My 2003 Tundra (V8 engine) owner’s manual lists a towing capacity of 5500 pounds or 7400 pounds with the towing package. The truck has a 2" receiver, but how can I tell if it actually has the package or just the hitch?
Thx … Ed
I would guess the battery would be a little heavier duty, you should have the socket next to the hitch which accepts the wire plug for the tail lights and turn signals, and perhaps there would be a trans cooler of some kind. I’m assuming you bought this used? Make sure the tow hitch doesn’t have an aftermarket sticker on it somewhere.
I think that the easiest way would be to give your VIN to one of the guys at the Toyota parts counter.
By entering the VIN into his computer system, he should be able to tell you about all of the factory-installed equipment on your truck.
I bought the truck new, but at the time I had them put a trailer hitch on it. It does have the 4-pin electrical connection, but I strongly suspect that they just installed the hitch and connector. I was wondering what else it may take. Thanks for the input.
Towing package should have an oil cooler and/or transmission cooler. Look in front of the radiator to see if there’s another smaller radiator with lines running to/from the transmission.
Thanks. I did manage to find the Due Bill with my papers, and it shows a receiver hitch with harness. I guess that’s all I got.
My purpose for asking is that my wife wants to buy a larger camper. I’ll just tell her we have to keep it under 5000 pounds.
If you had them put the hitch on then most likely it does not have the towing package. Usually its heavy duty cooling, trans cooler, heavy duty electrical with a heavier alternator, and the hitch and wiring. You can check the build sheet that list all options and parts used on the car to see if its on there but I doubt it.
@VDCdriver is right. A trip to the local Toyota dealer and an inspection by a technician should tell you too. We are just giving opinions and unless someone can give you specifics on exactly how ad dons differ from standard equipment, we are all just guessing. Unless you get the information from the correct sources, DONOT assume it does and keep tow weights less the standard recommended.
Well, we bought an RV today that’s about 4500 pounds empty. Unless she manages to put 1000 pounds of stuff in there, we should be OK even without the package.
I will drop it by the Toyota dealer and get an opinion, but I seriously doubt it’s got more than just a hitch and plug.
Thanks for the helpful input.
Towing packages sometimes even have different gear ratio in the rear differential to help with towing.
1000 lbs sounds like a lot until you add up water, propane, food and drinks and camping stuff…
Be careful, it is not difficult to add an extra 500 pounds. Just a case of water can be 30 plus pounds on its own.
I think all you got was a hitch, so the towing package was not included. Most of the time it includes a transmission fluid cooler, possibly an upgraded coolong system, different trans options and suspension. I would base your towing capacity to the limits without the towing package.
Remember, you have a truck rating of 5500 lbs 11 years ago and who knows how many miles It is not the same truck. We get this often and towing without regard to the total weight load, especially on an older truck is not the same. IMHO, even at supposedly 1000 lbs less, you are over loaded. 1000 lbs may seem like a lot but as far as adding water and other items to both the trailer and the track bed and cab, your performance will be marginal These older Tundras are more like the Tacoma of today as far as size is concerned. I feel you need a real Tundra of later vintage. Just my opinion.
We’ll be careful about weight. We’re trading a small camper in and carried all the stuff from it in four boxes into the garage. It’s probably less than 150 pounds of stuff.