Sienna with Tow Package

[js39]

I am recently test driving 03 Sienna (Certified and Non-Certified). The question I have is there are some with tow package. Now I am not sure if the tow package was used and what kind a load it put on this refined Camry engine. Does it really hurt if you buy a minivan with a tow package that could have a transmission issues in the long run due to a tow package. I dropped some 01 and 02 models due to the reviews that 03 is much more refined. Is it really true ?

[koolmotor]

For what it's worth, I'll tell you that my 2001 Sienna (bought new) also came with a towing package. Indeed, every Sienna on the lot when I bought mine had the towing package. After learning about the infamous Sienna oil sludge problem, I did a little investigating and came away with the distinct impression that at the time I bought my van and, apparently, still in 2003, Toyota (who know about the sludge iussue but had not yet owned up to it) had begun shipping all Siennas with the towing package, believing that the larger radiator, etc., would help the engines run cooler and thus ameliorate the sludge issue. Someone more knowledgeable may want to comment (perhaps I'm way off base).

I will tell you that I am still driving my Sienna nearly six years later (approx. 90,000 miles) and I've had no problem with sludge and I've experienced no negative effects from the towing package (even though I never have pulled a trailer with the van). Again, take it for what it's worth...
Kevin

[89Firebird2.8]

I bought mine without the tow package. I use a truck to tow my loads. Sienna's struggling to live at 130K without ever having pulled a trailer.

[dave2001auto]

Originally Posted by js39

I am recently test driving 03 Sienna (Certified and Non-Certified). The question I have is there are some with tow package. Now I am not sure if the tow package was used and what kind a load it put on this refined Camry engine. Does it really hurt if you buy a minivan with a tow package that could have a transmission issues in the long run due to a tow package. I dropped some 01 and 02 models due to the reviews that 03 is much more refined. Is it really true ?

The van comes with two types of tow packages:
1. Just with larger radiator (other companies have a extra tranny cooler and different gearing), no hitch.
2. With a larger radiator, cooler and tow hitch.

I kind of felt cheated when I found out that #1 didn't have the standard tranny cooler with it The tranny cooler should be in front of the left fender.

[jdmccright]

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