What does a Toyota tow package include?
Generally, a Toyota tow package adds a hitch receiver, trailer wiring (4- or 7-pin), and upgrades to cooling and handling to support towing, with additional items depending on model and year.
Tow package basics
Below is a snapshot of the core components most Toyota tow packages tend to cluster around. Exact contents can differ by model, trim, and year, so it’s important to verify for your specific vehicle.
- Trailer hitch receiver (the mount for a trailer hitch)
- Trailer wiring harness (4- or 7-pin connectors) for trailer lights and brakes
- Engine oil cooler
- Transmission cooler
- Upgraded cooling and cooling-related components (such as a larger radiator or additional cooling fans on some models)
- Suspension enhancements or reinforced springs/shocks on select models to improve stability and load handling
- Trailer brake controller (either integrated or a dealer-installed/aftermarket option on certain trims and years)
- Possible stability aids or brake-control compatibility features that aid towing (varies by model)
In short, these elements provide the basic hardware to connect a trailer and protect the engine and transmission under towing conditions, with some models offering more advanced braking and stability options.
Model-specific variations
Because Toyota’s lineup spans trucks, SUVs and crossovers, the exact contents of a tow package are not universal. Here’s how it often breaks down by vehicle type.
Tow packages on trucks and large SUVs (Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Sequoia)
For these larger vehicles, tow packages commonly bundle heavier-duty components designed to handle bigger trailers and longer hauls. Availability and exact makeup depend on the model year and trim level.
- Heavy-duty hitch receiver rated for higher tongue weight
- 4- and/or 7-pin trailer wiring harness
- Engine oil cooler and transmission cooler (often standard on higher-tow-rated configurations)
- Upgraded cooling system (enhanced radiator or auxiliary cooling components) on models built to tow substantial loads
- Reinforced suspension components to support trailer weight
- Integrated trailer brake controller or compatibility with dealer-installed brake controller
- Enhanced stability features to help manage sway and braking on long pulls
For buyers, this means checking the specific model year and trim to know exactly which of these elements are included or offered as options.
Tow packages on crossovers and smaller SUVs (RAV4, Highlander, Sienna, etc.)
Smaller Toyota SUVs and minivans tend to include the essentials for light-to-moderate towing, with advanced braking and cooling options more often tied to higher-tow-rated configurations or dealer-installed add-ons.
- Trailer hitch receiver and wiring harness (4- or 7-pin)
- Engine oil cooler and/or transmission cooler where the vehicle’s towing rating warrants it
- Potential for dealer-installed or optional electronic trailer brake controller on higher trims or specific years
- Occasional suspension or chassis reinforcement on models designed to tow heavier loads
- Wiring and electrical components sized for trailer charging and lights
Because these models span a broad range of payload and tow ratings, verify the exact contents for your vehicle’s year and trim level.
How to verify what’s included for your vehicle
To confirm the precise components on your SUV, pickup, or minivan, check the following sources. Each can help you avoid assumptions when planning a tow.
- Factory window sticker or official Toyota build sheet for your VIN
- Owner’s manual or the tow/trailering section of the manual
- Toyota’s official website or the model year’s brochure for tow-package details
- Dealership records or a vehicle order sheet from when the car was built
If you’re buying used, ask for the specific tow-package contents list and confirm compatibility with the trailer you intend to tow, including hitch class, electrical connections, and braking requirements.
Why the tow package matters for your towing needs
Choosing the right tow package matters because it aligns the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems with your trailer’s weight and braking requirements. The combination of a proper hitch, wiring, cooling improvements, and possible brake-control capability helps ensure safe, legal, and stable towing performance across the vehicle’s lifespan.
Summary
Toyota tow packages are vehicle-specific and year-specific. They typically include a hitch receiver and trailer wiring, plus cooling enhancements (engine and transmission), potential suspension upgrades, and sometimes a trailer brake controller. Exact contents vary by model and year, so verify the precise components for your vehicle with official documentation or your dealer before towing.
