Can you get a towing package installed?
Yes. In most cases you can have a towing package installed, either as an OEM dealer option or as an aftermarket upgrade. Availability and cost depend on the vehicle, and you should consider warranty implications and required equipment.
What a towing package includes
Core components you’ll get
Below are the components commonly included in a towing package. Exact items vary by model and trim.
- Hitch receiver (Class I–IV) with mounting hardware
- Trailer wiring harness (4-, 5-, or 7-pin connector)
- Trailer brake controller (factory-installed or aftermarket)
- Transmission cooler and/or upgraded engine cooling for added towing capacity
- Suspension enhancements or reinforced springs to handle extra load
- Additional hardware such as ball mount, safety chains, and wiring protection
These components together enable towing within the vehicle’s rated limits. Always verify the vehicle’s towing capacity and trailer weight before towing.
Getting a towing package installed
There are several routes to add towing capability. Costs and timelines vary by vehicle and installer.
- OEM dealer-installed tow package: factory-designed components installed by a franchised dealer, typically aligned with your vehicle’s VIN and warranty.
- Aftermarket hitch system with wiring and brake controller: third-party hitch kits and wiring harnesses installed by a shop or certified technician, often at lower upfront cost.
- Vehicle-specific upgrades (coolers, upgraded suspensions) offered by installers: add-ons that can be bundled with a hitch or added separately for extra capability.
Whichever route you choose, ensure the installer is qualified, the parts are compatible with your exact model and year, and that your vehicle’s warranty and insurance considerations are understood.
OEM dealer-installed tow packages
OEM installations provide components designed to work seamlessly with your vehicle, preserving factory wiring integration and warranty coverage. The dealer can source parts tailored to your exact model and may offer financing options. Turnaround times vary by dealership workload and model, but many installations can be completed in a day or two.
Aftermarket towing solutions
Aftermarket options give greater flexibility and can be cheaper, but you should verify compatibility with your vehicle’s electrical system and frame. A certified installer should handle wiring, brake-controller installation, and load-rated hitch selection. Be aware that some aftermarket choices may affect warranty coverage if not installed correctly or if parts are not recommended by the manufacturer.
Costs and timelines
Here are typical cost ranges and installation timelines, depending on route and vehicle.
- OEM dealer-installed tow package: parts and installation commonly range from roughly $600 to $2,500, depending on model and included components.
- Aftermarket hitch, wiring, and brake controller (professional install): hitch kit $100–$400, wiring $50–$300, brake controller $50–$200, labor $100–$500; total often $300–$1,800.
- Additional upgrades (transmission cooler, upgraded radiator, suspension reinforcement): several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on equipment and labor.
Prices vary by region, vehicle, and installer, and installation time can range from a few hours to a full day.
What to check before you install
Compatibility and ratings
Review your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combined weight rating (GCWR), hitch class compatibility, and trailer requirements (including brakes for larger trailers). Confirm the towing setup won’t violate warranty terms or affect resale value.
Warranty and insurance considerations
OEM packages typically preserve warranty and are coordinated through the dealer. Aftermarket installs may be covered under the installer’s warranty, but check with your vehicle manufacturer about any implications for existing warranties or insurance coverage.
Summary
Yes—a towing package can usually be added to most vehicles, either through a factory-backed dealer installation or via reputable aftermarket options. The best choice depends on your vehicle, budget, and how you plan to tow. Compare OEM versus aftermarket for compatibility, warranty impact, and total cost, and use a qualified installer to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. Always verify towing limits and follow the owner's manual to tow responsibly.
Can you add a towing package after purchase?
Yes, you can add a tow package to a vehicle after purchase, but the cost and complexity depend on what parts you are adding. While adding a simple aftermarket hitch is common and relatively easy, a full factory-style tow package that includes a larger radiator, heavy-duty suspension, and integrated wiring can be expensive and require professional installation, as some components may need significant labor to install.
Aftermarket options
- Hitch: The most common and straightforward upgrade is to add an aftermarket tow hitch, which is available from many retailers.
- Wiring harness: You can also add an aftermarket wiring harness, though it may differ from the factory-installed version and might require more complex installation.
- Other accessories: Other accessories, such as a trailer brake controller or a transmission cooler, can be purchased and installed separately to increase towing capacity.
Full "tow package"
- What it includes: A full factory tow package often includes more than just a hitch, such as a larger radiator, upgraded suspension, and specific electrical components.
- Cost and complexity: Adding all these components after the fact can be expensive, potentially costing thousands of dollars in parts and labor, as it may involve significant modifications.
- Recommendation: If you plan to do significant or heavy towing, it is often more cost-effective and practical to trade in your vehicle for one that came with the tow package from the factory.
Things to consider
- Payload: Be mindful of your vehicle's payload rating, which is the maximum weight it can carry. Installing an aftermarket hitch will use up some of this capacity.
- Installation: Adding a simple hitch can be a DIY project for those with the right tools, but a full tow package will likely require professional installation.
- Towing needs: Assess your towing needs to determine if a simple aftermarket hitch is sufficient or if you truly need the heavy-duty components included in a full tow package.
What is the 80% rule for towing?
The 80% rule for towing is a safety guideline that recommends the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of a vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for unpredictable conditions and reduces stress on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, helping to ensure better handling and a longer lifespan for components.
How it works
- Calculate your vehicle's limit: Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.
- Calculate 80% of the limit: Multiply the maximum towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your safe towing limit. For example, if your vehicle can tow 10,00010 comma 00010,000 pounds, your limit is 8,0008 comma 0008,000 pounds.
- Account for all weight: Ensure the total weight of the fully loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers in both the vehicle and the trailer, stays below this 80% limit.
Why it's important
- Safety margin: It provides a buffer for real-world factors like hills, curves, and sudden stops.
- Vehicle longevity: It reduces strain on key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, which can extend their lifespan.
- Handling: Maintaining a margin helps ensure your vehicle can be steered and controlled effectively, even under load.
How much does it cost to put a tow package on a vehicle?
To get this extra capacity, a hitch needs to be bolted to your frame that allows a trailer to be connected to your vehicle. What does trailer hitch installation cost? There's a large range in price from around $250 to $1,300 or more. Naturally, it varies depending on the vehicle and the type and class of hitch.
How hard is it to install a tow package?
Installing a trailer hitch is a relatively easy automotive job. A typical tow hitch installation may involve some of the following steps: removing the spare tire, lowering the exhaust, removing existing vehicle hardware, lifting the hitch into position and torqueing the hitch hardware to the correct values.
