What is included in a trailer tow package?
A trailer tow package is a set of features and components that are designed to enable a vehicle to safely and effectively tow a trailer. This package typically includes a variety of specialized equipment and systems that work together to enhance the vehicle's towing capabilities.
Key Components of a Trailer Tow Package
The main components that are typically included in a trailer tow package are:
- Trailer Hitch: A sturdy, reinforced hitch that is designed to securely connect the vehicle to the trailer. This may include a receiver-style hitch or a fifth-wheel hitch, depending on the type of trailer being towed.
- Wiring Harness: An electrical wiring system that connects the vehicle's lighting and electrical systems to the trailer, allowing the trailer's lights and brakes to function properly.
- Cooling System Upgrades: Enhancements to the vehicle's cooling system, such as a larger radiator or an additional transmission cooler, to handle the increased load and heat generated by towing a trailer.
- Suspension Upgrades: Modifications to the vehicle's suspension, such as heavier-duty springs or shock absorbers, to provide better stability and control when towing a trailer.
- Transmission Upgrades: Enhancements to the vehicle's transmission, such as a more robust transmission fluid cooler or a higher-capacity transmission, to handle the increased load and stress of towing a trailer.
- Braking System Upgrades: Improvements to the vehicle's braking system, such as larger brake pads or discs, to provide better stopping power and control when towing a trailer.
These components work together to ensure that the vehicle can safely and effectively tow a trailer, while also providing the necessary stability, control, and power to handle the additional load and stress.
Benefits of a Trailer Tow Package
The primary benefits of a trailer tow package include:
- Improved Towing Capacity: The specialized components in the package allow the vehicle to tow heavier and larger trailers, increasing its overall towing capacity.
- Enhanced Stability and Control: The suspension and braking upgrades provide better stability and control when towing a trailer, making the vehicle easier to handle and maneuver.
- Increased Safety: The wiring harness and other safety features help ensure that the trailer's lights and brakes are properly integrated with the vehicle, improving overall safety when towing.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: The cooling system and transmission upgrades help prevent excessive wear and tear on the vehicle's components when towing a trailer, extending the vehicle's lifespan.
Overall, a trailer tow package is an essential feature for any vehicle that is regularly used to tow a trailer, as it provides the necessary equipment and enhancements to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient towing.
What comes with a trailer tow package?
A tow package is the upgraded features needed for your tow vehicle to pull a trailer reliably and safely. It's not just the hitch alone. They can include supporting engine parts, improved cooling systems, strengthened suspension and more!
What is usually included in a towing package?
Basic Tow Package: Often found on smaller vehicles or crossovers, this might include a hitch, wiring for trailer lights, and minimal engine or cooling system upgrades.
When should I use my tow package?
Push it any time you need more pulling, stopping or steering power to compensate for a heavy trailer or load.
How much does it cost to have a tow package installed?
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Trailer Hitch?
| Trailer Hitch | Hitch Cost | Total Installation Cost Including Hitch Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Receiver Hitch | $100-$550 | $400-$1,230 |
| Gooseneck Hitch | $380-$600 | $680-$1,280 |
| 5th Wheel Hitch | $800-$1,500 | $1,100-$2,180 |
Can I tow without a tow package?
Not For Everyone
Not all trailer towing activities will require all these upgrades and designed-in capabilities. For example, imagine buying a BMW X5 to tow jet skis on a lightweight trailer. That whole GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) might tip the scales at perhaps 2,000 pounds or so.
How can I tell if my truck has a tow package?
If you look behind the front grille, there should be another smaller radiator off to one side. If you have that, you have the tow package. It should be black and roughly envelope-sized.
How do I tell if my truck can tow a trailer?
The tow rating or towing capacity refers to the maximum weight you can pull with a given vehicle. This rating, easily found within your vehicle's owner's manual, not only represents the weight of the trailer itself, but the weight of any cargo loaded within it.
Is a tow package the same as a trailering package?
The Chevrolet Tow Package, known as the Trailering Package, provides everything you need for towing.
What is the average towing fee?
The national average cost of a tow is around $109, but rates may vary, and you should expect to pay between $2.50 and $7 per mile. Various elements affect this cost, and there are different methods for cost calculation.
Is factory tow package better than aftermarket?
Aftermarket Tow Package
Some aftermarket tow hitches are better and stronger than factory-installed ones, which makes them a good option for towing extremely heavy loads. Also, an aftermarket tow package tends to be more basic than a factory tow package.
