I am still working through my purchase of a 2016 XLT or XL. Up to now I have been looking for the combination of 2.7l, tow package, supercab, and console front seat. This is configuration has been hard to find, and it is only getting harder. I plan to spend a lot of time towing a travel trailer, 4500# wet, so I don't think I'll have any trouble with this setup.

My question is, in an effort to broaden my search, should I give up on the tow package requirement and just fit the truck with a transmission cooler and brake controller afterwards? Not trying to save money on this part of the deal, just open up my truck search. I am pretty comfortable backing up a trailer, so I don't think I'll really need the pro-backup assist so much, although it might be nice to have in some situations. I do really want the console, though!

 

How much will a non tow package tow? For me I kept looking until I got the tow package, my heaviest is probably 6000lbs.
Tow package doesn't come with a trailer brake controller but you can add one for about $85 and Forscan.
I looked for 5 months and drove 4 hours to get what I wanted at a good price.

 

I don't know the answer to your question but I also had a hard time finding a truck with the tow package. They all just had the hitch. I only tow 5klbs but wanted the cooler and package just in case and to be safe. I did find an XL with tow package 36gal tank and trailer brake which I don't need for the boat. It was an oddly spec'd truck and was the only one I had seen like it on the local lots. I even considered the 3.5na since I was only towing 5klbs but ended up with 2.7.

I'm not sure why there are so few trucks with the actual tow package and smaller engines. Mine was probably destined to be a work truck but with the 101a it has what I need for daily driver.

Good Luck

 

Non-tow package will tow 5000lbs. The tow package adds a transmission cooler and an upgraded sway bar, which up the capacity of the 2.7 into the 7200lb range. These I could add to a non-tow package truck pretty easily, and would want to just to make sure the truck doesn't have trouble down the road. As you said, the trailer brake controller doesn't come with the tow package, so I would have to add that either way. What I would really lose is the rearview camera and the pro backup assist. Can anybody find a compelling reason why I need this? Finding a truck with tow package already installed would be best, but if I can't as inventory dwindles.......

 

Why not just order it the way you want it?

 

Just get the tow package. The cost of the package is pennies compared to the overall cost of the truck. Get it and be done. You'll be glad you did.

 

Only you can determine if getting the tow package from factory or adding aftermarket is worth it. However, the rear camera was a must especially if you tow. It makes hooking up much easier let alone for non-towing as well. I ordered my truck with the two package fwiw. The pro backup assist will likely never be used on my truck, at least nothing foreseeable. I tow a boat setup nearly the exact same weight, 4500 lbs.