# Where would I go to get an estimate on adding an aftermarket tow package? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** explorer, ford\ **Created:** [July 23, 2020, 3:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749 "2020-07-23T15:57:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cbsdkids](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@Cbsdkids](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cbsdkids)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 3:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/1 "2020-07-23T15:57:47Z")
I have a 2015 Explorer rated to tow 2000 lbs, if I had purchased same vehicle with factory package I could tow 5000. Can it be upgraded to tow more then 2000. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 4:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/2 "2020-07-23T16:09:13Z")
According to the 2015 Explorer brochure, “Class III Trailer Tow Package includes engine oil cooler and 7-/4-pin wiring harness” So in addition to a class III hitch and the wiring you’d need an engine oil cooler. Google ‘trailer hitch installation yourcity’, see what you find. ---
**Author:** ![Cbsdkids](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@Cbsdkids](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cbsdkids)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/3 "2020-07-23T16:39:06Z")
We have a Ford dealership hitch installed. ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/4 "2020-07-23T16:48:00Z")
Uhaul does hitches, a mechanic can do the engine oil cooler, though I wonder if they mean trans fluid cooler. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 5:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/5 "2020-07-23T17:07:13Z")
> [@Cbsdkids](#): > > We have a Ford dealership hitch installed. Class III? It should say on it somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 5:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/6 "2020-07-23T17:58:18Z")
More info- [https://www.etrailer.com/question-169825.html](https://www.etrailer.com/question-169825.html) ---
**Author:** ![Cbsdkids](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@Cbsdkids](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cbsdkids)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 3:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/7 "2020-07-23T15:54:27Z")
So where would one go to get an estimate on an aftermarket package. I have a 2015 Ford Explorer 3.5, V6 towing capacity 2000lbs. If I had purchased same vehicle with factory tow package I can tow 5000. ---
**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 7:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/8 "2020-07-23T19:49:13Z")
> [@Cbsdkids](#): > > So where would one go to get an estimate on an aftermarket package(?) I would go to three places. 1. I’d start with a Ford dealership to see if they can add the package, what it consists of, and how much it will cost. If the price is reasonable, you might let them do it and stop here, but if you plan to tow an RV or anything that has electric brakes, you’ll need someone else to install the electrical connection and the brake controller. If nothing else, the dealership can at least upgrade the alternator if that is part of the OEM tow package. 2. Then I’d go to a transmission shop and see about upgrading the transmission cooler (whether it is part of the OEM tow package or not). The more cooling capacity and fluid capacity you can add, the better it will be for your transmission. 3. Then I’d go to an RV or towing specialist and consider letting them install the hitch and the hitch wiring, but I would ask them not to use the clips that come with the wiring kit for connecting the wires to the car’s wiring; they’re too unreliable. I’d ask them to use the kinds of connectors found in this kit: ![39CA59_AS02](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/3/b/3b269a26b6095b27aa738e1e6991fba4327a695d.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 10:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/12 "2020-07-23T22:44:40Z")
Nobody splices anymore, that is old school. You buy a plug in harness like this: [https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Ford/Explorer/2015/C56172.html?VehicleID=201515198](https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Ford/Explorer/2015/C56172.html?VehicleID=201515198) ---
**Author:** ![ledhed75](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f6c823/32.png) [@ledhed75](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ledhed75)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 1:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/13 "2020-07-24T13:48:30Z")
Can you really tow 5000 lbs with a V6? I’d be a little skeptical. Is that even a good idea? Just asking. ---
**Author:** ![It\_s-Me](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/it_s-me/32/12660_2.png) [@It\_s-Me](https://community.cartalk.com/u/It_s-Me)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 2:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/14 "2020-07-24T14:01:11Z")
> [@ledhed75](#): > > Can you really tow 5000 lbs with a V6? I’d be a little skeptical. Properly equipped, yes The new Ford Ranger with it’s 2.3L 4cyl. can tow 7500 lbs ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 2:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/15 "2020-07-24T14:07:41Z")
And the F150 with the 3.5 L V6 can tow up to 13,200 pounds, properly equipped, according to this: > **[The Ultimate Ford F-150 Towing Capacity Guide (2020, 2019, & 2018)](https://www.imlaycityfordsales.com/research-ford-f150-towing.html)** > > The Ford F-150 has become known as the "king of towing" among pickup trucks. So what exactly makes the Ford F-150 towing capabilities exceed its competitors? Find out here! ---
**Author:** ![ledhed75](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f6c823/32.png) [@ledhed75](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ledhed75)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 2:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/16 "2020-07-24T14:11:03Z")
Fair enough. I stand updated/corrected. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 2:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/17 "2020-07-24T14:24:28Z")
> [@ledhed75](#): > > Can you really tow 5000 lbs with a V6? I’d be a little skeptical. My 1990 and 1998 Pathfinder with the V6 was rated Class-II (3500lbs). The automatic version is rated a Class-III (5000lbs). ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 2:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/18 "2020-07-24T14:53:21Z")
> [@Barkydog](#): > > Uhaul does hitches, a mechanic can do the engine oil cooler, though I wonder if they mean trans fluid cooler. I’d be extremely careful about those shops splicing in an external cooler In my experience, many guys do not flare the lines correctly . . . or at all . . . which leads to trouble down the road, when you least need it Or they’ll make a clean cut, NOT flare the lines, double clamp it and pat themselves on the back I’d be okay with an aftermarket hitch and plug-and-play harness But I’d not be okay with an aftermarket cooler spliced in . . . and probably badly, at that I’d pony up for the upgraded factory tow package cooling system, as far as lines and cooler(s) go As far as bigger factory alternator goes, I wonder if the pcm needs to “be told” that the vehicle now has a larger alternator . . . ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 2:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/19 "2020-07-24T14:59:02Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > I’d be extremely careful about those shops splicing in an external cooler I had mine done at a transmission shop. They knew what they were doing. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 3:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/20 "2020-07-24T15:00:15Z")
I’d trust a decent transmission shop over U-haul, that’s for sure No offense, but did you watch them splice the lines? ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 3:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/21 "2020-07-24T15:02:57Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > No offense, but did you watch them splice the lines? No…but I trust these guys. Pretty much all the dealers in the area send their transmission work to them. They have the expertise that most dealers don’t have. I had the cooler installed back in 2014. No leaks of other issues yet. ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/22 "2020-07-24T15:42:24Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > I’d trust a decent transmission shop over U-haul, I did not recommend having uhaul do the coolers ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 4:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749/23 "2020-07-24T16:05:45Z")
But you DID mention uhaul . . . [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-would-i-go-to-get-an-estimate-on-adding-an-aftermarket-tow-package/167749.md?page=2)