What Is a Tow Package? Best 5 Tips For Installing

Are you looking for a new vehicle and considering getting a tow package? Or, do you already have one but aren’t sure what it is or how it works? If so, then this blog post is for you! you will learn more about tow packages and how they can make your life easier.
CONTENTS
What is a Tow Package?
A tow package is a set of Original Equipment Manufacturer OEM towing parts designed to be added to an SUV or truck. It generally includes a tow bar/hitch, an extra radiator designed specifically to cool the transmission fluid, and wiring that allows the trailer to be connected to the lighting system of the SUV or truck.
The tow hitch itself is typically a receiver hitch or a simple ball, which can be bolted onto the frame of the vehicle. This is key for safely and securely towing heavy loads.
It’s important to ensure that the tow package is compatible with your vehicle and that you choose the right one for your needs. Professional installation is usually recommended in order to guarantee that everything is correctly wired and positioned.

Essential Components of a Tow Package
A tow package is an essential set of components that allow a vehicle to safely tow a trailer. It typically includes a hitch platform, engine and transmission cooling, trailer towing wiring harness, and a strong hitch receiver. The hitch receiver can accept tow ball mounts, pintle hooks, and other attachments.
The electrical connections and wiring provide the necessary trailer wiring, trailer lights, and brake lights. Factory tow packages come with all the necessary components already installed.
To install a tow package correctly, one must check the vehicle’s compatibility to ensure that it is able to handle the additional weight of the trailer. The right tow package should be chosen for the specific requirements of the vehicle and the trailer. It is important to correctly position the tow hitch and test all components of the tow package before using it.
Installing a tow package may require additional components such as additional cooling or radiator components, which can add to the cost of getting it installed.
Knowing whether or not your vehicle has a tow package installed can easily be determined by checking the manufacturer’s documentation or speaking with an auto technician.
The Tow Hitch
The tow hitch is at the core of a tow package. It can come in the form of either a ball or receiver hitch. The ball hitch is the most common type and is used to attach trailers to a vehicle. A receiver hitch, on the other hand, can accept tow ball mounts, pintle hooks, and other trailer attachments. Factory tow packages often include a strong tow hitch that is designed to handle the added weight of towing. It is important to ensure that the tow package you choose is compatible with your truck and that you have the correct parts for your application.
Hitch Receiver
The hitch receiver is an essential component of a tow package. It is a heavy-duty square tube that can accept tow ball mounts, pintle hooks, weight distribution hitches, and other receiver hitches. This receiver part can be connected to a tow vehicle to pull a trailer with a lunette eye.
The hitch receiver can also be used to attach a pintle hook, which allows for a larger range of motion than the typical bumper tow. Pintle hitches are corrosion-resistant and are used by both military and trucking companies.
Installing a tow package requires careful consideration and research to ensure the right type of components are chosen for your specific needs.
Electrical Connections And Wiring
When it comes to the essential components of a tow package, electrical connections, and wiring are essential. A trailer wiring harness is one of the most important towing parts and supplies power to the trailer lights and synchronizes them with the tow vehicle.
The 7-way plug connects your trailer and tow vehicle and provides the required lights, turn signals, brake power, battery hot lead, reverse lights, and a white ground wire.
Proper installation is key for a successful tow package, so make sure to test the tow package before going on any long trips.
Type Of Tow Packages
Factory Tow Package
If your vehicle comes with a tow package, typically it comes with all the necessary components for towing, such as a hitch platform, engine and transmission cooling, trailer towing wiring harness, and a strong tow hitch. The hitch receiver is designed to accept tow ball mounts, pintle hooks, and other accessories. Electrical connections and wiring are also included in the package to ensure that the trailer’s lights, brakes, and other functions are properly connected and working.
Properly installing a tow package requires checking vehicle compatibility, choosing the right tow package for your vehicle, and setting up the wiring harness correctly. It is important to test the tow package before hitting the road. The cost of adding a tow package depends on the type of vehicle and the parts needed. If you are unsure if you have a tow package installed on your vehicle, you can check with your local mechanic for more information.
Aftermarket Tow Package
An aftermarket tow package is an upgrade from the factory tow package. It consists of towing components from a third-party manufacturer, usually at a more affordable price than the factory options. The quality of these parts can vary, but for the most part, they are designed to match the hitch to the towing capacity of the vehicle. For example, if someone had a 2013 Ford F150 3.7 V6 with a towing capacity of 3100 lbs, they could purchase an aftermarket tow package that would give them all the necessary components for upgrading their tow capacity. An aftermarket tow package is a valuable investment, as it will allow you to attach a trailer and bring more of your belongings with you when you go on trips or move.
Tips for Installing a Tow Package
Installing a tow package is relatively straightforward, but make sure that you have the right tools and materials before you get started. Make sure to check the vehicle compatibility of the tow package you plan on installing, as certain vehicles may require additional cooling or components such as additional radiators. Additionally, it’s essential to make sure that your hitch receiver and trailer wiring harness are correctly installed and working properly. It’s also important to test the tow package after installation to ensure that all components are functioning properly. Lastly, it’s important to note that the cost of adding a tow package will depend on the specific part and installation costs for your vehicle.
Check Vehicle Compatibility
Before installing a tow package, it is important to make sure the vehicle is compatible. To do this, you will need to understand the type of hitch, the weight capacity of the vehicle, and any other requirements for a successful installation. If a hitch is too large for your vehicle, for example, it could cause damage.
You should also check to see if any additional components are needed, such as an upgraded cooling system or additional radiator components. Additionally, you should verify that all of the required hardware and wiring harnesses are included in the tow package you choose.
Once you have determined that your vehicle is compatible with the tow package, you can move forward with the installation process.
Choose the Right Tow Package
Choosing the right tow package is essential for getting the best towing performance out of your SUV or truck. It’s important to consider the type of trailer you’re towing, as that will determine the best pickup truck hitch for your needs. You’ll need a custom receiver hitch for bumper pull trailers and a trailer hitch with a ball of the correct diameter that can safely tow the weight of your load. U-Haul professionals can install the best available hitch for your vehicle to maximize towing and carrying capabilities. To ensure a successful move, it is also important to check that your vehicle is compatible with your chosen tow package and correctly position the tow hitch. Once installed, it’s also important to test the tow package before taking it on the road.
Install Trailer Wiring Harness
Installing a trailer wiring harness is an important part of adding a tow package to your vehicle. There are three different options for doing this, including the Quick Connect wiring kit, which utilizes a plug-and-play harness for easy installation. You’ll also need to determine the right type of wiring harness for your vehicle and its trailer type. Once you’ve chosen the right wiring system, you’ll need to remove any existing vehicle hardware and lower the exhaust in order to install the harness properly. After installation, be sure to test the system in order to ensure that everything is connected correctly and functioning properly. With the right tow package and careful installation, you can safely tow trailers and other loads with your vehicle.
Correctly Position the Tow Hitch
Correctly positioning the tow hitch is essential for a secure and safe connection. The hitch should be positioned in line with the trailer and vehicle, making sure that the ball mount is level. It should also be positioned low enough to ensure that it does not interfere with the exhaust system or spare tire. Furthermore, it’s important to check that the pin and clip are secure so that there is no risk of the tow hitch coming loose while driving. Finally, make sure to double-check all connections before towing anything to make sure everything is secure and working properly.
Test the Tow Package
Once you have installed your tow package, it is important to test it before towing. You should shake, wiggle and tug on the tow hitch and check the brakes and turn signals to make sure that they are working properly. Additionally, you should double-check your work and ensure that the hitch is securely attached to your vehicle. Lastly, check the electrical connections and wiring to make sure that the trailer lights, brake lights, and other electrical components are functioning correctly. Doing this will ensure that your tow package is ready for towing and will help keep you safe on the road.
FAQ
What is the price of a Towing Package?
The cost of adding a tow package to your vehicle will depend on the hitch type you need and the make and model of your truck. For general ball-style applications, parts will range from $150-$450, and labor will range from $100-$250. For more complex installations, such as fifth-wheel trailer hitches, prices can range from $950 to $1,400. The average total cost to install a trailer hitch is about $250 to $850 price range depending on the type of hitch you need and the complexity of its installation. In addition, you may need to upgrade your truck this can include additional cooling or radiator components, which can also add to the total cost.
What are the ways to identify if a tow package is installed?
Checking the towing capacity of your truck can help you establish whether a tow package has been installed. This can be found in your owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. If your vehicle is capable of towing and has all the necessary components, you likely have a tow package installed. Look for an aftermarket hitch, trailer wiring harness, trailer brakes, and other components that are necessary for towing. If you’re still not sure, have a professional inspect your vehicle to confirm if it has a tow package installed.
Is it possible to install a tow package if you currently don’t have one?
For those without a tow package, it may be possible to install one yourself if you have the necessary skill, equipment, and tools. The suspension and brakes of your truck may require upgrading based on your requirements. You may also need to install additional cooling components such as heavier springs or an additional radiator, as both automatic and manual transmissions will require additional cooling when towing a trailer.
Additionally, you will need a tow hitch installed, which can be done through DIY trailer hitch installation. The tow package should include all the necessary components such as a weight-carrying hitch with a 50 mm ball coupling that can support an accessory carrier and trailer wiring harness. If you plan to tow a boat, trailer, or camper, you must ensure that you select the right tow package with the appropriate strength of tow hitch. After installation is complete, it is important to test the tow package before use.