When I bought my truck it didn't have the Class III tow package installed. So, the dealer agreed to add it. My price calculation for the truck factored in the price for this package.

When I went to the dealer to get the package installed they said that all they were going to install was the hitch. I argued that the package includes several other things that they should also install. They argued that I didn't need this stuff and should be satisfied with just the hitch. Here is what they said about the extras:

1. 7 pin wiring harness.
- Better off with the current 4 pin plug as most trailers use this.

2. HD Shocks.
- Truck already has these installed (?)

3. HD Electrical/cooling.
- Would cost big $$$ to install and not worth it. (Of course the big $$$ is their money). Their claim is that this is totally unnecessary.

Since I'm not a towing expert should I fight with them to get the rest of the package installed or is it not worth it ? I'm not quite sure yet what things I will be towing, but I also don't want to get taken for things I've already paid for if it makes some difference in towing performance.

 

If you are paying the price of the package, you darn well better get every single piece of the package installed.
A trailer hitch will run you $150-200.
The tranny/power steering coolers are big dollars items, and if you ever pull a trailer over 250-300 pounds, you'll wish you had at least the tranny cooler.
The 7 pin wiring harness is more a safety item than a mechanical neccessity. I put a lot of miles on pulling trailers before I pulled one with electric brakes (the reason for the extra 3 pins). I have upgraded both my camper as well as my cargo trailer to have brakes now...they make stopping a load much easier and safer.
The shocks I don't know about, I swapped to Edelbrocks within 300 miles of buying the truck...
If the deal was for the package, don't let him bully you into accepting anything less.

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My credentials? Yeah, they're right over there....

framed and hanging on the shade tree.

[This message has been edited by OnBelay (edited 02-04-2001).]

 

I completely agree with OnBelay. If you originally ordered the package and can prove the dealer or factory screwed up, it's their responsibility to install ALL of the necessary components. I tow a small trailer and certainly want every one of the features in that package. Now, if you decided to add this AFTER your order, you're at the mercy of your dealer.

I had a problem several years ago when I ordered 3 options that did not come when my truck was delivered. The dealer admitted to the mistake and offered to upgrade my truck to include the necessary pieces/parts but at a much higher price due to their labor costs. I made a huge scene in the crowded showroom and demanded my deposit. No reputable dealer should ever treat a customer like that! Good luck.

 

The new 7 pin harness also has a 4 pin built in next to it. I think Ford says to use brakes on trailers that are over 1,500 or 2,000 pounds.

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2001 SuperCrew XLT
Silver Metallic
5.4l 3.55ls tow pack
Built 12/00
Manik nerf bars