04 Tacoma Pre-Runner tow package?

[ebeck]

I have an 04 Tacoma Quad caV6 Pre-Runner. I was going to put a hitch on to tow the dirt bikes, <3K pounds. I was not sure if these trucks came with oil and tranny coolers or not, basicly the tow package without the hitch.

Can I just put a hitch on or do I need a "tow package" in addition?

[Corban_White]

For 2 or 3 dirt bikes you should be fine with just the hitch.

[ebeck]

Well it is a 12x6 trailer, 3 dirt bikes and 2 quads. Figure 2500 pounds total.

[Corban_White]

For that much make sure to get a 2" reciever hitch and a tranny cooler is a verry good idea to keep the tranny alive (assuming you have an auto).

[ebeck]

I was gonna put a class 4 hitch on and a tranny cooler too. that is not really the issue or question.

I just was not sure if these trucks came with coolers stock, or if they only came as part of a tow package.

I sense that these Pre-Runner trucks do not come with stock oil/reanny coolers unless it cam with a factory tow package. Right?

[Corban_White]

A quick look at the front end will tell you if your truck has one or not. It may have an oil cooler and a tranny cooler integrated into the rad (fairly common-usually small hoses atached to the end caps). If you have a small rad-looking thing in front of your radiator, that is probably an external tranny cooler. IMO even if you have the integrated tranny cooler you should still get an external one.
Here is a pic of an external one mounted: http://www.matadorcoupe.com/images/TransCooler.jpg

[Marazzito]

Originally Posted by ebeck

I was gonna put a class 4 hitch on and a tranny cooler too. that is not really the issue or question.

I just was not sure if these trucks came with coolers stock, or if they only came as part of a tow package.

I sense that these Pre-Runner trucks do not come with stock oil/reanny coolers unless it cam with a factory tow package. Right?

Class IV is overkill... a class III will more than suffice and save you some money for a better tranny cooler! I doubt your truck has a Tranny cooler, I am pretty sure the Tow Package which included the tranny cooler came with the hitch as well.

[ebeck]

great thanks.

[melonbag]

I am looking at buying a tundra to do some towing for me.
The towing will primarily be of another car, via a hitch.
As per my job, there will be days and days of towing a vehicle from one part of the country to another.
80% flat terrain, 20% hilly, but not through mountains.

So, I am looking at pre-owned Tundras.
My situation is similar to the author of this thread, but I will be towing twice as much weight.
I have some questions and I apologize if these are really basic as I am new to towing.

Based on this, should I only look at pre-owned Tundras with a tow package or can I get by with a hitch?

If I find a nice Tundra without a tow package, can I have one installed via Toyota or after market?

Do I need a V8 or will a V6 be strong enough for this?

Based on this thread, I know to make sure that there is a tranny cooler. Thanks, everyone.