Factory Tow package
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Factory Tow package
I own a 97 Eddie Bauer V-8 and the original window sticker says "L/S axle/trailor towing package" but theres no hitch or wiring! I know there are two kinds of aftermarket light kits for this setup wich are are a light kit for the factory "tow package" and a light kit for "non factory tow package" wich one do I get? There is nothing that indicates a tow package was ever on this truck.
Stummped Mr XLT
Stummped Mr XLT
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Factory Tow package
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-Dec-02 AT 01:33 PM (EST)]Prior to the "02 model explorers, the "tow package" only consisted of a L/S rear axle (usually 3.73 gearing), a plug in four prong wire harness and a "L" shaped bracket that bolted to the rear bumper that the end of the plug hooked to to keep it from hanging. Mine on my '98 Sport, '99 XLT and even my father's '01 XLT AWD was in a plain brown box sitting in the rear cargo area and I had to install it. Allot of people got the tow package just for the L/S and never used the factory plug.
If you remove your driver's side rear taillight housing, you will see a gray plug with a cap on it that comes off your taillight wiring. That is wear the factory plug was to be plugged in at. If you get the wiring kit for the "tow package", you will plug it in there.
If you remove your driver's side rear taillight housing, you will see a gray plug with a cap on it that comes off your taillight wiring. That is wear the factory plug was to be plugged in at. If you get the wiring kit for the "tow package", you will plug it in there.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Kelseyville, CA
Factory Tow package
Here is what my wire adapter looks like that came with my '97 tow package:
Here is where it plugs in on my '97. The plug is about 4" to the right of my right frame rail. Your bumper will hang down a little lower unless you have a body lift as well.
Here is where it plugs in on my '97. The plug is about 4" to the right of my right frame rail. Your bumper will hang down a little lower unless you have a body lift as well.
