I'm buying an 04 Taco 4x4 Dcab. Occassionally I'll be towing a 2400 lb camping trailer - maybe 10 days/year but it will be in the Colorado mountains.

The Toyota dealer recommends I have a cooling fan clutch upgrade kit of some sort for ~$125, but he doesn't know anything about what it does.

Can anyone tell me if I need this?

Also, the local people want $400+ to install a class III trailer hitch. Anyone have any luck buying online and doing a self-install? Hidden-hitch or Draw-tite opinions?

Thanks,
Dan

 

I have a couple suggestions. If it's an auto, I'd recommend a trans and oil cooler. They make both that have thermostats in them that bypass the cooler when they're not needed, so the fluids can get up to operating temperature quicker.

This is the first I've heard about a fan clutch upgrade. But, if you're not running your A/C (probably not recommended when towing something heavy up amountain while it's hot), you could figure out where the relay is the controls the electric pusher fan that normally comes on with the A/C (in front of the radiator), and run your own switched ground wire to it, so you could turn it on for additional cooling when you think it's necessary.

If you shop around, you should be able to find a good hitch for 100-150 online (www.etrailer.com). I would think they're pretty easy to install.

FYI, on the family vehicle, an '03 Honda Odyssey, if we install a receiver we have to install a P/S and trans cooler, or it'll void the warranty.

 

Rob,

Thanks for the suggestions. It is an auto & and I'll check into the coolers.

Dan

 

Check out IPT for coolers. The owner "TransDude" is around here once in a while.

 

I don't believe any third gens have the A/C pusher fan. You could add a small one yourself pretty easy though. I had my fan clutch apart for an overheating problem once. They are adjustable to change what temp it locks up, but you have to take the clutch apart. You would then have to change back for normal driving. The upgrade may just be another fan clutch adjusted this way. Definetly get the trans cooler. I wish the D-cabs came in 5spd. It would then be the perfect truck.

 

I ordered my class III hitch from etrailer.com. The install was pretty easy to do by myself. I would recommend the drawtite.

 

how about getting rid of the clutch, put in a Flex-a-lite fan with temp and manual switch