Which Tow-related Features Do I Really Need?

[tomseeley]

I'm about to start shopping for a new tow vehicle. I know it will be a 3/4 ton diesel 4x4. I know how to shop for the basics, but it has been a few years since I bought my current rig, and I'd like a refresher on some of the towing-related items I should give serious thought to.

 

For example, how important is the "towing package" each mfg offers. What specifically do I get with those kinds of options? Heavier suspension? Aux oil cooler? Aux transm cooler?

 

How important is a locking rear differential?

 

What else should I think about?

 

Not to offend anyone but I'm not trying to start a brand war here, or a gas/diesel war. I have decided on the basic truck. I'm just trying to refine what I look for from this point forward.

 

Thx.

[GPGuy]

What are you planning on towing? Might help us a bit in debating whether or not you need one thing or another.

[oldschool327]

My recommendations for the diesel 3/4 4x4

Z82 Tow pkg- Oil and trans cooler/hitch/7 pin/...........

Intregrated brake controller (much cleaner looking)

Locking rear (G80)

Trailering equiptment package (Z82) gets all the above on a diesel

[GPGuy]

Trailer brakes are definitely a nice feature for both saving your trucks' brakes and from a safetly perspective.

[Shatterz]

All 2500HD/3500HD trucks come with the engine oil cooler and trans oil cooler standard. So the option you need to go for is the HD trailer package for $780. You get a REALLY beefy 2.5" receiver hitch/7 pin connector integrated on the bumper, integrated brake controller (a cool little piece and the readout for the gain shows up on the dash info display) and the locking diff . This is a nice package for the money (I don't think you could buy an aftermarket setup as nice) and really almost every HD on the lot I've ever seen (especially a duramax) usually has this option included.

 

I think a locking differential is a must. I have a 96 K1500 that doesn't have one and it is a true 1 wheel wonder in any kind of snow ice if not in 4x4. I've gotten stuck in front of my driveway while in 2 wheel drive with that thing.

[oldschool327]

The locking diff also comes in the trailering package.

[angelic0-]

Z82 and Z85 are options i wouldn't want to be without...

 

and OFC G80.... but i think G80 is an automatic selection with the Z82..

 

The Eaton G80 is awesome...

[ColoradoSkiCountry]

Z82 and Z85 are options i wouldn't want to be without...

 

and OFC G80.... but i think G80 is an automatic selection with the Z82..

 

The Eaton G80 is awesome...

 

 

When it doesn't blow up and set you out $1600+ even though you did not abuse the thing and changed the oil using the right oil properly...

[angelic0-]

lol, i sense that you,ve had experience with such?

 

what do you recommend as a replacement when mine finally blows up :'D

[cvandegna]

IMO get the locking diff and that's it. It will do well in loose traction like snow, ice, mud.

 

You can get better hitch setups (like a class V), a Tekonsha brake controller and other goodies for well under the $780 package. The B&M stacked plate coolers do a much better job than the factory tube and fin coolers. You can get both the oil and tranny coolers for less than $200 at Summit. You can build a much more purpose suited tow vehicle than mass market.