Trucks without OEM towing package

Kinetic · Sep 16, 2019

Has anyone had a hitch and brake controller installed from the dealership when your truck didn't have them from the factory? My truck has every option except the towing stuff.

Are their any issues I should be aware of, or is it just have them installed and I'm good to go just like as if they came on the truck already?

BTW it's for my '18 on 22" factory wheels

csuder99 · Sep 16, 2019

I'm guessing your truck is a Sport ? With the 22" wheels you may have reduced payload, check the sticker in the door. Also have a look at the build sheet if it lists engine and/or transmission oil coolers under optional equipment. These typically come with a towing equipped vehicle but might not be present in your truck.

bm02tj · Sep 16, 2019

\just get the wiring harness to plug in under dash as it is already wired to the trailer plug
hitch is easy to install

RockyAEV · Sep 16, 2019

Like the others have said, check your towing capabilities on the door sticker (and if you have changed anything...suspension etc) but there are people that sell the “kits” to add the brake, aux switches etc. I got everything my truck didn’t come with from

https://www.4thgenramelectronics.com

Check it out...instructions are clear, price is competitive I am very happy.

2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman
6.7L, G56

Toddbigboytruck · Sep 16, 2019

I did add the brake controller after I bought the truck how ever my truck had the hitch and plugs all it didn’t have was the controller mine had the wiring harnesses too so it was a simple install.

You could check your dealer they could tell you have the harness in the dash.

Kinetic · Sep 16, 2019

Well I don't see any type of oil cooler listed on the window sticker, how serious would that affect my towing anything?

I also have 3.21 rear axl ratio, not sure if that matters or not.

According to my research my truck has the harness for the brake controller, so not worried about that, but I am worried if all I'll need to do is just add a hitch receiver (class IV) and not have anything else to do?

I'll look at my door sticker and see what it says tomorrow.

The most I'll ever tow is an open trailer with a car.

RockyAEV · Sep 16, 2019

I made a spreadsheet for a YouTube channel all you will have to do is get your numbers and plug it in to the spreadsheet....that will tell you if your legal as far as numbers.

As far as the truck unless there is something I don’t know it should be “prepped” for towing meaning you may have to add the tow hitch or brake controller but all the wiring should be there....hope this helps.

https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/To...d8MS6rMaZ...yP7B10eYTr

2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman
6.7L, G56

dhay13 · Sep 16, 2019

Trans cooler is very important unless you are towing very light loads (like < 1500lbs). Engine oil cooler too. These can be added pretty easily.

Kinetic · Sep 16, 2019

Just to confirm, all equipped Ram 1500's come with class IV receivers, correct?

csuder99 · Sep 16, 2019

Kinetic said:
Well I don't see any type of oil cooler listed on the window sticker, how serious would that affect my towing anything?

Go here https://fcacommunity.force.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing and type in your vin to get some more detailed information than the window sticker.

It might be different for newer models but I recently added a brake controller to my 'beater with a heater' which is a 2001 2500 V8 and while it had the brake controller connector under the dash it did not have the wiring all the way to the back. There's a connector below the driver side A-pillar and it literally had the wire for the trailer brakes and power on one side but not the other. The truck was a work truck owned by a municipality and did not come with the trailer tow setup from the factory. They added the hitch with 3 trailer connectors (4 pin, 7 pin RV and 7 pin heavy duty/agricultural) but only the lights were wired. Doh !

dhay13 · Sep 16, 2019

My 2007 and 2013 had the connector. Just had to wire it to the aftermarket brake controller and plug it in under the dash. All lights and trailer brakes worked.

GsRAM · Sep 18, 2019

My 1997 ram 2500 had the connector under the dash for the electric brake control, as did a 99 super duty I had.

Your truck should have one also....a car with trailer may be in the 5-6k range so you'll also need a wdh and a transmission cooler...as stated prior...

68PowerWagon · Sep 18, 2019

I added a hitch & trailer wiring harness to our 2014 Durango. One thing I didn't take into consideration is I still had to take it to the dealership to have them update the computer to recognize the added wiring. Cost me like $150 for about 2 minutes worth of work! :****:

50BMG · Sep 23, 2019

The Prodigy controller by Tekonsha is a great controller. They sell a harness with it which is vehicle specific that makes it literally plug and play (there may be a ground wire to attach to a screw under the dash, but that's about it).

rsdata · Sep 23, 2019

If you are pulling hills/mountains and/or in hot weather/climate then definately get a tranny cooler... if only towing to the drag strip 50-100 miles on flat ground, then you can skip it, but change your tranny fluid... I added the pan above to my 8 spd to facilitate changing oil

gears49 · Sep 29, 2019

If you add the factory brake controller, you must reprogram the computer to accept it. I had that done on my 2017 and it ran about $500 at the dealership. As far as I can tell, the only difference with the factory tow options, are mirrors and the factory controller. The factory does not add bigger coolers for the engine and trans oil. I tow a TT that grosses at 7500 GVW. I simply keep an eye on the oil temperatures and tow accordingly. I have over 12,000 miles with this camper behind my 2017.

crash68 · Sep 29, 2019

Kinetic said:
Well I don't see any type of oil cooler listed on the window sticker, how serious would that affect my towing anything?

If you have the 8spd transmission (has shift knob on dash), then you have both a transmission cooler and heater. The heater is on the side of the transmission, the cooler is the top couple of rows of what is also the AC condenser. As long as the trans temp doesn't exceed the coolant temp it's fine. Chances are unless your towing heavy the transmission won't exceed 200°

Elkman · Sep 29, 2019

What is great about the Toyota Tundra pickups is that they ALL come with a complete tow package including a trailer brake controller with controls on the dash.
Reminds me of all the years that the US car and truck manufacturers would have a radiator frame that held single thin core and if you got the "tow" option they added a second core.

Kinetic · Sep 29, 2019

crash68 said:
If you have the 8spd transmission (has shift knob on dash), then you have both a transmission cooler and heater. The heater is on the side of the transmission, the cooler is the top couple of rows of what is also the AC condenser. As long as the trans temp doesn't exceed the coolant temp it's fine. Chances are unless your towing heavy the transmission won't exceed 200°

I do have the 8spd, but the window sticker didn't list any type of cooler, so is that normal then and I actually do have them?

prp9391 · Sep 30, 2019

I just bought the 2019 Laramie Longhorn and it did not come with the Auto Self-leveling feature. Does anyone know if the Dealer will install after market or how to get the OEM Auto-Leveling kit added? Any idea on costs?

Just curious so when I call my local dealer and ask I would like to have a second opinion...

Thanks!

Trucks without OEM towing package

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