Tow Package verses trail hitch

[Saved]

Tow Package verses trailer hitch

I often see people claim they have tow packages when selling 1998 4 runners, but I see no difference in the set up from a trailer hitch. I know there is a big difference, but I am not sure what it is. Does anyone know for sure what is included in the tow package on a 1998 4 runner compared to just a trailer hitch? Thank you.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

It includes the trailer lights wiring and the hitch for sure. I don't think there is anything else. You can buy the light harness from Amazon for about $35.

 

[Saved]

Does anyone know for sure

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Tow package = fancy name for a trailer hitch. Don't think too hard about it.

The wiring comes as a given considering they can't sell you an installed hitch without lighting provisions.

 

[Saved]

Tow package = fancy name for a trailer hitch. Don't think too hard about it.

The wiring comes as a given considering they can't sell you an installed hitch without lighting provisions.

You are guessing. I am not trying to be smart about this but if I wanted to guess I can do that. I am asking if anyone knows for sure about the 1998. I know for sure that some models came with totally different packages. The package is different then just having the trailer hitch/W wiring. Here is one.

TOW PACKAGE [3] -- Includes tow hitch receiver, trailer brake controller prewire, 4.300 rear axle ratio (4.100 on 4.6L V8), TOW/HAUL mode switch, transmission fluid temperature gauge, supplemental transmission cooler, engine oil cooler, 7-pin connector and heavy-duty alternator and battery.

 

[JD914]

So, having read that, you must have the answer to your question. A tow package is everything you listed. A trailer hitch.... Is a trailer hitch.
The previous poster wasn't guessing. He was correct in saying that a tow package is a fancy way of saying "trailer hitch, along with everything you need to pull a trailer."

 

[Saved]

So, having read that, you must have the answer to your question. A tow package is everything you listed. A trailer hitch.... Is a trailer hitch.
The previous poster wasn't guessing. He was correct in saying that a tow package is a fancy way of saying "trailer hitch, along with everything you need to pull a trailer."

If I had the answer I would not have asked. That is the description for the 4th generation. I want to know what the tow package is for the third generation and the 1998 specifically.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Your first problem: Assuming.

What is that from? A Lexus GX460? We drive 10+ year old 4Runners, we don't have fancy brake controllers, 7 pin connectors, or any of that.

I will tell you now - the 3rd gen Toyota 4Runner only came factory with a tow hitch receiver and 4 flat pin lighting harness. If you want to go far into it, you can also include the ball and mount as part of your "package."

We don't have any other OEM alternator options. GM CS144 is a common upgrade, but is not factory. No trailer brake prewiring (4 flat only), no transmission temperature gauges (hence why people buy scangauges), no external transmission coolers (hence the existence of the B&M 70264 and 70268 transmission coolers). I have seen some engine oil coolers before on some supercharged 3.4L's, but those were not factory either.

So, Mr. "Saved," your 1998 4Runner has the same class 3 "tow package" as every other 3rd gen. You have a bolted together 2" receiver hitch like all 96-98 tow packages have. All 99-02 4Runners have a one piece welded tow hitch receiver with the same class 3 2" hole.

Anything else that may have been offered from different states regarding different options could have been dealer installed, but it was NOT factory.

 

[Saved]

Your first problem: Assuming.

What is that from? A Lexus GX460? We drive 10+ year old 4Runners, we don't have fancy brake controllers, 7 pin connectors, or any of that.

I will tell you now - the 3rd gen Toyota 4Runner only came factory with a tow hitch receiver and 4 flat pin lighting harness. If you want to go far into it, you can also include the ball and mount as part of your "package."

We don't have any other OEM alternator options. GM CS144 is a common upgrade, but is not factory. No trailer brake prewiring (4 flat only), no transmission temperature gauges (hence why people buy scangauges), no external transmission coolers (hence the existence of the B&M 70264 and 70268 transmission coolers). I have seen some engine oil coolers before on some supercharged 3.4L's, but those were not factory either.

So, Mr. "Saved," your 1998 4Runner has the same class 3 "tow package" as every other 3rd gen. You have a bolted together 2" receiver hitch like all 96-98 tow packages have. All 99-02 4Runners have a one piece welded tow hitch receiver with the same class 3 2" hole.

Anything else that may have been offered from different states regarding different options could have been dealer installed, but it was NOT factory.

Thank you.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Thank you.

Welcome.

 

[T4R2014]

I'm pretty sure all 3rd Gens that have hitches were either port or dealer installed. There are no special gear ratios or harnesses or whatever. I know that all 96-02 sold in the southeast got the 1 piece Reese hitch while the rest of the country got the 3 piece Toyota hitch from 96-98. Toyota changed that design in 1999 to a 1 piece