[stevechumo]

I can't find the towing section on this forum so I just post it up here, sorry guys. My truck is a 2004 Double Cab 4WD without the TRD package or towing package. As I read in the manual, it says if the truck has a towing package (checked by the fan neck color of blue), then it can tow 6000 lbs. But if it doesn't have a towing package (checked by the fan neck color of orange), then it can tow 3500 lbs.

This confused me a lot. I read on the auto consumer book or MSN Auto that the 4WD can only tow 5000 lbs with a hitch (class III), not by the bumper, and the 2WD can only tow 3500 lbs with a hitch. So does the factory manual mean "Towing Package" is just a hitch system or there're more to it? If it's just a hitch system, then can I safely tow 6000 lbs with an aftermarket class III hitch?

Any info. is greatly appreciated.

 

[rossk35]

3500 off bumper 5000 with a hitch. towing package is a hitch

 

[BMac]

I also believe the towing package includes a tranny cooler for the automatics

 

[eLN_No]

I also believe the towing package includes a tranny cooler for the automatics

yeah I thought thats how it was, also remember about how your will be braking with 6000 lbs.

 

[MountainBiker]

First thing, ignore MSN Auto and other other sites other than Toyota.

2nd thing, tow package to achieve 6000 lb rating is more than just hitch, but it is not clear what "more" is. At the very least, Toyota puts a paint mark on the fan clutch.
http://www.customtacos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72972