Factory Trailer Package?

[DPW]

Is it possible to have the Toyota Tow Package(TO-"Options for the Tacoma include a tow package ($650) for V6 models that
includes 130-amp alternator, heavy-duty battery, transmission oil cooler,
and a Class IV hitch with seven-pin connector.") installed on a Tacoma that did not come from the factory with it installed?

I purchased an '07 extra cab v-6 that did not have the option installed, but the dealer assured me they could install it later. Well later came and I scheduled a time to bring the truck in and have the dealer install it, but now they say it's not possible and I need to trade the truck in for a new Tacoma that comes with the tow package from the factory.

Am I missing something? Why can the dealer not install the package?

Thanks-

[Splicer]

Anything is possible, if you throw enough money at it -- but it will cost a lot more than the $650 option cost to have your dealer retrofit all those items to your Tacoma. Hate to say it, but they were either uninformed or just told you whatever it took to sell you the truck. You would also take a big hit trading on another new truck.

For the money, I would just get an aftermarket hitch, wiring harness, and trans cooler.

[DPW]

It looks like the dealer is going to make good and is going to order the Toyota OEM parts and take care of the issue. We will see...

[L R H]

For how much? I bet all the parts would be over 1200.00 dealer cost, IF they get a factory; accident replacement hitch versus the dealer add-on 3500lb unit, and the factory wiring uses a different harness to rear versus the one that taps into the tail light harnes, trailer brake wire from kick panel to back of truck is not present, new in the box higher amp alt prob cost 650.00, trans cooler requires flex lines that feed through core support, and if like most Toyota trucka in the past connect to a differing lineset from trans that terminates at a different spot near crossmember versus all the way to rad tank, engine oil cooler assy @ oil filter has additional coolant lines that on older models required a different w/pump due to the fitting for the hose was not drilled/tapped, not sure about the 05-07's. In other words; make sure they do a good job, not just what shows, or discuss any compromises with the dealer before they tear into truck.

[j4x4ar3]

Alternator can be added aftermarket, tranny cooler can be added aftermarket however the Class IV hitch that comes with the tow package can not be added aftermarket and is not sold seperately by Toyota. It's almost part of the frame which is one of the reasons for the 6500 tow rating. If you go aftermarket the best you can get is a Class III hitch only rated for 5000 lbs.

[Splicer]

Originally Posted by j4x4ar3

Class IV hitch that comes with the tow package can not be added aftermarket and is not sold seperately by Toyota. It's almost part of the frame

Hmmm, I didn't know that. I honestly thought it was bolt-on; I'll have to take a closer look at mine.

Raises a question, though -- if a factory hitch is damaged in a rear-end accident, wouldn't the body shop be able to buy a new factory hitch? hint hint

[L R H]

Originally Posted by j4x4ar3

Alternator can be added aftermarket, tranny cooler can be added aftermarket however the Class IV hitch that comes with the tow package can not be added aftermarket and is not sold seperately by Toyota. It's almost part of the frame which is one of the reasons for the 6500 tow rating. If you go aftermarket the best you can get is a Class III hitch only rated for 5000 lbs.

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Yes, all that can be added on after the fact and will work well if it is installed correctly and correct parts are used, but the dealer has told him it will be factory stuff, so the factory builds the truck from the get go with the proper parts, many of which are hard to add after. For instance; the factory does not take a tubing cutter to the trans lines and add a cooler with nylon straps, same goes for an add on aftermarket oil cooler. If the dealer is going to do a half way job using parts store stuff, then the owner should just find a good trailer shop or do it himself. If the dealer is going to install factory parts, then they need to do careful research on each and every part; lines, tubes, retainers, and all the misc parts to the point that a factory engineer would think the truck was a mis-build; perfect to the point that the engineer thought the truck was built with the factory setup , but was incorectly invoiced. I think the parts and labor to do this would be astronomical, and the dealer would cut corners to prevent the 500.00 ~ charge they will collect from the customer from costing them 2 grand or more.

I would think that the factory style hitch would be available as a service part, at least I would hope that if someone gets rearended thet the correct parts would be available. I bet it is, just no one buys it when the dealer add on is 200.00 (for a 129.99 part) and the crash replacement factory model that is usually paid for by insurance is a $5-600.00 part.

[this_is_nascar]

Think about what you're going to tow. Keeping in mind that the tow-package allows the Taco to be rated at a 6500lb tow capacity, if you're only towing something much lighter than that, you will not need the extra alternator power and/or transmission cooler. If you're towing some huge boat or trailer, well then, that's a different story.

[Splicer]

Just a bit off point, but if I buy a truck and plan to regularly tow at or near 6500#, I would buy a larger truck. I don't like to use anything at its rated maximum. jmo