hm the list is harder to find than i expected.
the obvious is the tow hitch and wire harness.

I doubt the 2000 sienna came with an transmission cooler or stiffer rear suspension.

 

Tow Package Includes

- Different Fuse Box
- Trailer Hitch
- Wire Harness

 

Add an additional trans oil cooler for cheap insurance, and change the trans fluid more often if you do a lot of towing.

 

Tow Package Includes

- Different Fuse Box
- Trailer Hitch
- Wire Harness

First off, thanks for the info ! Second, do you know what's different about the fuse box ? Should I be concerned about adding my hitch and wiring kit ? I know that sometimes a heavy duty flasher is suggested.

Oh, and the tranny cooler crossed my mind, but so far I'm just occasionally going to lug around a 4x8 utility trailer so I'm going to hold off for a while.

 

If just hauling an occasional utility trailer around town suggest just installing the trailer wiring harness. It is not that difficult. The blinker will flash at a faster rate, but should be OK for occasional use. Unless your trailer has a host of lights drawing current, the current fuse should be OK. Do a google search on hooking up trailer lights; many trailer light harness manufactures provide a good deal of instruction on using their products.

 

Hi, I usually hang around the truck forum, but I helped a friend look at a 2000 Sienna yesterday. The seller had the original window sticker and it said it has the "tow package" but the vehicle obviously had no tow hitch. What's up with that? What does "tow package" mean?

Thanks

 

Hi, I usually hang around the truck forum, but I helped a friend look at a 2000 Sienna yesterday. The seller had the original window sticker and it said it has the "tow package" but the vehicle obviously had no tow hitch. What's up with that? What does "tow package" mean?

Thanks

The tow package includes heavy duty radiator, heavy duty fan, 150 amp alternator and power-steering oil cooler. You add your own hitch.

 

Ahh ok, so you basically get a heavier duty van. That's good. Thanks.

 

Power Steering Oil Cooler

What is the purpose of cooling the power steering fluid? Does it use the same fliud as the transmission thus acting like a transmission oil cooler?

 

The towing package usually just means the Sienna can tow 3500lbs... It comes with a bigger radiator / cooling reservoir but does not come with the ball and hitch or harness in most cases that I am aware of.

 

1999 Sienna Towing package...

Here's what add-on equipment is needed for towing a 3000 lbs trailer with a 1999 Toyota Sienna van... The views expressed are solely my own opinion and do not reflect any official company policy or recommendations.

The following OEM base suggestions should increase the 99 Sienna towing capacity to 3,500 pounds pulling weight (however more items could be added or removed as discussed below)

What the Toyota towing package package included (no longer available as a kit but as individual expensive parts) is as follows:
+ enlarged radiator
+ increased capacity alternator to 160 amps
+ Oil Transmission Cooler (VERY recommended and needed!)
+ towing lights wiring harness
+ Often included a separate Class II or a Class III trailer hitch with tongue

To prevent sag from the trailer weight on the rear hitch and enhance driving stability/safety - a rear suspension air bag system is recommended.

Check your tires to see if the manufacturer tire rating can handle the weight you are trying to pull.

You may need to install heavy duty shocks, depending on the weight distribution

Make sure that your transmission fluid is recently changed and good to go

Here is my installed equipment list that I was able to piece together for heavy duty towing :

+ enlarged radiator - I skipped this because I am hauling a short distance in a relatively flat area
+ increased capacity alternator to 160 amps -ot have to power b I skipped this because I do not have to power a trailer kitchen, TV, etc
+ Oil Transmission Cooler - I use a Hayden/Imperial Maxi-Cool XL 243007
+ towing lights wiring harness - I use a Reese R3474672 wiring harness
+ Class II or a Class III trailer hitch - I use a Class II Hidden Hitch 90638 trailer hitch
+ Suspension Air Bag Kit - I use an Air Lift 60785 Suspension Air Bag Kit
+ Rear Shocks - I use a set of replacement KYB GR-2 rear gas shocks
+ Tires - I use a set of Bridgestone Turanza EL400-2 touring tires

My total estimated retail cost for these equipment add-ons (excluding tires and transmission fluid change costs) is $450. I do not know the estimated cost of the OEM parts, but I am sure it would be a lot higher!

 

Trailer Brake Controller may be needed...

The trailer I use is for towing only, but other Sienna drivers may be towing a smaller camping trailer that has its own set of brakes installed.

Therefore a "trailer brake controller" may be needed if the trailer has a pre-installed brake system separate from the Sienna braking system...

 

Why isn't this alternator available when searching for replacement alternators for Sienna's? Everywhere I have looked only lists a 100 AMP alternator. I need those other 50-60 AMPs.

 

The 2000 Tow package is only a stronger rated alternator and a transmission cooler, which I'm told is located somewhere near the driver's side fender well. I think that's all.

We had to add the tow bar and lighting connections. It tows a pop up and a utility trailer better than our sedan did -

 

Again, where can this magic, more powerful, alternator be procured?

 

Google, one of the first items:

Toyota Sienna High Output Alternators
1998-2003 3.0L -- 180 Amp $305.00

http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/catalog.php?item=464

 

How much will installation of transmission cooler cost? I would be interested if the cost is within my means.

Would not it be the best if Toyota included transmission cooler as part of the tow package? Our 2003 we bought used has a tow package, I have not used it yet.

 

So the highest output for a first generation is 180 amps and it costs about the same as a superior 240 or 320 amp for later model years?

Regardless, if you tow or not, having oil cooled steering, more powerful alternator and dual radiator fans makes a long road trip, which is what this minivan excels at, a more confident ride. You have to remember we Americans are usually bigger and heavier these days compared to 1998-2003 so these extras definitely help a van be up to the challenge and sustain a longer life than one that doesn't have such equipment.

 

When looking at Toyota parts lists only one alternator is listed. Only one alternator is available at all of the aftermarket parts stores. I refuse to believe that there is another alternator that was installed on these vans by Toyota. The crumby 100 AMP alternator is the only one I can find any where.

I would love for someone to actually prove me wrong.

 

The correct answer about the towing package

THIS IS THE CORRECT ANSWER! Lighting connections and the toe bar and hitch are NOT! Included. YOU CAN KNOW IF YOUR SIENNA HAS THE FACTORY TOWING PACKAGE BY LOOKING THROUGH THE SMALL OPENING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BUMPER. You will see the front of the extra transmission cooler there. If you see it you have the"towing package". (looks like the front of a radiator only smaller. If you don't see it you don't.

If are still not sure, take your Sienna to a Toyota Dealer and ask them if they could check to see if your Sienna has it. They will do it for you. That's what I did when I bought mine used and that the serviceman showed me the above.