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

17 Replies

Dakota98
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
Since your towing a PUP you may not even need the controller unless it's a large unit with tandem axle.

I'd still consider the Factory tow package though. Better re-sale value & the factory set-up will come with everything needed.
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
I would order it with the factory tow package, especially if it includes heavy duty cooling.
cbshoestring
Explorer II
Mar 20, 2015
sch911 wrote:
downtheroad wrote:
Not even close...get the factory tow package.

X 2

X3

My 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 :Z

By 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.
K_Charles
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
Factory will be way cheaper unless you buy junk and install it yourself. Even when I do something myself, my time is worth something.
diazr2
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
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.
sch911
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
downtheroad wrote:
Not even close...get the factory tow package.

X 2
downtheroad
Explorer
Mar 20, 2015
Not even close...get the factory tow package.

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Have factory tow package or after market?

17 Replies

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