A few tow questions....

[wildbill23c]

The factory tow package is best, as it adds all of the high capacity cooling equipment, and the highest available tow capacity hitch. Also the 4 pin problem is easily solved as the stock tow package comes with both the 7 pin and the flat 4 pin connector all in 1 unit. Also you can build your own adapters. The 7 pin system is standard because most travel trailers use this type of plug.

As far as ride differences there aren't going to be any. The truck suspension doesn't change whether it has the tow package or not.

[wildbill23c]

Originally Posted by djb383

I believe the Sport Appearance Pkg deletes the Tow Pkg and don't think Tundra Grade includes the Tow Pkg as standard equipment but as an available option.

Actually the Tundra Grade model does include the tow package. I own the Tundra Grade model, and the reason I got the Tundra Grade Model is due to the fact that its the only model that offers the bench front seat. As far as accessories and options I feel that the Tundra Grade model is just as well equipped minus the rear electric window.

Also options differ from area to area. For example, in the northwest region the Tundras in this area automatically come with the cold kit, while in Florida they do not have the cold kits.

[Codiac]

Everybody has their opinion. In my neck of the woods most people actually use their trucks for what they were designed for, not saying that you or anyone else on here doesn't. You can tell if it was taken care of properly or if it wasn't. What you say makes sense on the surface however...if I am a buyer and I am looking for a truck to tow with, I will look for one that has everything installed already, preferrably factory equipment. I don't want to spend another $1,000 or more to install new parts on a used truck.

Also..some factory options do add value. Just pull up NADA or Kelly Blue Book online. It asks if it has optional equipment and adds value accordingly. Granted..some add on's don't work like this but many do and a towing package is one of those, at least it is where I come from.

[Nukedog]

Originally Posted by wildbill23c

Actually the Tundra Grade model does include the tow package. I own the Tundra Grade model, and the reason I got the Tundra Grade Model is due to the fact that its the only model that offers the bench front seat. As far as accessories and options I feel that the Tundra Grade model is just as well equipped minus the rear electric window.

Also options differ from area to area. For example, in the northwest region the Tundras in this area automatically come with the cold kit, while in Florida they do not have the cold kits.

Mine didn't. None of them on the lot did at the dealership i was at. I had them throw it in on the deal but they wouldn't provide the 7 pin harnes that runs the length of the truck so i have the Class IV hitch and a 4 pin conector that they installed at a later date after they ordered it...

[TexBiker]

Must be a regional thing. None of the "Tundra Grade" models I've seen on the lots around here have the tow package. Every SR5 and Limited had the tow package. I've yet to see a "Sport Appearance Package" truck around here.

[wildbill23c]

Originally Posted by Nukedog

Mine didn't. None of them on the lot did at the dealership i was at. I had them throw it in on the deal but they wouldn't provide the 7 pin harnes that runs the length of the truck so i have the Class IV hitch and a 4 pin conector that they installed at a later date after they ordered it...

Its a regional thing. Depends on where you live, as to what options are standard on certain models. I live in the "Northwest" region so my truck came with the cold weather package, and tow package. Where for example if you live in like the south east region I highly doubt you would need the cold weather package, the only thing is I couldn't imagine having a truck without a tow package, I'd be lost every truck I've ever had at least had the tow hitch receiver and a wiring plug.

[Cubfan75]

I just bought a 2008 Tundra Grade Crew Max and it came with the tow package and a rear slide-down window. I'm thinking it all depends on when and where you buy it.

[GreenMeanCM]

I think the slide-down rear window is standard in all Crew Max's

[Smed]

I'm pretty sure the tow package was $350 extra on my SR5 CM.

[ramoine]

Originally Posted by GreenMeanCM

I think the slide-down rear window is standard in all Crew Max's

Yep , you're right about that .

[notevenclose]

Yep, the tow package won't affect your ride.

The tow package is a factory/dealer installed:
reciever hitch
wiring harness with 7-pin and 4-pin wiring adapters
larger capacity blinker relay.

You could add the package yourself later if you wanted with a factory or aftermarket reciever hitch and wiring harness/relay. Just kindof a PITA.

[TexBiker]

Originally Posted by notevenclose

Yep, the tow package won't affect your ride.

The tow package is a factory/dealer installed:
reciever hitch
wiring harness with 7-pin and 4-pin wiring adapters
larger capacity blinker relay.

You could add the package yourself later if you wanted with a factory or aftermarket reciever hitch and wiring harness/relay. Just kindof a PITA.

Don't forget the "TOW/HAUL" mode and auxilliary transmission cooler. Those are included with the tow package, as well.

The tow package was a "no-cost" option on both our SR5 Tundras.

[sunruner19]

I traded my 07 Tacoma for an 08 Tundra with the 10k towing package which included everything but towing mirrors. I added the mirrors after this photo was taken. Cost was $271 ea. from Toyota. The trailer is rated at 9000#. With my corvette loaded on it, I have absolutely no problem towing. I installed the prodigy brake system purchased from Toyota, so it was basically plug n play. The prodigy fit right into the center dash opening below the heater controls.

[Mercury]

If ya have alot of mods, just sell it to a young lad. He wont think too much about what it has done in the past, just what its gonna do in the future.

[gwseabold2]

I think having a truck without the tow package would be scarier for resale, because the tranny cooler and the other things make it easier on the truck when you tow. IF you have a hitch you are going to tow something eventually with it. If you don't tow with it you should by a Sequoia.

About the cold pack:
I bought my DC in March of '07. The salesman was boasting about my truck having a cold pack and I laughed at him, because it sure doesn't get cold enough in Charlotte, NC area to justify it. I told him he could take the cost of it off the price or I will just order one without it, instead of taking the one of the lot. He told me they are putting them in all of the Tundras where they get their trucks from, but he ended up taking the cost off the bill.