STD or HD Towing Package?

[Bill]

I was actually referring to the 7-pin connector and brake controller in your initial post. However, unless you plan to stay entirely in the flatlands, extra cooling WILL make a difference, and you should buy it.

I always recommend that TM owners buy a device such as a ScanGauge or AeroForce gauge (there are others) that plugs into the OBD-2 port on your car, and reads out any number of parameters - including transmission temp and engine temp - in real time. At around $150-$200, they are not cheap - until you compare them to the cost of a new engine or transmission.

Bill

[Larryjb]

What Bill said, and you'd be surprised how hot things can get hauling even a TM up along 7% grade at 95 F

[Larryjb]

Originally Posted by BradS7535

I'm a bit confused by your statement that the trans cooler appears to be optional on the HD? I'm not sure why sometimes they use an (X) and sometimes they use (Std.) in that column, but I'm assuming that the HD package includes pretty much everything in that column (except the 4-pin only). I guess the cooling capabilities is part of my question here. Is extra cooling overall better? Sure. If I'm not towing anywhere near the max tow rating, am I getting that much benefit from the extra cooling? That's what I was hoping to get some more info on.



We took a look at the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and just didn't like them as much. The 3rd row of the Tahoe would only be suitable for a small child or double leg amputee. We are looking for a car that can take a bunch of people too. The Suburban's 3rd row was more usable, but the Expedition had more legroom back there. And as far as towing, I believe the Expedition has a higher tow capacity.

I hear you about the 3rd row. We would not likely have the 3rd row seats installed on trips because we need the cargo room. I do like how the Tahoe back is flat without hidden caves where the seats fold into. We have that on the Explorer, which is a great car for my wife. Ironically, my kids prefer the third row of the Tahoe over the 3rd row of the Explorer, but the Expedition is much different. I almost got one instead of the Tahoe, but no one had anything even close to decently taken care of, so I have the Tahoe.

I actually couldn't figure out what the "X" meant. Maybe it means those are included with the heavy duty towing package depending on the sub-model ordered? Anyway, I found this which may help:
https://cdn.dealereprocess.net/cdn/b...peditionel.pdf

It seems as if all the X's are included in the heavy duty towing package.

[Larryjb]

I'd be getting the extra cooling. My Tahoe, which is rated to tow things twice as heavy as the TM, really heated up going up the Coquihalla. So, part of your answer will depend on where you plan to tow your trailer. I wouldn't want to tow the TM up through a mountain pass on a hot day without extra cooling capabilities.

[tentcamper]

I have seen it before where the auto makers if they install a factory hitch has the rating of the vehicle. The same hitch with a tow package vehicle will have a different PN and higher rating. So if its a factory hitch and is rated at 6600 lbs, it does not have the HD package. I think they are just playing it safe so there is no excuse for towing to much.

You do need to read you user manual for the towing requirements. you might need a wdh to tow 6600 lbs?

[Brittany Dogs]

I often regard computers and tow vehicles with the same philosophy: too much power is almost enough.

[Padgett]

Looks like the HD package includes 4 and 7 pin connectors, trailer wiring, and an integrated controller (no idea if any good).