4th Gen Ram Tech 2009 - 2018 Rams and the 2019 Ram Classic: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2009 - 2018 Rams and the 2019 Ram Classic. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

How hard to add factory type towing package?

  #1  
Old 04-29-2019, 10:21 PM
eric2084's Avatar
eric2084
eric2084 is offline
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default How hard to add factory type towing package?

I found a good deal on a low mileage 2012 1500 Laramie CC 4x4, 5.7L. It all looked great and I was getting ready to go to the dealer and look at it, but then noticed no trailer hitch which means no towing package, although it does have the anti-spin rear differential which maybe means 3.92?

How hard would it be to add factory like towing on it? Would it involved cutting into the wiring harness? How about the hitch, does it bolt on? Mostly just plan on pulling a large camping trailer I think at this point, unless we decided to upgrade.

Thanks.
 
  #2  
Old 04-30-2019, 09:18 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is online now
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 80,631
Likes: 0
Received 3,164 Likes on 2,918 Posts
Default

You can bolt on a hitch. Other items for the towing package likely include an aux trans cooler, 7 pin trailer harness/connector, trailer brake controller wiring, (and maybe the factory trailer brake controller as well??? Don't know on that.) and a few other things. All of which, you can find in the aftermarket relatively easily.
 
  #3  
Old 04-30-2019, 03:17 PM
eric2084's Avatar
eric2084
eric2084 is offline
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The dealer took a picture, it does have the factory combination 7/4 pin electrical plug on the bumper. There is a tow/haul button on the center dash, I'll ask him to take a picture of the drivers left side dash buttons. I'd be surprised if it has the transmission cooler and factory trailer brake controller though since it doesn't have the hitch reciever. The dealer is 80 miles away so can't just drop by...
 
  #4  
Old 04-30-2019, 09:32 PM
Pedro Dog's Avatar
Pedro Dog
Pedro Dog is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: San Pedro, California
Posts: 1,400
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Go to etrailer and search. The truck is ready for a type 3. When it comes preinstalled, it's a type 4
 
  #5  
Old 04-30-2019, 10:58 PM
primem's Avatar
primem
primem is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Alberta
Posts: 1,816
Received 55 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by eric2084
I found a good deal on a low mileage 2012 1500 Laramie CC 4x4, 5.7L. It all looked great and I was getting ready to go to the dealer and look at it, but then noticed no trailer hitch which means no towing package, although it does have the anti-spin rear differential which maybe means 3.92?

How hard would it be to add factory like towing on it? Would it involved cutting into the wiring harness? How about the hitch, does it bolt on? Mostly just plan on pulling a large camping trailer I think at this point, unless we decided to upgrade.

Thanks.
pm me the last eight of the vin and I will look up the build for you
 
  #6  
Old 05-01-2019, 11:05 PM
eric2084's Avatar
eric2084
eric2084 is offline
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by primem
pm me the last eight of the vin and I will look up the build for you
Done. Thanks!
 
  #7  
Old 05-02-2019, 03:23 PM
eric2084's Avatar
eric2084
eric2084 is offline
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Found a way on the Dodge website to obtain an equipment build list using the VIN. It works for 1998 and later vehicles. https://fcacommunity.force.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing

This truck has everything for towing except maybe the optional tow mirrors, but it has the wiring, built-in trailer brake control and transmission oil cooler, just no receiver. Weird. I found a couple that work and can obtain them plus free shipping to store through nearby Tractor Supply Company.

Thanks for the help!
 
  #8  
Old 05-03-2019, 01:33 AM
primem's Avatar
primem
primem is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Alberta
Posts: 1,816
Received 55 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

yours didn't have the hitch in the build sheet...the code is usually xfh
 
  #9  
Old 06-09-2019, 09:19 AM
wobli's Avatar
wobli
wobli is offline
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Erik , Thanks for the link. It was very helpful. I was wondering if my truck had the heavy duty transmission cooler. Turns out, it does have it.
 

Last edited by wobli; 06-09-2019 at 09:20 AM. Reason: Forgot to add the name of the person replying to


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: How hard to add factory type towing package?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:28 AM.