V6 Towing

[Candu]

I just found and bought an '08 Urban Runner with V6. Have installed an after market trailer hitch and intend to pull a 1500 lb outboard. Do i need to have a "towing package" installed? Dealer rep is wishy-washy; first said no, then on second thought seemed to think yes..perhaps to make some $$. He wasnt clear on what the "towing package' would actually include, but if i understand it, it is transmission cooler system, brake package and rear end load balancer for heavy hitch loads....
Any opinions and experience?

 

[simple]

I just found and bought an '08 Urban Runner with V6. Have installed an after market trailer hitch and intend to pull a 1500 lb outboard. Do i need to have a "towing package" installed? Dealer rep is wishy-washy; first said no, then on second thought seemed to think yes..perhaps to make some $$. He wasnt clear on what the "towing package' would actually include, but if i understand it, it is transmission cooler system, brake package and rear end load balancer for heavy hitch loads....
Any opinions and experience?

I could be wrong, but the towing package I believe is the factory hitch. But I've never seen a 4runner without a hitch installed. But I see people install aftermarket ones all the time. Did yours have one?

 

[Uneek]

Simple is correct. The "tow package" is just the hitch and ball mount (ball is not included). Mine had the 7-pin trailer connector on the back as well and it also came with the pigtail harness for the trailer brake controller.

Starting with the 2006 model year, Toyota decided to charge $430 for the whimp weight carrying hitch that was standard on the 2003-05 V6 4Runners. I got my '06 without it and put in a HiddenHitch #70779. For an extra peace of mind, you can add an external transmission cooler.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/17358-transmission-cooler-install.html

 

[Candu]

thx guys. i'll go with it as is and take it easy on long drives. happended to be back at the dealer today and the service manager guy (the one who looks up all the parts then sends you elsewhere in the shop to get them) told me i'd be ok with what was on the Sport for up to 5000# (which is what the manual says). If the only additional piece is the transmission cooler and there is no consensus in these threads whether it's needed for relatively light loads, i'll see how we do without.
now just have to remember how to back up with a trailer----it's been may moons.
thx