What comes with the Toyota tow package?
The Tow Package from Toyota typically includes the essential hardware to tow a trailer, plus cooling upgrades for sustained towing. Exact contents depend on the model and year, but you can expect a combination of a hitch, wiring, and trailer-related electronics.
In detail, Toyota’s Tow Package is designed to make towing safer and more capable by provisioning the necessary towing hardware, electrical connections, and cooling systems. It is offered across multiple Toyota trucks and SUVs, but the specific components and availability vary by model year, trim, and drivetrain. Always verify the exact contents for your vehicle with a dealer or the window sticker for the specific year and trim.
What the Tow Package Typically Includes
The following components are commonly bundled in Toyota tow packages across several models. Availability and exact contents vary by model and year.
- Class IV hitch receiver for trailer attachment
- Wiring harness with a 4- or 7-pin electrical connector to power trailer lights and signals
- Wiring provisions for a trailer brake controller, and, in some trims, an integrated trailer brake controller
- Engine oil cooler to help manage engine temperatures when towing
- Transmission cooler to maintain transmission performance under load
- Upgraded or additional cooling components (such as a heavier-duty radiator or enhanced cooling package) to support extended towing
- Trailer Sway Control or compatibility with Vehicle Stability Control features to improve towing stability
- Electrical and accessory provisions that enable dealer-installed or factory-installed trailer braking and related electronics
Note that tow ratings, capacity, and the exact feature set vary by model year, trim, and drivetrain. Always confirm the precise package contents for your vehicle with a Toyota dealer or by reviewing the vehicle’s documentation.
Model-by-Model Variations
Below are general notes about how the Tow Package works on several popular Toyota models. Specific contents and capacities can differ by year and trim, so use this as a guide and verify for your exact vehicle.
Tacoma
For the Tacoma, the Tow Package commonly provides a Class IV hitch, a 7-pin wiring connector, and cooling upgrades (engine oil cooler and transmission cooler) along with wiring to support a trailer brake controller. The package is designed to maximize towing capability while maintaining drivetrain reliability, with actual capacity depending on engine and axle configuration.
4Runner
In the 4Runner, the Tow Package typically includes the hitch and electrical wiring, plus cooling enhancements to help when towing longer distances or heavier loads. Some years also include trailer brake controller readiness or integration, along with stability features to improve tow handling.
Tundra
The Tundra Tow Package is generally more robust, often including a sturdy hitch, full wiring for trailer connections, and cooling improvements for sustained towing. Higher trims may offer integrated brake controller wiring and stability features to assist with trailer handling.
Sequoia
Sequoia Tow Packages are designed for heavy-duty use, typically featuring a capable hitch, 7-pin wiring, and cooling upgrades. Depending on year and trim, they may also provide trailer brake controller wiring and trailer stability features to aid in towing operations.
Highlander
The Highlander Tow Package usually adds a Class IV hitch and a towing-compatible wiring harness, plus cooling enhancements. Availability of a brake controller and other electronic towing aids can vary by year and trim level.
Sienna
For the Sienna minivan, the Tow Package commonly includes a hitch, wiring harness, and towing-related electronics, with cooling upgrades to support heavier loads. The exact contents depend on the model year and drivetrain configuration.
Summary
Toyota’s Tow Package generally centers on three pillars: a sturdy hitch and electrical wiring to connect a trailer, trailer braking compatibility or wiring, and cooling enhancements for the engine and transmission to sustain towing. The precise components and capacities depend on the model, year, and trim, so buyers should confirm with a dealer or review the vehicle documentation to know exactly what is included on a given build. When in doubt, a dealer can clarify which towing features are factory-installed versus dealer-added for your specific Toyota model.
