Tow package - can it be installed aftermarket?

[szoom1]

Regretting not getting the tow package on my car as I could use the extra capacity. I did have a wiring harness and hidden hitch 2" receiver installed. Anyone know if the dealer is able to install/upgrade to the official tow package?

Towing Package:

* 3,500 pound capacity
* Heavy duty transmission cooler and radiator fan
* Wiring harness, receiver, and cover
* Revised engine control module

I guess specifically the heavy duty cooler and radiator fan and the revised engine control module are what is missing for the 3500lb capacity.

 

[badself]

Regretting not getting the tow package on my car as I could use the extra capacity. I did have a wiring harness and hidden hitch 2" receiver installed. Anyone know if the dealer is able to install/upgrade to the official tow package?

Towing Package:

* 3,500 pound capacity
* Heavy duty transmission cooler and radiator fan
* Wiring harness, receiver, and cover
* Revised engine control module

I guess specifically the heavy duty cooler and radiator fan and the revised engine control module are what is missing for the 3500lb capacity.

It's highly unlikely that the dealer will undertake the task, particularly since you installed an aftermarket hitch and harness.

Even if they would say yes to the job, it would entail installation of the transmission cooler and a new radiator fan, not to mention that they would have to reflash your ecu to the shift points and other parameters of tow-package equipped vehicles (it may even require an ECU with alternate part number).

The dealer will likely raise legal/proprietary issues, and even if they agree to the work, the cost would be prohibitive (I assume $1K-$1.5K).

I suppose you could tow with your set-up as is; however, it will void the warranty, if not outright damage your driveline. If you do attempt it, I would keep the weight way below the 3500# limit, like 2000# or less. Personally, I would not tow anything without a proper tow package.

 

[szoom1]

I appreciate the reply. I agree and had figured the same, that it would be somewhat unlikely a dealer would agree. But I will probably put a call in to the dealers here and see if I can get one to do it since it is technically possible. I need to tow about 2700lbs so cannot do it without the tow package.

Regarding your last sentence, I'm fairly sure it would not void the warranty to tow up to 2000 lbs as that is the cap without the tow package. Though I agree towing 1999 lbs would likely be a bad idea based on comments in this forum but the car *should* be able to handle it according to the manufacturers specs. I would think should anything happen under those 2000 lbs to the engine I'm not sure how the owner could be to blame. I have towed a single jetski many times and noticed no issues, but I believe its approx 1000 lbs total.

 

[T.Narley]

The biggest problem with towing is transmission heat.

Adding an aftermarket trans cooler would solve that. Most will be larger and more efficient than the factory one.

Also remember that tow ratings are worst-case scenarios. The rating is saying that the vehicle can do that weight reliably during the worst of conditions.

Short trips to the lake with a boat or similar is not going to hurt anything.

 

[szoom1]

Oh nice, so if the dealers can't do it I could go it alone and find someone to install a heavy duty cooler to be able to tow under 3000 lbs? Obviously this plan would have some warranty voiding properties to it. But thats not necessary a problem as long as its done right.

 

[davecoyne]

I hate to ask the obvious, but have you spoken with your local Service Manager about the install?

 

[nazgul350r]

install a cooler yourself, like they said the big killer in towing is transmission heat. If you tow often check and change your trans fluid more often.

My dad has a s10 that is routinly on the axles as he tows or hauls somthing.

 

[l-miwa]

No help for those of us that already have a CX-9, but the 2009 AWD's are supposed to all come with the towing prep package as standard equipment. No word on whether it is still an option for the FWD's.

 

[tomiller97]

Towing Options

I asked the same question to the dealer when I bought my CX-9 last night. They did not have any 08's with the towing package..I asked if it could be added and they told me it was a factory option and not available on the Sport model that I bought.
I did find some aftermarket transmission coolers and they seem pretty cheap and easy to install. The hitches are relatively cheap (under $200) for a Class III and only 6 bolts to install. I don't plan to tow all the time but I'm leaning towards this option. Has anyone installed the aftermarket cooler? Any tips or advice?

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

I'm still curious what the revised ECM does differently. Shift points can be changed using manual mode, and the computer already keeps an eye on the transmission temp.
Anyone know for sure what the difference is?

 

[InlineTwin]

I installed a hidden hitch and towed far more than the 2000# tow limit for 1750 miles from Colorado to N Carolina at highway speeds against ridiculous winds: 50+ MPH through Kansas and Oklahoma. Car/mSUV is fine 6 months later. No heating issues at any time, including up the mountain at Tn-Nc border. It always felt like it had more than enough power.

The ECM update will not improve the structure of the vehicle or the structure of the engine or transmission. And the ECM update does not improve transmission performance unless it reprograms the transmission control unit.(?) In any case the car is capable with or without the expensive add ons.

A transmission cooler is not a bad idea, but you could get a shop to install one for less than the hitch cost you and be as well off as dropping what the dealer asks for the same service.