Installing Tow Package on a 3rd Gen

[jpeth1]

Hello,

I am an owner of a 97 limited, and as I bought it used I didn't have much control of the options available on it. I am now looking into buying a boat and I have no way to tow it. I wanted to see if anyone had experience installing a tow package on a 3rd Gen. Just wanted to see if this is something that I would be capable of doing on my own if I purchased the parts.

Thanks,

John

 

[khaug]

Hello,

I am an owner of a 97 limited, and as I bought it used I didn't have much control of the options available on it. I am now looking into buying a boat and I have no way to tow it. I wanted to see if anyone had experience installing a tow package on a 3rd Gen. Just wanted to see if this is something that I would be capable of doing on my own if I purchased the parts.

Thanks,

John

I owned a '98 LTD and was under the impression that there was no "tow package" available for 3rd gen 'Runners. Mine came with a class 3 hitch receiver and trailer light wiring with a flat 4 connector. Does your '97 not have this equipment?

I extensively towed a Porsche 911 on an aluminum trailer (total weight ~4,000#) for 5 years with the '98. I had no auxiliary tranny or oil cooler and never saw the need for one. I did add Air Lift bags in the rear to level the rig, but never did any other modifications.

You should be aware that the brakes on 3rd gen trucks are very marginal for towing, and I'd not tow anything over 1,000# that didn't have working trailer brakes. I twice totally faded the brakes on my '98 descending long steep grades, in spite of having dual-axle trailer brakes. Trust me, this is something you do not want to experience!!!

Toyota specifies a 5,000# maximum tow capacity for 3rd gen trucks, and recommends you tow with overdrive turned off. IMHO, this is excellent advice!

Good luck.

 

[jpeth1]

I must have mixed up my terms. I need to add the hitch and wiring harness, my 97 did not have either preinstalled. I just wanted to see if this is something that I would have to do myself without having to do any drilling. I am just going to be towing a small fishing boat, so I do not think the weight will affect my braking. But this is useful information for when I decide to ugrade my boat.

Thanks again,

John

 

[smccollamjr]

I just changed hitches on my '02. If you're even slightly mechanically inclined you can do it. The toughest part is fishing the bolts back through the frame.

 

[99t4rweos]

I just changed hitches on my '02. If you're even slightly mechanically inclined you can do it. The toughest part is fishing the bolts back through the frame.

I bought mine online thru Hitchmart , cost somewhere around $130.00 and it comes with a slick tool to fish the bolts thru the frame. I got a 5000lbs receiver, but I did have to drill 2 additional 1/2" holes.
As far as the wiring is concerned ,you will need a converter for the stop/ turn lights.