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Crap. Don't have the tow package. What to do?

302K views 347 replies 105 participants last post by  R.ambo  
#1 · (Edited)
Edit: I've removed some misc stuff I had here. I will be adding information regarding adding the tow package to a 2014 Durango as I get ready to order the parts and ultimately do the install myself. I've been doing lots of MOPAR searches trying to make this as painless as possible on myself and be certain I'm getting everything needed to install the hitch in one shot.


I can confirm the following items that are listed in the tow package are included standard on a 2014 Durango with the 5.7L HEMI V8:
•220-Amp Alternator
•Full Size Spare Tire
•Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
•Steel Spare Wheel

I'm uncertain about the suspension, but believe it is:
•Rear Load Leveling Suspension

That leaves the only things that are definitely not included (unsurprisingly, the hitch and an accessory harness):
•7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
•Class IV Receiver Hitch


Need to add the tow hitch to your vehicle? Here are the parts necessary (may be incomplete - will update as needed):
The hitch (Part # 52124606AF, MSRP $209): http://www.mopar.com/part/52124606AF?s=363651&i=4538001

The wiring kit (Part # 68088278AB, MSRP $29.25): http://www.mopar.com/part/68088278AB?s=363656&i=4611932&b=dodge

The hitch cover (Part # 05113692AA, MSRP $58.70): http://www.mopar.com/part/05113692AA?s=363651&i=4606994&b=dodge

Optionally, the 7 to 4 pin wiring harness (Part # 56019823, MSRP $18.85): http://www.mopar.com/part/56019823?s=363651&i=274742&b=dodge
Note: You'll almost certainly need a 7 to 4 pin harness, but you can opt for a cheaper one from Harbor Freight or pretty much any auto accessory source.


My original post (thankfully I wasn't completely hosed): I could've swore I had the tow package when I bought this weekend, but popped off the cover and nothing. I'm sure I made a bad assumption after seeing the cover and assumed it was there. I'll need to check the sticker later. That said, assuming I made a big mistake, does anyone have a list of everything included in the tow package? Curious if it would be possible to order the parts, but guessing I might be hosed. Really pissed I overlooked this...
 
#75 ·
They had a supply issue for a while, so a bunch of dealer orders probably came without them.

The RT and citadel already have most of the tow package... It a very simple addition (and cheaper!).
 
#76 ·
I feel that this might be relevant here instead of starting a new thread. I have a V6 SXT+ without the towing package even though I wanted it, but based on my research prior to buying the D and confirmation from the dealer that I could add everything later, I'm starting to think otherwise and here's why. The dealer will install the hitch the wiring harness that runs the length of the car and the 7 to 4 pin no problem. Now I had asked them if the wiring harness that runs the length of the car has the brake controller lead (wishfully thinking that it might).They told me no, so my next question to them was what will be my towing limit since it was not put in from factory. Off the top of their head they didn't seem to know and I had stated that in the manual the Durango is limited to 3500lbs without the tow package and 6200 with. I understand that the higher amp alternator is a factor and so is the heavy duty cooling, but I was wondering if the transmission gets a certain code when you have the factory tow package. The dealer stated they recode with either an "AHC or AHN" code when they add to Ram's etc..., but on the factory Durango its "AHX" and on my VIN they stated that I couldn't get the ECU to be coded that way even if I added every OEM part from the tow package. I know there's no "Tow Mode" on the '14s so is the Trans programming a bunch of hogwash or not?

Cliff Note Version: Got V6 SXT+ without tow package. Do Durangos with the tow package have different coding for the trans than ones without? What is the alternative if mine can't be reprogrammed? Just watch the trans temps and shift myself?
 
#77 ·
Finally installed the hitch over the weekend. Very straightforward using the 2013 install instructions that were provided earlier in this thread I think. One thing in terms of the parts needed - you don't need to order 8 of the 21mm hitch bolts, as there are already 6 on the truck fastening the bumper bar that you end up removing. They are exactly the same. I ordered 8 and now have 6 left over - waste of $$ at $4.50 per. If anyone needs 2 bolts, I'll send them to you for free - just pay for shipping to get them out to you.
 
#82 ·
If anyone needs 2 bolts, I'll send them to you for free - just pay for shipping to get them out to you.
I'm still trying to decide whether I want do the install or have the dealer do it. So I may grab two of them from you if I go ahead and do it myself. Also might anyone know if Durangos with the tow package have different coding for the trans than ones without? What is the alternative if mine can't be reprogrammed, just watch the trans temps and shift myself?
 
#79 ·
I ordered 52124606AF and it fit perfectly on my 2014
 
#81 ·
Check out my noob guide to modding Gen 3 in my sig - all the parts you need are listed in there :)
 
#83 ·
Somehow I lost of someone took my hitch cover panel over the weekend. Can anyone confirm that the below is the correct part number and if it comes painted or unpainted/
I have a 14 R/T if it matters In the part number or not. I make sure it is on perfect every time so I think someone snatched it.

The hitch cover (Part # 05113692AA, MSRP $58.70): http://www.mopar.com/part/05113692AA...606994&b=dodge
 
#86 ·
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#88 ·
Yes, you will need it painted. I did mine myself with color match rattle can for $21 total (primer, color and clear).

Mine did NOT come with the twist clips and was wrapped in Mopar plastic, so I would suspect those are their own parts. I transferred them from my non-tow fasica, but if your was lost or stolen, you'll need to get them.
 
#95 ·
I am trying to get a clear answer to the question of activating the lights via the computer. If you install the hitch and wiring yourself do you need the dealer to activate anything? I ask mainly because my dealer installed the hitch and harness and I went to use it tonight and the lights don't work. Wondering how the dealer screwed up. Of course I am leaving early tomorrow morning with a trailer!
 
#101 ·
Hello all, first post here.

I recently purchased a 14 D Limited w/o the tow package. With the help of this forum, i finally installed the hitch and will shortly get the wiring installed via a friend at the dealer.

I have a concern, the bumper cover has 2 flaps that were bolted on to the bumper/frame piece that was removed to fit in the hitch. These two flaps are right below the opening where the hitch receiver comes out of the bumper.

Now that the hitch is installed, those flaps do not bolt on to anything....Do they need to be cut or am i missing something form the install?

Thanks in advance

Oh...i purchased the whole kit direct from a dealer on Ebay
 
#105 ·
Hello all, This is my first post as well..

I am reading this thread. Initially I felt I understood all about tow package , then I felt I did not. But looks like I am totally confused. Can someone pls clarify... Good that I did not sign the deal over weekend :)

I am planning to buy DD R/T V8 with HEMI. The vehicle I was looking does not have tow package listed. But I was under assumption that R/T with V8 engine comes will all the things needed except harness and Tow hitch receiver. I thought it is just the matter of installing harness and hitch receiver. Dealer also told the same thing (though I don't believe dealers)
But now, after reading this thread I am confused. Does DD R/t with V8 HEMI come with all necessary towing features by default (like spare tire, 220A alternator etc..) OR should I look for the car that has tow package already installed?

I was comparing the windows sticker for the vehicle that says two package installed against the vehicle that does not say two package installed. The only difference I see is, the vehicle that has two package installed says it has Trailer Tow Group IV, Class IV Receiver Hitch, 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness. It does not say anything about alternator and spare tire etc as mentioned earlier in this thread.

Can someone pls clarify if I should be looking at the R/t V8 vehicle that has tow package installed OR is it OK if I get the vehicle without two package installed (and install harness and tow hitch later myself).
I could not find any car with my preferred color that has tow package installed. So, I wanted to know which way to go.. I am planning to tow a trailer with this vehicle (I never tried trailer earlier).

Appreciate your help..
Thanks
 
#106 ·
I get a copy of the build sheet on any car I buy, new or used. If the dealer won't furnish it there's online sites that will do so for a very small fee, just enter the VIN. You can compare the build sheets and it will show every feature in detail, should answer this question.
 
#107 ·
The R/T has all the Trailer Tow hardware except the hitch & 7/4 way plug. . It has the hvy duty cooling, 220A alternator/full size spare/load leveling rear shocks. they even come prewired all you need is the 7/4 way plug. the wiring harness is coiled up up near the spare tire.
 
#108 ·
no hitch.

Image


Hitch:

Image
 
#112 ·
I wonder why spare tire and spare wheel are considered as part of Tow package. I think they are common things for emergency purposes, not specific to towing. Any thoughts?

As stated on the build out Dodge site:
Trailer Tow Group IV
•220-Amp Alternator
•7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
•Class IV Receiver Hitch
•Full Size Spare Tire
•Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
•Rear Load Leveling Suspension
•Steel Spare Wheel
 
#113 ·
I have 2 NON tow package black ABS stock tow panel covers and 2 black tow package covers if anyone wants them? After the dealer ordered all of the wrong items they just want to basically give them away dirt cheap. the 5th one they order was the correct panel i needed since I needed a RED R?T cover that took over a month to get. Let me know if any of you need these other covers dirt cheap, I think they said $10+ shipping