2nd gen Tacoma towing package

Alright so I’ve got a 2009 Toyota Tacoma it’s the 4.0 6cylinder double cab. So I don’t have the towing package as I didn’t know it was a thing when I bought the truck simply because I didn’t think I would need to be towing anything. Anyway now I have a second project car I’m gonna be hauling around I was wondering if there is some way to install the factory towing package that came with the Tacoma’s. *to clarify the towing package that increases your towing capacity from 3,500lbs to 6,500lbs* Where or who would I go to to get that installed and has anyone tried installing it after buying their truck? Anything helps thanks

 

From what I understand the OE tow package includes a 130 amp alternator, heavy duty battery, transmission cooler, oil cooler and a class iv hitch with a seven pin connector. At least this is what I have on my 07 Prerunner, automatic 5 speed, V6-4.0.

Wanting a little more cooling capability I ditched the OE trans cooler and went with the Tru-Cool LPD 4454 and when I do tow, I only tow in 4th.

IMO-seems like if you got the hitch,wired your truck for trailer lights which is usually a 4 pin, plumb in a trans cooler and tow in 4th gear you'd be OK. I'm guessing you do not have an oil cooler so again IMO, changing your oil more often could be the trick there.

Your next query will need to be on beefing up the rear suspension when hauling that project car. Aftermarket leaf springs, AAL, air bags, SumoSprings, Timbrin or Roadmaster Active Suspension System (RAS) are some of the options. All it takes is $$, some a little more than others.

Etrailer.com is a good starting point to answer some of your questions.

Hope this helps.

 

Welcome to TW
My 2008 SR5 did not have a tow package as well . I lifted about 3” all around with Bilstein 6112s in front . HD Dakar leafs in rear with Bilstein 5125 shocks and Timbren SES bump stops .33” tires .7 pin connector,27F battery . Added a transmission cooler ,obviously a class III hitch and brake controller. I pull a camper and gear weighing in around 4000 pounds 5-6 times a year no problem. Towing in 4 only ,automatic transmission with a weight distribution hitch .
Legally I don’t think that sticker in your door jamb can be upgraded to increase towing capacity.

 

Towing package includes:

27F battery (non Tow Package has 24F)
130 Amp Alternator
Engine Oil Cooler
Auxiliary Transmission Cooler (A/T only)
Class IV Receiver Hitch
7 Pin Trailer Connector with Trailer Brake Control Harness in Cab (Brake controller not included)
2012 and up models added Trailer Sway Control Programming in the VSC System


You can add most everything easily but it won't change the legal tow rating of your truck, if you get into an accident and you are over the tow rating of your truck you could be liable.

 

Yes this helps a lot thank you

 

I dont have the tow package either, but I've towed up to 7k pounds, (allegedly)


Adding a hitch plus all the other goodies doesnt change your legal tow rating incase you care about that part, if not happy hauling

 

That’s great so is that your whole towing setup? And it’s nice to see how helpful everyone on Tacoma world is in 2 hours I’ve gotten 3 equally helpful replies so thanks man!

 

Ill keep that in mind but also wouldn’t mind being able to tow more thanks

 

I’m not too worried about being able to change the tow rating just but to be clear there is no way to prove that your truck is capable of towing more?

 

That’s it . Only thing missing would be engine oil cooler and HD alternator I think .

Your welcome ​

 

Oh …. I do have a new frame from Toyota and I had them replace all body and sway bar bushings with Energy Suspension poly bushings .

 

How much weight do you anticipate towing? How often, how far, and where? Do you also need to haul any weight in the trucks cab or bed in addition to the trailer?

On paper you can tow up to 6500 lbs with a Tacoma if properly equipped. But that is calculated at sea level, on level ground and assumes only a 150 lb driver in the tow vehicle with no other passengers or cargo in the truck.

For the occasional tow, for short distances, in the right conditions I'd pull 6500 lbs or maybe more. I pulled 8000 lbs once, but for only 5-6 miles at very slow speeds on level ground. In the real world your Tacoma, and you, are going to be happier with 4000-5000 lbs max. And even then it isn't something you want to do on a regular basis. Especially if towing above 5000' elevation or on steep grades.

Before you start throwing money at your current truck you need to take a realistic look at what you need to do. If you need to tow 6500 lbs you really need to move up to at least a 1/2 ton. And even then you have to choose carefully for the same reasons. Roughly 50% of the 1/2 ton trucks on the road today won't handle a 6500 lb trailer. At 7000-8000 lbs you start pushing the limits of a 1/2 ton and it is time to start looking at 3/4 ton trucks. Especially if towing a lot.

Tacoma's and even 1/2 ton trucks are considered light duty trucks. Granted in recent years they have made them more powerful and the smaller trucks show some impressive numbers, at least on paper. But they aren't designed to do that on a consistent basis. For the guy who pulls a 4500 lb travel trailer a few hundred miles each year they are OK. But if you want to do it on a weekly basis and for thousands of miles a year you're going to wear the truck out soon. Once you get to 3/4 ton trucks everything is heavier duty and designed for every day commercial use.

 

@Walrus1024, I have the factory receiver that came off my truck if you're interested. I'm in Reno NV and have zero interest in shipping it though so you'll have to pick it up.

I'm looking to get $100 for it.

 

IDK you would probably have to check with your local DOT on that one.

 

In total it would be about 4,500lbs including the car and the trailer and the bed would be empty and I also always keep my cab empty as well. I keep maybe less than 30lbs worth of tools in the compartments so I’m not worried about that. Also I wouldn’t be towing often maybe a few times a year not nearly weekly not even monthly probably. As for the driving conditions it would be flat highway driving no elevation going about 70mph for less than 150miles each time I’m towing.

 

I think I’m gonna run by a dealership and see if I can get all the parts from them in one go and talk to them about upping the capacity on paper but if something changes I’ll let you know. Thanks