2009 Sienna Question

[dmoore1108]

Hi everyone, this is my first post.

Question: I am looking at an '09 LE. The option list includes a "TOWING PREP PKG (TO)" AND A "DPS HITCH W/WIRE HARNESS & BALL MOUNT (DH-N)" Can anyone tell me exactly what those options are and do I need both? I am going to tow an '09 Starcraft 2106 popup.

Thanks,

David

[Zero260]

Hi David!

The "TOWING PREP PKG (TO)" is the option that gives the Sienna the capacity to tow up to 3500 lbs. of trailer; without it the van is only rated to tow 1200 lbs. This option adds an external engine oil cooler (not an auxiliary transmission cooler) to the 3.5L engine. Do you need it? The 2106 has a GVWR of 2090 lbs. (from www.starcraftrv.com), so according to Toyota you need this option. There has been some discussion of whether this is really necessary to tow over 1200 lbs., but that's another topic. For the cost of the option (was $220 in 2008 but I hear it has gone down some) I would get it if possible. For lots more info see this thread: http://siennachat.com/forum/index.php/topic,116.0.html.

The "DPS HITCH W/WIRE HARNESS & BALL MOUNT (DH-N)" is the option that installs the Toyota OEM Class II receiver hitch and wiring to a flat-4 connector (for stop lights and turn signals). If your 2106 has electric brakes (highly recommended, Toyota requires trailer brakes on anything over 1000 lbs.), you will still need to install a brake controller and additional wiring to convert to a 7-pin receptacle. Also, the Class II receiver has a 1-1/4" opening vs. a 2" opening of the available aftermarket Class III hitches. The OEM Class II receiver is not rated for a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH); all of the Class III receivers are. Whether the Starcraft can handle a WDH (not all trailers have a strong enough frame for the forces of a WDH), and whether you will need a WDH (maybe not, that's a fairly light popup) or will want a WDH (maybe so, the Sienna's rear suspension is pretty soft and easily sags under a load) should be the topic of another thread . So do you need this option? Not necessarily, aftermarket parts can be installed (by yourself or by a hitch shop). But if you want the option of using WDH (or have something like a bike rack that fits a 2" receiver) then you don't want to pay for this option; Then again, if you don't want/need the Class III receiver, and prefer the slightly less bulky Class II, the OEM Class II is the only one available for the Sienna. For info on what the "DPS" part of the OEM receiver is, see this thread: http://siennachat.com/forum/index.php/topic,496.0.html.