With our without Towing Package???

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Sorry if this same question has been asked before. If it was, I've accidently missed the thread.

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Doing research of new, demo or used '08 Montana EXT with 3.9L engine. In the '08 or '09 years - which is still available in my region.


If wondering new purchase on GM page contains:

* Trailering Package $620 + taxes

Includes trailer wiring harness and heavy duty turn signal flasher. Does not include trailer hitch. 1588 kg (3500 lb) capacity applies with no more than 2 people.

Base unit Uprades:
- Sport Suspension
- Auto Load Leveling Suspension
- Auxiliary "built in" Air Inflator Kit

This option features:
- Sport suspension
- Rear auto-levelling suspension
- Compressed air rear shocks
- Air compressor
- Wiring harness


In comparing, I don't see an Aux tranny cooler. Question: Does factory 3.9L rad have its own larger size built in tranny cooler system? Or, written differently. Is an Aux Tranny cooler system also needed for towing more then 2,500 lbs?

Can I obtain non-towing package Uplander and upgrade with my own towing items afterwards? For example:
- Timbrens SES rubber inserts in rear coil springs? approx $150-200 ??
re: http://www.timbren.com/ses-van-suv.htm
- Or, Coil Spring air bags with manual air valve? approx $100
re: http://www.truckspring.com/firestone-coil-rite-kit-rear-4155.html
- My own "T" wiring harness? JC Whitney for under $40
re: http://www.jcwhitney.com/wcsstore/jcwhitney/images/imagecache/G_14472G_SW_1.jpg
- My own local HD turn signal - if its really needed for my utility trailer. My current Tow Vehicle did NOT need HD signal flasher. Why would Uplander model need a HD flasher upgrade?

If wondering, I'm not a fan of "air" shocks. To me, they put too much stress on factory shock mounts, and did a terrible mess on my dad's previous vehicle. Thus, I'd use 3rd party air or pure mechanical Timbren SES upgrades instead. I also don't care about better wheels either (that GM forces one to buy with their Factory Towing package). To me, rims / rubber is rubber. In my region, I use steel rims with better winter rubber 6 months of the year anyway.

Bottom line is... Is obtaining factory Towing Package or adding one's own towing item upgrade items afterwards the better "cost savings" selection? And yes, I'm ok "with a wrench" (sort of speaking). Installing coil spring air bag inserts, coil spring Timbrens SES inserts, Class III trailer hitch, its T wiring, Brake Controller, 7-pin outlet and 12V "+" lead into 7-pin plug is a no brainer for my Technical skills. Just wondering if their factory $650 + taxes upgrade is worth it?

thanks.

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Bottom line is... Is obtaining factory Towing Package or adding one's own towing item upgrade items afterwards the better "cost savings" selection? And yes, I'm ok "with a wrench" (sort of speaking). Installing coil spring air bag inserts, coil spring Timbrens SES inserts, Class III trailer hitch, its T wiring, Brake Controller, 7-pin outlet and 12V "+" lead into 7-pin plug is a no brainer for my Technical skills. Just wondering if their factory $650 + taxes upgrade is worth it? thanks.

I'd probably install a hitch and some sort of weight transfer system myself. Ours came with load leveling and I've never had any major problems with it.

If I remember correctly the maximum capacity of a class II hitch is 300 lb at the ball or 3500 lb GTW. That means you shouldn't install the bigger class III hitch system as this will exceed the capacity of the van.

As far as extra cooling, I would probably install a trans cooler in series with the existing internal rad cooler as insurance.

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For Montana van, hitch details are:


Bottom of page: http://www.accessconnect.com/pontiac_trailer_hitch.htm

See Part number: 87410

Note:
- Class 2 style hitches have a 3500 lbs. gross trailer towing weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight unless noted otherwise.
- Class 3 style hitches have a 3500 lbs. gross trailer towing weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight unless noted otherwise.


For me, If I'm going to buy a Class II hitch, I'd rather spend a few more minor dollars and get a "much stronger" Class III hitch instead. Works for me...

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