2011 Tacoma Towing Package
- Thread starter Valkiera
- Start date
Overland Hadley
on a journey
Plannerman
Wandering Explorer
No, it doesn't change springs, etc. However, there is a technical service bulletin that does provide for a heavier duty rear spring pack (and Bilstein shocks for non-TRD trucks). The TSB does seriously improve handling under loads.
Overland Hadley
on a journey
I can only hope that the sales guy was ignorant, and not just straight up lying. Either way they should know what they are selling.
The additional coolers are a good thing to have on our trucks.
Overland Hadley
on a journey
It's a TRD off road, so I think I've got as good as it gets from the factory. I'll have to add my own "improvements"from here.
Val
The TSB puts a 4 leaf pack on. I did it and it helped at first, but then quickly started sagging.
If you are going to use the truck as an overland vehicle best to just go for OME+Dakars or similar.
Exactly my plan, seems to be the most reliable setup, just debating between 885's and 886's at the moment. I'm not planning on a heavy front bumper right away. First items will be the cap, sleeping platform, a rack on the cap and sliders (to reach the rack and protect the truck). So debating just how hefty of suspension upgrade I need for starters. From there I will see where travels take me and what I need to get there.
WASURF63
Adventurer
Great choice. If you keep to the first additions mentioned, the 885/Dakar setup should be fine. If you can't seem to keep your truck on a diet (like most, myself included) and also plan on any semi-heavy towing, you may want to opt for the 886/Dakar HD (add-a-leaf) setup right from the start.
BTW I havn't forgotten about the FP demo, just been really busy.
Overland Hadley
on a journey
If I remember correctly the 885 are softer (less than 100 lbs added to front) and the 886 are harder (more than 100lbs added to the front).
I would definitely go with the softer until you add a lot of weight up front. If you put in the harder springs you will have a very harsh ride, and feel every pebble in the road.
I have about 75 lbs extra in the front and the softer springs work great, I even had a used set installed.
And if you do add a big ARB bumper and a winch you can always switch to the harder springs up front, I think they are about $100 for the pair.
Palehorse1
Observer
My 2011 came with the transmission cooler, the rear receiver hitch, and the trailer wiring as part of the towing package. To my knowledge nothing else was added along with it.
Michael
Adventurer
On my '06 Tacoma, the tow package option gave me a supplemental oil and transmission cooler (already mentioned) along with the heavy duty OEM battery, a 130-amp alternator, and the 7-pin power connector on the rear bumper. The 2" receiver was rated as a "class 4" tow hitch with the option but I don't recall if that was part of the option or stock.
The brakes and rear suspension were standard, and the suspension was wimpy (to be kind), even without a trailer in tow. I ended up putting Deaver springs on the rear for offroading and I also added air bags for stability and adjusting the ride when I'm towing or have a heavy load in back. The air bags don't increase your load capacity, they just help make it more manageable. I'm happy with the ride both on and off road. IMHO, if you spend a lot of time in the desert, the oil and transmission coolers are worth it even if you never tow anything :ylsmoke:
The brakes and rear suspension were standard, and the suspension was wimpy (to be kind), even without a trailer in tow. I ended up putting Deaver springs on the rear for offroading and I also added air bags for stability and adjusting the ride when I'm towing or have a heavy load in back. The air bags don't increase your load capacity, they just help make it more manageable. I'm happy with the ride both on and off road. IMHO, if you spend a lot of time in the desert, the oil and transmission coolers are worth it even if you never tow anything :ylsmoke: