
- Tow Hitch
This component, which can be a receiver hitch or a straightforward ball and is fastened to the frame members, forms the basis of a towing package. The receiver hitch is a square tube that receives the ball, which is then positioned with the aid of a hitch pin. The receiver and ball sizes will depend on the kinds of loads you will be transporting.
- Electrical Connections
The wires connecting the trailer’s lighting system to the vehicle’s lighting system are typically included in a tow package. A connector for this wiring is conveniently located near the hitch, and it powers the turn signal, license plate light, and brake lights.
The circuits that power the trailer’s braking system may occasionally be included in this connector, which can reduce the strain on the towing vehicle. For heavy-duty applications, this option is generally beneficial.
- Brakes And Suspension
Many tow package applications have upgraded the tow truck’s brakes and suspension. This includes stronger shock absorbers and heavier springs, which can be very beneficial for the tow vehicle in controlling any heavy loads. For improved brake safety, bigger disks or drums may be used.
- Transmission
When towing, the transmission, especially the automatic one, bears the majority of the load on the drive train component, not the engine or the brakes. The transmissions produce more heat while being towed, so they require additional cooling.
Although automatic transmissions have cooling lines that pass through the radiator of the car, a towing package has a substantial heat exchanger to account for heavy-duty usage. Therefore, one should never overlook it during the hitch installation.
- Drivetrain
Due to the increased force required to tow heavy loads, trucks and cars with tow packages are geared differently from those without them. This might involve changes to the transmission’s gearing and manifest as a high gear ratio at the differential end’s rear. As a result, the drive wheels experience less wear and tear and more torque.
What To Look For In A Tow Package?
Take into account your needs and the kinds of loads you anticipate transporting. You might only need a trailer hitch, which will have the crucial electrical wiring, rather than a heavy-duty tow package. You will avoid the reduced fuel efficiency that comes with a tow package thanks to this. A tow package, however, will result in a longer drive life and better performance if the loads to be hauled are heavy, such as boats, cars, or building materials, and towing will occur frequently.
Cost Of Adding A Tow Package
Since installation costs play such a large role in the overall cost of adding a tow package, getting an estimate is typically more accurate. Installing a receiver hitch will, at the very least, cost $50 and take up to an hour. Dealerships typically quote upwards of $1,200 for an OEM kit that includes the hitch, transmission cooler, wiring, and labor costs.
How To Tell If I Already Have A Tow Package?
Checking the rear of the truck should reveal whether or not a hitch is installed. On the other hand, how can you tell if a complete tow package is installed? For those looking to purchase a used truck, this is a crucial question, and determining whether a truck actually has a tow package installed typically requires some investigation.
Checking which tow package you want is the first step. The manufacturer or the dealer will be your best bet for information on this. You can also check the brochures for your specific model to see what kinds of factory tow packages are available for it. A frame-mounted hitch receiver, a wiring harness, and a connector may be the only components of some factory packages. Others might include substantial improvements to the tow vehicle itself, particularly for Class III and higher tow packages.
Any vehicle you intend to purchase needs to have everything that comes with it inspected. This means that whether you’re buying a new or used car, you should carefully read the invoice and compare it to the window sticker and manufacturer information.
You should also take into account the possibility that the owner’s vehicle originally came with a tow package and factory hitch, but that some of those components have since been replaced with better aftermarket ones.
A complete heavy-duty tow package will typically include components like heavy-duty rear shock absorbers or springs and an auxiliary transmission cooler. Additionally, they might come with upgraded brakes, typically in the form of bigger drums or brakes. With a factory tow package, a dealer may occasionally also throw in an extra spare tire. Instead of the compact spares that most vehicles have, this spare tire is a full-sized spare.
You could try to obtain the vehicle’s VIN and ask the brand dealer to check it for you to obtain a list of the parts that are present. To make sure everything is set up correctly, it’s a good idea to have a technician check your tow vehicle and trailer hitch setup.
Can I Add A Tow Package If I Don’t Have One?
There’s no need to panic if the towing vehicle lacks a tow package; with a little research and money, you can still have one installed on your truck or SUV. The dealer is your best bet for getting a quote on a tow package for your particular vehicle model.
Another option is to do some research and buy the components you require on your own. Check the relevant parts that come with your standard, non-towing trim first to get the list you need. Of course, that also entails having a suitable receiver hitch and a wiring harness with 7 and 4 pins for the trailer’s electrical parts.
The tow vehicle upgrades will come next. Many factory tow packages come with a rear load-leveling suspension, if not a complete upgrade for the front and rear suspensions.
For your vehicle, you might also want to research heavy-duty engine cooling or auxiliary transmission cooling kits. It’s always a good idea to request a quote in order to at least have a list of your components for the custom tow package you intend to install. This way, you won’t risk forgetting to order a crucial part.
What Is A Trailer Package?
It is best to consider what you will be towing with this package when considering a trailer package. As the name suggests, this is specifically designed for those who want to tow a trailer.
These packages are often small and include things like a trailer hitch and a wiring package for the taillights. This simple package can be bought aftermarket, but the trailer hitch and wiring that comes with the truck when you first buy it will take away the guesswork for you.
This bundle frequently only considers towing a trailer and doesn’t take into account other items like boats, other vehicles, or heavy loads. This is typically viewed as a low-tow package for leisure activities like family camping trips or vacations.
This package is not made for larger loads and does not come with any upgrades to the vehicle itself because it is assumed that with recreational use, you will not be towing often.
Tow Package Vs. Trailer Package
The primary distinction between the two is that while a tow package is intended to enable you to tow just about anything with your car, a trailer package is made specifically for pulling a trailer behind your car. Improvements that come with a tow package frequently include everything from improved electrical and cooling systems to engine upgrades.
The Bottom Line
If you frequently use your SUV or truck for towing, tow package installation might be something you want to think about.
When purchasing a towing package, you should take into account the types of loads you anticipate hauling as well as your needs. You don’t have to choose a heavy-duty tow package; instead, you can select a trailer hitch that includes electrical wiring.
You should now have a better understanding of tow packages; if you still have any questions, kindly leave a comment below.
Read Next: How To Refuse A USPS Package?
