Tow Prep Package

[novs25]

I just purchased a used 09 highlander limited with 3k miles, it has jbl, rear climate control, basically everything but nav. Problem is I found this gem at a Nissan dealership. I am not sure what came on vehicle. I have two questions, 1 - is there a way to see what all came on the vehicle?, 2 - Do I have the tow prep package, because I was reading somewhere that if I do not have it, I can not tow 5000lbs.

I searched the forum before posting this but couldnt find anything. Thanks for your help

[TrailDust]

Write down the VIN number on your dash and have the details printed out by AAA or Carfax. That number contains all the details of that specific vehicle. Also, you can use the same number and have a Toyota dealership provide you with the service record for the vehicle, at least for any maintenance or modifications performed by Toyota.

[novs25]

I did do a carfax on the car, but did not see any of that information.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by novs25

I did do a carfax on the car, but did not see any of that information.

I call b.s. on that by Carfax (not you) for not providing that information. All the details about every vehicle, including trim line and add-on features are included in the VIN number. I'd contact a Toyota dealership and have them provide the info based on the VIN. Sorry to hear you didn't get the info you sought from Carfax.

[novs25]

yes me too. I just double checked my report and no details. I guess i will ask the dealer when i bring it in for the 5k service.

[HLanderR]

Originally Posted by novs25

I just purchased a used 09 highlander limited with 3k miles, it has jbl, rear climate control, basically everything but nav. Problem is I found this gem at a Nissan dealership. I am not sure what came on vehicle. I have two questions, 1 - is there a way to see what all came on the vehicle?, 2 - Do I have the tow prep package, because I was reading somewhere that if I do not have it, I can not tow 5000lbs.

I searched the forum before posting this but couldnt find anything. Thanks for your help

The easiest way to determine if you have the tow prep package: Simply take a look at your driver's side fog lamp bezel. If the bezel has a squarish hole on the left side of the circle, you will have a transmission cooler, part of the tow prep package, immediately behind it. If you shine a flashlight thru hole you can see the fins on the radiator.

Cheers

[novs25]

Originally Posted by HLanderR

The easiest way to determine if you have the tow prep package: Simply take a look at your driver's side fog lamp bezel. If the bezel has a squarish hole on the left side of the circle, you will have a transmission cooler, part of the tow prep package, immediately behind it. If you shine a flashlight thru hole you can see the fins on the radiator.

Cheers

I will go check in a little while. If I do not, what are my options?

[TrailDust]

I just pulled this link off the General Discussion forum:

Toyota VIN Decoder

I haven't run my VIN through it as a test, but if anyone else does I'd be interested to know how thorough it is at providing your vehicle information. If it's worthwhile I'll add it to the DIY sticky.

[C5BlkVette]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

I just pulled this link off the General Discussion forum:

Toyota VIN Decoder

I haven't run my VIN through it as a test, but if anyone else does I'd be interested to know how thorough it is at providing your vehicle information. If it's worthwhile I'll add it to the DIY sticky.

I just pulled my VIN on that website, it doesn't show much as far as options/features on the vehicle. This is the info I got:
VIN: JT***************
World region: Asia
Manufactured in: Japan
Year, Make, Model, Body style, Transmission, Drive type, Cylinders And Standard options like: Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Tilt Wheel, ABS (4-Wheel) *Kinda obvious if you ask me *

novs25, if you just want to check to see if you have Towing Prep Package, I agree with HLanderR, take a quick look at this part on the driver side (Found this picture when I was doing the fog light mod )

Hope the picture helps.


Andy

[kesawi]

Originally Posted by C5BlkVette

novs25, if you just want to check to see if you have Towing Prep Package, I agree with HLanderR, take a quick look at this part on the driver side (Found this picture when I was doing the fog light mod )

Hope the picture helps.

Andy

And I always thought that this piece had fallen out on me

[RedLdr1]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

I just pulled this link off the General Discussion forum:

Toyota VIN Decoder

I haven't run my VIN through it as a test, but if anyone else does I'd be interested to know how thorough it is at providing your vehicle information. If it's worthwhile I'll add it to the DIY sticky.

The first sentence on the website gives a hint: "Enter a 17 digit VIN number to search for information about Toyota motorcycles." I have been riding a long time and haven't seen a Toyota motorcycle... Much less one with a 17 digit VIN...I'll bet they probably made some after WW2 but nothing anywhere near recent history. Anyway, after I quit laughing I ran my VIN and it does not provide any options info....Except for the "Standard options"
See below for a paste of the info it provided:

VIN: JTEDS42A282064XXX
World region: Asia
Manufactured in: Japan
Year: 2008
Make: Toyota
Model: HIGHLANDER LIMITED
Body style: Wagon 4 Door
Transmission: 5 Spd Automatic
Drive type: FWD
Cylinders: 6 Cylinders
Standard options: Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Tilt Wheel, Daytime Running Lights, ABS (4-Wheel)

I don't think this one rates a "sticky"...

[novs25]

Is it a complete open hole or is it suppose to look just like the picture? I do not have a complete open hole. So it does not look like I have the tow prep package. What can I do?

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by RedLdr1

The first sentence on the website gives a hint: "Enter a 17 digit VIN number to search for information about Toyota motorcycles." I have been riding a long time and haven't seen a Toyota motorcycle...
I don't think this one rates a "sticky"...

I didn't have time yesterday to play with the site so I put it up so some of you could be the guinea pigs........ You're correct, it definitely doesn't rate a sticky.

[C5BlkVette]

Originally Posted by novs25

Is it a complete open hole or is it suppose to look just like the picture? I do not have a complete open hole. So it does not look like I have the tow prep package. What can I do?

Since you don't have the bezel w/ open hole on the driver's side, I guess you don't have the Towing Prep Package... I believe the package can be added by the dealer, but IMHO I don't think it's feasible to replace/install the following:

(TO) Tow Package (5,000 lbs) includes:

• Upgrade heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler
• Transmission oil cooler with water cooler
• 150-amp alternator (130-amp is factory)
• Trailer pre-wiring harness
• 200-watt fan coupling
• Aftermarket/OEM Hitch

Especially all the parts on your vehicle are practically new. But it's definitely doable if it sounds feasible to you.

Andy

[C5BlkVette]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

I didn't have time yesterday to play with the site so I put it up so some of you could be the guinea pigs........ You're correct, it definitely doesn't rate a sticky.

Can we take away TD's "thanks" for using us as guinea pigs?

Andy