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Topic ClosedNewbie looking at purchase and vehicles

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Ricktoon View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Newbie looking at purchase and vehicles
    Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 3:05pm
You get an on dash brake adjustment and display shows how much braking you have set. I think there might either features but check with dealer. 7 pin connector and factory hitch included.
Rick and Ellen B
2019 Chevy Colorado
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 3:17pm
There is usually more to the tow package than just the brake controller and 7-way receptacle on the rear bumper. Often you will have towing (or extendable) mirrors, a heavier duty cooling system, and maybe, a shorter final drive ratio. Most of these vehicles intended for towing will already have the tow/haul switch.

Sometimes you will get heavy duty shocks and/or springs and maybe a better, more aggressive set of tires. On the higher end vehicles you will often see an enhanced camera system and possibly 'trailer memories'. On the really high-end vehicles I have seen a sort of automated 'semi hands-free' trailer backing system. 

It all depends on the specs of the particular vehicle and the manufacturers options.


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 3:24pm
A higher capacity alternator is also a common upgrade in a tow package. It all depends on the manufacturer. My Highlander’s tow package included a high capacity radiator, extra cooling fan, oil cooler, and higher output alternator. But not a 7 way connector, brake controller, or receiver.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 4:01pm
2016 Chevy Colorado, non-4WD, Z71 the towing package consisted of - trans cooler - differential change - towing mode in tranny - hitch - wiring. 4 and 7 pin.  I had to add brake controller.  In my 2014 Silverado Z71, 4WD, all the above and it had an integrated brake controller.  If that helps.
Mike Carter
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 10:24am
+1

The factory tow package is generally far more than just the hitch. In our case (2015 F150), it included upgraded suspension, wiring for the 7-pin, transmission cooler. Ours did not come with the integrated brake controller, but it was wired for it. In retrospect, getting the brake controller from the factory would have been the preferred option.
bp
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2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 3:47pm
Ours included in the tow package all of what GlueGuy got plus the brake controller and a back-up system that you steer with a little knob instead of the steering wheel.  As it's turned out, I haven't used the back-up system much.  
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 7:57pm
Originally posted by lostagain

Ours included in the tow package all of what GlueGuy got plus the brake controller and a back-up system that you steer with a little knob instead of the steering wheel.  As it's turned out, I haven't used the back-up system much.  


LA, can you elaborate a little on your take on Ford’s backup system? Does not using it mean the backup system doesn’t work or did you just not need it because you’re already up to speed on backing? Do you think it would be more beneficial to a new trailer owner or become a crutch that would slow down their learning curve?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 11:09pm
I don't really mind backing up the trailer myself.  I have to back the trailer through a gate that is about 9'6" wide so it's a tight squeeze, and dodge a fire hydrant on the way to the gate.  I've used the back up system for that a few times, but the sharp turn from the street to the yard entry on up and over a rolled curb twists things enough that the back up target sometimes gets lost.  

The back up system uses a checkerboard target on the trailer tongue.  It works really well when the target stays in sight.  But when it looses the target usually due to an uneven surface combined with a sharp turn, it gets lost and you have to either pull forward until the target is relocated or just do it manually.  In as much as I am a devout Luddite, I'd just as soon do it myself the old fashioned way.

Here is a video of the back up system:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tby3A29osDg
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Fred & Maria Kearney
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 11:38pm
Our Tacoma with tow package did just fine with our 179 and does acceptably well with the 195 except in a strong head wind. You might experience the same thing in the Colorado, but you'll probably be more comfortable maxed out at 50 - 55 mph on an 80 mph freeway. Those GM seats are nice and probably don't suck up as far as the Toyota seats with trucks blowing by. Keep an eye on the weather and be ready to pull off the road for a day or so if need be. In the years we've been RVing across the west it only happened once but that was an unforgettable experience. IMHO your choice of tow vehicles is a good one as long as you get the factory tow package feature. Welcome to the party!
Greg n Deb 2020 195 HRE
'07 Tundra 5.7L., '17 Tacoma 3.5L. Both with tow packages
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Mar 2021 at 8:30am
Thanks LA. So the takeaway is the Ford backup feature might help new owners get started on more or less straight backing maneuvers but won’t be of much help backing around sharper turns. For me the latter would be the main benefit, backing with small directional changes doesn’t pose a problem. I tend to misjudge when to start and end a sharper 90 deg or so turn turn, maybe because I have a couple trailers with pretty different lengths. Guess I’m not buying a new tow vehicle with a fancy backup feature that I can’t afford anyway.
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