Just bought a 1999 4WD 1500 Ramthat I presume does not have a "towing package". Previous owner (house builder) had it for a couple of years and bought a new truck. Says he always usedhis 1 ton for towing. This one never had even a ball put on the bumper. Good I guess from the perspective that it has not had any abuse from excessive towing. Gross axle weight front and rear is 3800 lbs. I'm sure one ofthe local truck accessory shops can tell me more on this but thought I would ask here as well. Any insight on Dodge's "Trailer Tow Prep Package" would be appreciated.
Thanks to all replies,
Richard

 

the towing package comes with a few things. The hitch of course, also a tranny cooler a power steering cooler and possibly tow mirrors, but I think that was an option that most people didnt get. My truck did not come with the package either, but I've added a hitch and I am in the process of putting a tranny cooler on it. As for the powersteering cooler, I dont really see the need for that unless you turn an awful lot

 

Thanks for the input 89. In the 60's, 70's you had a hitch and hooked up, more or less, to whatever you could pull. I must have skipped a generation of equipment somewhere along the line. Just wondered what was considered a factory "towing prep package." The prep kind of through me off. I figured a receiver and factory trailerplug connector, etc.

 

The towing package option only came with a factory installed 7-way wiring and a tranny cooler. Your bumper is rated for 5000lbs so unless u need to do alot of towing a ball on the bumper is all you need. Uhaul has relatively cheap hitches and the install is ~$40. Installing the hitch is an easy DIY but the thing about getting it installed is a lifetime warranty which covers collision, corrosion, accidental overload, jackknife, and even theft. So I'd say its a good investment if you need a hitch.

 

I see what you're saying down under. I can't find it either. I'm looking at 2 Rams on the same lot. One has a tow package. The other has a tow package AND a towing preparation package. The only difference I can SEE is the latter has running lights on the cab roof and the 5.7 Hemi. I'm going to test drive it today I think. They're asking $16,000 for it, 2008. With a little work I can sell off my Dakota for $5k and be sitting pretty. (I hope)

Ahhh. Here it is. http://www.ehow.com/how_7809400_tell...installed.html

 

the rear bumper is no where near rated for 5k pounds trailer weight. its rated for 2k pounds, and thats pushing it.