This may be too broad a question, but I'll try. I'm considering getting a new Chevy Colorado. I don't know if I should take the easy way out and have the dealer/factory install everything, or have an RV place do this. I've not priced this with any RV place. The cost of 'trailering' from Chevy is $540 list --- Curt (Triflex)proportional controller, receiver, hitch, pin, ball, wiring -- the whole shot. Is that a ridiculous price or in line with an RV dealer? I'm going to be towing a pup, so I don't need WD (or should not need), sway, or anything extra. I do want a good controller. This Triflex has good reviews,, but I know discussions of what is 'best' get rather heated.Thanks.

Not even close...get the factory tow package.

downtheroad wrote:Not even close...get the factory tow package.X 2

The best fit of course is going to be from the factory. But they know that as well and you will pay for it. The other type of hitches (after Market) will do the job just fine however you need to know that they are after market and designed to take the place of the components that have been made and designed by the factory. So if not having genuine ford parts on your rig doesn't bother you then I would go with the cheaper after market stuff. I guess it comes down to what ever makes you comfortable. After market probably saves you $$$ I would guess if you go to a U-Haul they could set your rig up for much less than Ford. Will you like it? Who knows but it will work just fine.

Factory will be way cheaper unless you buy junk and install it yourself. Even when I do something myself, my time is worth something.

sch911 wrote:downtheroad wrote:Not even close...get the factory tow package.X 2X3My ram came with receiver, heavy-duty tranny cooler, beefy rear-end, but not the brake controller. I had the dealer install it because the intergrated controller shows up on the heads-up display and fits right into its own slot in the dash.After-market (dealers) tend to just "SLAP" them wherever is convenient and they are not integrated to the truck. Most trucks have the plug-ins right under the dash (steering column area), so if you go after market, save some cash and plug it in yourself. Just know that if you buy an integrated OEM part on-line, you would still have to go to the dealer to have them FLASH it to the trucks computer.I couldn't just stop at X3 :ZBy the way....I paid over $400.00 just to have the controller installed. The part runs about $300.00 on E-bay, and since I would need it flashed ANYWAY, I paid the hundred bucks and let them tear the dash apart. Plus, I had someone to blame if it did not work.

Have factory tow package or after market? | Good Sam Community

retiredtravele1
Explorer
Mar 21, 2015
"...Doesn't look like there is any option for an integrated brake controller, or any HD cooling upgrades that come with this trailering package.....".

You're correct. Took me awhile to figure out whats-what. Yes, dealer installed options are all the hitch accessories that, as pointed out, I can get myself at less cost.
Thanks for responses. I'll go with the 'trailering' option and add the rest later.
King27
Explorer
Mar 21, 2015
GM seems to have brought the Colorado and Canyon out before they had gotten their ducks in a row.

There is no integrated brake controller. Just a "Curt" add on.

I had looked forward to the Canyon since I no longer tow heavy and would like a somewhat smaller truck for ease of driving and parking, but after following them since release, I moved away. Also do not like the 3.5 Automobile engine. The diesel option may be better when it is released, but I am really tired of the diesel/EPA engines. Their Truck 4.6 should be a good choice if they go that direction at some point.

Just traded for a Chevy High Country.
Charles2222
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
Go factory!! In 2011 I bought a new GMC with everything I could get from the factory,transmission cooler,eng. cooler,mirrors,brake control,hitch reciever,light hook-up.After using after market junk and doing myself it sure is nice.Just a good brake after market control will cost you about half as much as that 500+ you are talking about.Have fun!!!
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
My first 2 trucks had factory installed tow packages, but after market brake controllers. Braking was horrible.

My current truck came with everything factory installed, including the integrated brake controller. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much different now! No comparison.

Get the factory package and the integrated brake conroller. Now matter what the cost! You will NOT be disappointed. I'll "never" do an aftermarket "anything" again.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Mar 20, 2015
According to the Chevy website, this is the only option shown for the Colorado:

Trailering Equipment:
Includes a 2" receiver hitch, 4-pin and 7-pin connectors
Requires the 3.6L DOHC V6 engine and the automatic locking rear differential

The Trailering option is shown at $250, and auto locking diff is another $325 option. The 3.6L V6 is standard.

Doesn't look like there is any option for an integrated brake controller, or any HD cooling upgrades that come with this trailering package.

Even still, the advantage of OEM is that you get a the electrical connector factory-wired in, so that will make adding the brake controller easier and much less expensive.
pappcam
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
retiredtraveler wrote:
Oh.Oh.oh. oh.

Didn't read fine print. That price is for all the components. So, I will have to get an installed price. I messed up on that. I have not purchased a car in 10 years.

And yes, this is strictly for the hitch and related --- no cooling. And it looks like dealer, not factory. I'll have to check on that for sure.

I'd look at getting the actual factory tow package if you are buying a new vehicle to pull something. All you would need after that is a hitch and brake controller. Actually, the tow package might include an integrated brake controller which is infinitely better than aftermarket as it ties into your vehicles existing ant-sway features.
kvangil
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
If you are considering a brand new truck, I would consider getting it with the Trailering Package, which would include the receiver and wiring harness. As for the brake controller and the hitch/pin/ball, you can get those afterward on your own for less. Most of the name brand brake controllers are plug-n-play with most trucks (e.g. Prodigy P3). I don't think you really need to go to the RV dealer for anything, based on the info provided. Good luck!
mdamerell
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
No matter what I was towing, if I was buying a new vehicle, the factory tow package is a no brainer. The upgraded components of the tow package in the drive train, not to mention a factory installed hitch means the manufacturer as blessed it's configuration. The clean lines of the factory installed is also a plus to me. I haul parts for one of the big three and upgraded parts if nothing else look much more capable than the stock, generic parts.
retiredtravele1
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
Oh.Oh.oh. oh.

Didn't read fine print. That price is for all the components. So, I will have to get an installed price. I messed up on that. I have not purchased a car in 10 years.

And yes, this is strictly for the hitch and related --- no cooling. And it looks like dealer, not factory. I'll have to check on that for sure.
pappcam
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
retiredtraveler wrote:
This may be too broad a question, but I'll try. I'm considering getting a new Chevy Colorado.

I don't know if I should take the easy way out and have the dealer/factory install everything, or have an RV place do this. I've not priced this with any RV place. The cost of 'trailering' from Chevy is $540 list --- Curt (Triflex)proportional controller, receiver, hitch, pin, ball, wiring -- the whole shot. Is that a ridiculous price or in line with an RV dealer?

I'm going to be towing a pup, so I don't need WD (or should not need), sway, or anything extra. I do want a good controller. This Triflex has good reviews,, but I know discussions of what is 'best' get rather heated.

Thanks.

I'm a little confused.

What you're talking about seems like a dealer add-on and not a factory tow package. I've never heard of a factory tow package include the install of an aftermarket brake controller.

A factory tow package usually involves added cooling capacity along with a factory hitch receiver and associated wiring plus some other details.

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