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Factory tow package vs aftermarket

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by timesinfinity, Mar 19, 2019.

  1. Mar 19, 2019 at 6:33 PM
    #1
    timesinfinity

    timesinfinity [OP] New Member

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    northeast
    So my frame was replaced a couple years back and I’d been meaning to address the completely rusted tow package / bumper that was put back on it. It was basically dissolved from (pre new frame) putting boats in the salt and I was nervous about it starting to infect the shiny frame. So I went ahead and took it apart and most of the bolts heads just sheared off and I basically had to cut it off and throw it away.

    Threw a new knock off bumper on it and obviously don’t have the tow bar any longer but I’d like to get that back in action.

    Main question - is there any advantage to finding a used factory tow bar or would an aftermarket add on be fine? I thought I heard someone talking about this a while back but couldn’t dig anything up on it.

    Also, someone said the truck felt significantly different / more rigid with a tow kit on. Any one got experience with that? Just mainly out of curiosity. I feel like it’s a little more twisty without the frame being boxed out via the original bar.
     
  2. Mar 19, 2019 at 6:35 PM
    #2
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    An aftermarket add on will do just fine. I'm in a similar situation with my new frame. I'm looking at name brand class IV hitches.
     
  3. May 29, 2019 at 8:31 AM
    #3
    timesinfinity

    timesinfinity [OP] New Member

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    curious what you went with for your class 4?

    also, potentially very dumb question - after i removed the factory tow package the rear of the frame was temporarily no longer "boxed out" as i didn't have the tow bar or what the manual calls the "bumper reinforcement" on the non tow package trucks. was just curious if this was dangerous / dumb beyond not having something to reinforce the bumper from impacts. aka, does that act as part of the frame structure etc?
     
  4. May 29, 2019 at 11:17 AM
    #4
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    I haven't bought anything yet. I've had other priorities as my current hitch setup is working fine for the time being.

    as far as running without some sort of reinforcement back there, I'd guess that isn't a good idea, but I don't know for sure.
     
  5. May 29, 2019 at 12:01 PM
    #5
    timesinfinity

    timesinfinity [OP] New Member

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    cool thanks for the response - let me know what you land on if you get a new one!
     
    lsaami likes this.
  6. May 29, 2019 at 12:17 PM
    #6
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    will do!
     
  7. May 29, 2019 at 12:23 PM
    #7
    Twinky

    Twinky Keep the shinny side up!

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    Ive never really thought about how the reciever and all was tied into the frame. But since its an addon option id imagine there are no safety issues if it was removed.

    Pretty curious though. Depending on how its mounts its possible that it could have an effect on how it rides.
     
  8. May 29, 2019 at 3:20 PM
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    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I have no idea for sure, but have read that the factory tow package is far superior than aftermarket as far a strength. I have the factory package and the way its all tied into the frame/rear bumper is like a glove when looking from underneath which probably portends to its strength.

    I’ve seen aftermarkets from the topside in parking lots and pictures and they just don’t seem to have that glove type fitment. I could be wrong.
     
  9. May 29, 2019 at 7:32 PM
    #9
    timesinfinity

    timesinfinity [OP] New Member

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    yeah the main thing is i don't have the "reinforcement bar" behind the bumper face that came with the non tow package versions. so i just have the very flimsy knock off bumper attached to my frame. it does feel a bit twisty torsionally now, but i could be imagining it.

    for sure, the original factory bar is definitely huge compared to the aftermarkets - way thicker and heavier!
     
  10. May 29, 2019 at 11:41 PM
    #10
    SoCalPaul

    SoCalPaul New Member

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    Front Bilstein 6112 shocks & Bilstein springs. Rear Bilstein 5160 remote Reservoir shocks, Wheeler’s Off-road add-a-leafs. LED lighting. Pioneer Avic 7200NEX Nav Head unit. Borla cat back exhaust.
    On my 2001 I installed an aftermarket, Reese I think. I wouldn’t say there was any significant difference between that and the factory one I have now. On the 2001 I installed the factory wiring harness for that year.
     

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