Is the towing package just a trailer hitch and wiring or is it more than that? As in if I buy a truck without a hitch can I just add one and have it the same as the one that came with the hitch or does the non towing package one not have the tranny coolers and stuff either?

 

I depends on the towing package. Usually you get additional cooling capability, which might include oil, power steering, radiator and tranny cooler. That would be the setup I would look for. My 04 QC 4X4 has the towing package. It works great and I would recommend the extra cost for the package. I bought the truck for the towing capability, and so far my Hemi 4X4 has exceeded my expectations....

 

you also might get differently geared axels with the tow package.

non tow package would get you say a 3.55 axel. where as the one with a tow package would get you a 3.93 geared axel. the off road package would put in the 4.10.

all this does is give you more mechanical advantage when towing a load. the 3.55 might tow ok, but you'd be running low RPM and burning more fuel and doing more shifting. the 3.93 give the engine a few more rev's which puts a bit more power on the road, which also means since your putting out more power the tranny doesnt need to shift saving wear and tear on the tranny. the 4.10 does the same thing, just more engine RPM's for better towing.

now before you get ideas in your head and think the 4.56 would do better, your economy will actualy begin to drop since your having to turn so many more RPM's to run the same speed.

 

The truck I'm loooking at is the Off Road version but has a trailer hitch that says mopar on it so I assume it has a tow package also.

 

then you would have the factory installed hitch, with the wireing harness for the 7 pin connector which will give you the capability to add an electric brake controller. you should also have the 4 pin connector hanging behind the bumper, hopefully.

the off road package gives you a different suspension setup. tranny/transfer skid plate and the 4.10 gears. you should also have the limited slip differential. . .VERY nice to have. . .trust me

 

is ther a site that i can run my vin and see what my rig came with stock, when i bought it there was no info i know i have the 3.9 ratio so now im courious about all of it?????????

 

I am not sure whether this will be of use in the format below as I tried to copy & paste the info ...

Dodge Trucks VIN Equipment Codes

Last updated November 19th, 2003

4th digit - Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR)
D 0-3,000 lbs.
E 3,001-4,000 lbs.
F 4,001-5,000 lbs.
G 5,001-6,000 lbs.
H 6,001-7,000 lbs.
J 7,001-8,000 lbs.
K 8,001-9,000 lbs.
L 9,001-10,000 lbs.
M 10,001-14,000 lbs.
W bus/incomplete vehicle with hydraulic brakes
__________________________________________________ _______

5th digit - line
B Ram wagon / van
C Ram cab chassis / 4×2 pick-up
E Ram cab chassis / 4×2 pick-up
F Ram cab chassis / 4×4 pick-up
G Dakota / sport 4×4
L Dakota / sport 4×2
R Durango 4×2
S Durango 4×4
__________________________________________________ _______

6th digit - series
Ram trucks
0 150S
1 150 / 1500
2 250 / 2500
3 350 / 3500
6 miscellaneous

Dakota sport-utility vehicle
1 base
2 sport/SLT
__________________________________________________ _______

7th digit - body type
1 van
2 2-door Club Cab
3 Club Cab / 4-door Quad Cab
4 extended wagon / van
5 wagon
6 conventional cab / cab chassis
7 2-door sport-utility
__________________________________________________ _______

8th digit - engine
C 6 cyl. 5.9L Diesel
D 6 cyl. inline 5.9L diesel
G 4 cyl. 2.5L
P 6 cyl. 3.3L MPI
R 4 cyl. 2.4L MPI
T 8 cyl. 5.2L natural gas
W 10 cyl. 8.0L
X 6 cyl. 3.9L EFI or MPI
Y 8 cyl. 5.2L EFI or MPI
Z 8 cyl. 5.9L EFI or MPI-LDC
3 6 cyl. 3.0L MPI
5 8 cyl. 5.9L HDC - EFI or MPI
6 6 cyl. inline 5.9L 24-valve diesel
7 6 cyl. inline 5.9L 24-valve HO diesel
8 6 cyl. 5.9L Turbo Diesel
all engines (except 4 cylinders) are "V" configuration unless noted otherwise
__________________________________________________ ______

11th digit - assembly plant
A Auburn Hills, Michigan
F Newark, New Jersey
G Saltillo
J St. Louis North, Missouri
K Pillette
M Lago Alberto Assembly
S Dodge City (Warren), Michigan


Hope this helps

 

ref site below:


http://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/VIN/dodge.html

 

You can take the VIN # to any Dodge dealer and they will run you a build sheet. It tells you all the options that were put on the truck at the factory.

 

sweet awesome info, tha nks guys.