Trailering package for new vehicles?

[powayroger]

When I bought my 01 Silverado (new), I bought it with a heavy duty radiator and transmission cooler. I had no plans on towing, but wanted that extra protection. I’ve never towed in the 120,000 miles that I have had it, but I have had heavy loads in the back (Mainly oak fire wood).

One of the vehicles I’m thinking about buying is the Chevy Traverse. It does come with a towing package, which, if I did go with this vehicle, I would probably never use. I’ve noticed that the like vehicles, Santa Fe, Pilot and Highlander, do not offer such a package.

The question is, is my logic for that package worth it, or am I just throwing my money away?

 

[CarbonSteel]

It depends on the cost of the option and if you would ever stress the vehicle to see a benefit. With that said some things just give peace of mind and for some people that is worth the cost.

 

[SZR48207]

Most of them usually add a class 2 hitch and an aux trans cooler right? If the cost is less than $400 I would go for it.

You figure if you added both of those aftermarket, then you'd pay just as much, but with it being a factory package then it helps resale.

 

[buck91]

Does the imported competition offer anything the Traverse does not? I am also a fan of increase cooling capacity, though my current truck does not have any stock... and further, with many modern synthetic fluids its less import than years past... but still.

 

[tomcat27]

I, too, have always purchased a towing package when available. on my Venture it included an oil cooler... if you end up purchasing a vehicle that does not offer that option, I doubt that you will get any less life out of it. look how many miles most cars and trucks are running these days

 

[CKN]

The longevity of a vehicle has nothing to do with the fact that it has a towing package. IMHO.

A towing package is not a "hidden secret" for long transmission or engine life.

 

[Rick in PA]

We bought a vehicle off the lot years ago and it had a towing package. I liked the idea that it upgraded the various systems. I think it had a better suspension too. It was a good vehicle.

 

[DoubleWasp]

I've always been a big fan of tow packages for the suspension, axle ratio, and value that comes with them.

I do use my tow package vehicles for towing, but even if I didn't, I'd never pock one up without them. My Road master and Navigator in particular are real dogs without the tow package. On the market, they're both a lot easier to sell with them than without.

Also saves me the trouble of installation aftermarket fluid coolers.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Likewise. Usually the packages are very cheap and quite comprehensive.

My 14 RAM has one, included were things like cooling upgrade, alternator upgrade, LSD, better gear ratio, etc. MUCH cheaper than you could add them yourself. And warranted too...

 

[SteveSRT8]

oops, duplicate

 

[Donald]

I believe the aftermarket trailer hitches have a higher towing capacity than the ones included in the towing package.

Or just get a pickup like my 3/4 ton, Dodge Ram. Unsure it has any issues towing most anything.

 

[KrisZ]

The towing package for the Grand Caravan includes the receiver and the self leveling suspension, meaning it already comes with transmission and oil coolers as well as heavy duty radiator. Mine did not come with a towing package, but checking the build sheet it has all the other extras.
Some manufacturers equip their vehicles with towing capable cooling systems right from the get-go.

 

[Andrew1972]

I'd get it. Beyond the hitch you get a better cooling system.

In a pinch if you need to move something renting a $20-$30/day Uhaul trailer open or closed is typically superior then a pickup truck in terms of loading or security/weather protection(closed trailer). I love the package that was included on my MDX as I have access to two neighbors trailers.

 

[OneEyeJack]

Towing packages are one of the good deals still available when buying a new vehicle.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Depends on the vehicle.

I believe on the Pilots, they all came with the hitch, but the "towing package" came with a knockout on the bumper to access it and a PS cooler.

The Cherokees after the mid 90s had the same axle ratio - just a factory installed hitch and wiring and "HD cooling" which was standard if it was ordered with A/C

 

[Kira]

1) Nobody mentioned that sometimes a towing package includes the plug for trailer lights and wiring for electric rear brakes.

2) You may not want the lower gearing of a tow package ALL the time.

 

[Inspecktor]

Originally Posted By: Kira

1) Nobody mentioned that sometimes a towing package includes the plug for trailer lights and wiring for electric rear brakes.

2) You may not want the lower gearing of a tow package ALL the time.



Plug and play brake controllers are so convenient to use, I would never want to wire one again.

 

[hattaresguy]

On a new vehicle the trailer package is typically like $300 and includes a nice factory hitch and wiring. IMHO its silly not to get it, what's $300 on a $30k purchase?

 

[DoubleWasp]

Originally Posted By: Kira

1) Nobody mentioned that sometimes a towing package includes the plug for trailer lights and wiring for electric rear brakes.

2) You may not want the lower gearing of a tow package ALL the time.


This is true. My Jeep came without the towing equipment. I went to the upullit and found a Jeep that came with it and removed the harness and hitch. Apparently, all GC's have the plug back there to stick the harness into, so it was plug n play.

GC's with the 4.0 really do need better axle ratios for towing. Such a dog with a 5k load hooked up.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
Originally Posted By: Kira

1) Nobody mentioned that sometimes a towing package includes the plug for trailer lights and wiring for electric rear brakes.

2) You may not want the lower gearing of a tow package ALL the time.


This is true. My Jeep came without the towing equipment. I went to the upullit and found a Jeep that came with it and removed the harness and hitch. Apparently, all GC's have the plug back there to stick the harness into, so it was plug n play.

GC's with the 4.0 really do need better axle ratios for towing. Such a dog with a 5k load hooked up.


The tall gear ratios has to be only for EPA testing. Even the lighter Jeeps - even unmodified - see better gas mileage when going with lower gears.

The 4.0 isn't as low speed as people think. It gets poor mileage when you're lugging it around.