Trailer PKG
sirjonas
07-14-2006, 08:13 AM
Does anybody know what extra components are added on a trailer towing pakage on a montana van? is it just like a wiring harness and the air ride shocks or is there more to it. thanx
big dave
07-14-2006, 12:16 PM
I think it adds a tranny cooler and possibly a different radiator?
SimGeek
07-28-2006, 11:07 PM
Hey sirjonas – sorry about the late response (I’m a new member), but in case you or anyone else is still wondering…
According to GM, for a 2005 Venture (all I could find info on at the time) the Trailering Package includes heavy-duty cooling system (heavy-duty radiator and transmission oil cooler), heavy-duty 125-amp alternator, trailer wiring harness and heavy-duty signal flasher; also requires Sport Suspension Package and aluminum wheels, so that you get the load-leveling rear suspension.
I have a ’97 Venture and we tow a pop-up weighing around 2500 lbs. The van does not have the tow package, but I added an external transmission cooler (plate style) and use a light-duty weight distributing hitch - this cures the rear sag by transferring some of the weight back up front (better than air-bags or load-leveling suspension which just lift the rear but don’t transfer any weight).
In my opinion the only thing you really have to have is an auxiliary transmission cooler to utilize the 3500 lb. (with only 2 adults in van) towing capacity. The standard radiator seems fine, I haven’t noticed a problem. The stock alternator is adequate – no problem towing a night and running a 13-inch TV/VCR off a power inverter; I will get a high-output one whenever this one fails, though. You can buy a heavy-duty flasher at any auto parts store, but again I haven’t seen any issues with the stock one. Overall it seems to be a very capable tow vehicle.
According to GM, for a 2005 Venture (all I could find info on at the time) the Trailering Package includes heavy-duty cooling system (heavy-duty radiator and transmission oil cooler), heavy-duty 125-amp alternator, trailer wiring harness and heavy-duty signal flasher; also requires Sport Suspension Package and aluminum wheels, so that you get the load-leveling rear suspension.
I have a ’97 Venture and we tow a pop-up weighing around 2500 lbs. The van does not have the tow package, but I added an external transmission cooler (plate style) and use a light-duty weight distributing hitch - this cures the rear sag by transferring some of the weight back up front (better than air-bags or load-leveling suspension which just lift the rear but don’t transfer any weight).
In my opinion the only thing you really have to have is an auxiliary transmission cooler to utilize the 3500 lb. (with only 2 adults in van) towing capacity. The standard radiator seems fine, I haven’t noticed a problem. The stock alternator is adequate – no problem towing a night and running a 13-inch TV/VCR off a power inverter; I will get a high-output one whenever this one fails, though. You can buy a heavy-duty flasher at any auto parts store, but again I haven’t seen any issues with the stock one. Overall it seems to be a very capable tow vehicle.
sirjonas
08-04-2006, 05:36 AM
ok thank you for your reply but the deal on the trailer fell thru because it was going to need to much work to make it ready to use. thanks anyway. At least now i know if we ever wanna tow a trailer now.
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