Posted 2009-11-17 3:34 AM (#113263) Subject: Is a tow pkg installed?
Location: Del Mar, CA
Hi, I need to know how to tell if a truck has a tow package or not. I'm looking for used 1/2 ton with 5.3 to 5.7L engine, having the hitch and 7-pin plug doesn't mean it has the tow package. What all is considered part of the package as far as the radiator, brakes, cooler, etc? Info on the internet is conflicting or too generic, it will say "when properly equiped" - does that mean having a tow package, having a higher axle ratio, or adding weight dist hitch? I need to be able to look under the hood myself and know what to look for since owners and dealers aren't familiar with towing needs. Thank you for any help!!! Karla
Posted 2009-11-17 6:32 PM (#113307 - in reply to #113263) Subject: RE: Is a tow pkg installed?
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
What brand of truck & model year are you considering?
If it's a GM product look in the glove box. There is a label there with all the factory installed options. Then you'll have to look up the "RPO" codes for that year to see what the tow package code was.
Posted 2009-11-17 10:17 PM (#113319 - in reply to #113263) Subject: RE: Is a tow pkg installed?
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by AppyRider on 2009-11-17 3:34 AM
Hi, I need to know how to tell if a truck has a tow package or not. I'm looking for used 1/2 ton with 5.3 to 5.7L engine, having the hitch and 7-pin plug doesn't mean it has the tow package. What all is considered part of the package as far as the radiator, brakes, cooler, etc? Info on the internet is conflicting or too generic, it will say "when properly equiped" - does that mean having a tow package, having a higher axle ratio, or adding weight dist hitch? I need to be able to look under the hood myself and know what to look for since owners and dealers aren't familiar with towing needs. Thank you for any help!!! Karla
All really depends on the truck, most 1/2 tons I buy or sell have a reciever hitch and 7 way plug installed. But when I raise the hood and look, most have a really small transmission cooler or no extra cooler at all even though the window sticker states "tow package".
An actual "factory installed" tow package should include a quaility reciever hitch, 7 way trailer plug, transmission cooler (on automatic truck) some will include an external oil cooler. Also "most" 1/2 ton trucks with a tow package will have a LOWER geared rear axle. Like most 1/2 ton Chevys will have either 3.08 or 3.42 gears on standard trucks and the tow package option will have something like 3.73 gears.
Posted 2009-11-18 1:49 AM (#113322 - in reply to #113263) Subject: RE: Is a tow pkg installed?
Location: Del Mar, CA
Thanks for the input on glove box label, and I'll see if Dodge dealer does the same thing with VIN #. I'm leaning towards Dodge Ram 5.7 truck. Is the radiator double or larger with tow pkg? - I'm thinking that would be something I could ask someone in a phone call before I waste gas going to look at their truck. And an axle ratio of 4.10 is a "lower" gearing than 3.73 or 3.55 not a higher? good to know. Thank You !!
Posted 2009-11-18 6:33 AM (#113331 - in reply to #113263) Subject: RE: Is a tow pkg installed?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 316 Location: Illinois
If the vehicle manual is in the glove box it should have a page that explains the vin codes and you can match up the numbers and letters of whats on the truck and that will tell you exactly what it has.
Posted 2009-11-18 2:54 PM (#113366 - in reply to #113322) Subject: RE: Is a tow pkg installed?
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by AppyRider on 2009-11-18 1:49 AM
Thanks for the input on glove box label, and I'll see if Dodge dealer does the same thing with VIN #. I'm leaning towards Dodge Ram 5.7 truck. Is the radiator double or larger with tow pkg? - I'm thinking that would be something I could ask someone in a phone call before I waste gas going to look at their truck. And an axle ratio of 4.10 is a "lower" gearing than 3.73 or 3.55 not a higher? good to know. Thank You !!
That is correct, the higher number you go the lower the gear ratio is. Now days the radiator may not change with a tow package like they did say back in the mid to late 80's and 90's. Just take a 1994 Chevrolet 1/2 ton I just bought with a 350 engine and automatic transmission is just a base model package with small 2 core radiator and 3.42 gears, but I also have the same truck with a factory tow package and it has a 4 core radiator, trans cooler and 3.73 gears, much like the larger 3/4 tons trucks come with.
Is a tow pkg installed?
