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tow package

What is the Difference Between a Tow Package and a Hitch?

When preparing your vehicle for towing, understanding the distinction between a “tow package” and a “hitch” is essential. While these terms may seem synonymous, they represent distinct aspects of your towing setup. In this article, we will go over the difference between a tow package and a hitch.

Is the tow hitch the same as the tow package?

A tow hitch refers to the physical receiver hitch mounted to the rear of a towing vehicle. It includes the hitch receiver, where you attach the trailer hitch ball or other towing accessories. The tow hitch is the part of the vehicle that provides the connection point for towing a trailer or other loads.

On the other hand, a tow package is a comprehensive set of features and components that a vehicle manufacturer offers to enhance its towing capabilities. It typically includes not only the tow hitch but also other important elements.

What does a tow package include?

A tow package typically includes a factory-installed tow hitch as a central component, providing the essential connection point for attaching trailers or towing accessories. Additionally, a tow package often includes an upgraded wiring harness to ensure proper electrical connections between the towing vehicle and the trailer, maintaining essential lighting and signaling functions. Many tow packages incorporate a transmission cooler. This cooler is crucial for vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions to prevent transmission overheating during heavy towing. Furthermore, some packages include a larger or heavy-duty radiator to help manage engine temperature, especially under demanding towing conditions. 

Other enhancements may encompass upgraded suspension components to handle the added weight better, an upgraded alternator to meet the extra electrical demands of towing, and even features like trailer sway control for increased towing stability. The exact contents of a tow package can vary between vehicle models and manufacturers, so it’s essential to consult the vehicle’s specifications or owner’s manual to understand the precise benefits and features of a specific tow package.

Is it worth getting a tow hitch?

When enhancing your vehicle’s towing capabilities, opting for a dedicated tow hitch from Gen-Y Hitch can often be a superior choice compared to relying solely on a manufacturer’s tow package. While tow packages offered by vehicle manufacturers can provide some enhancements, they may not always include the most robust and versatile towing solutions. 

Gen-Y Hitch specializes in crafting top-quality tow hitches custom-tailored to your needs, ensuring a secure and reliable connection between your towing vehicle and the trailer. Gen-Y Hitch’s wide range of hitch classes and innovative designs means you can select the perfect hitch to match your towing capacity and requirements. Plus, with the flexibility to attach various accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers, a Gen-Y Hitch adds convenience and versatility to your vehicle, making it a valuable investment for those who frequently tow or seek a more customizable towing solution.

Can you have a hitch on your truck when not towing?

For many reasons, keeping a hitch on your truck when you’re not actively towing is a practical choice. Its convenience is undeniable, as it allows you to effortlessly attach various towing accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers, making your truck more versatile for everyday needs. Moreover, having a hitch in place prepares you for future towing requirements without the hassle of installing a hitch when needed. It can also enhance the resale value of your truck, as potential buyers looking for towing capabilities often prefer vehicles with pre-installed hitches. Additionally, some hitches come in stylish designs that can add to your truck’s overall aesthetic appeal. Lastly, the utility of having a hitch on hand makes it a valuable addition to your truck.

Let Us Help!

Gen-Y Hitch exists to better the lives of our customers, dealers, vendors, employees, and the automotive industry. We will always put our customers’ needs ahead of our own. Contact us today, and let us help you!

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GEN-Y Hitch Limited Lifetime Warranty

This Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in the materials or workmanship of All GEN-Y manufactured products and is limited to the repair or replacement of the product by GEN-Y Hitch. The decision as to whether the solution is replacement or repair shall be at GEN-Y Hitch’s sole determination. This Limited Lifetime Warranty is provided only to the original purchaser and applies only to the original installation.

TORSION-FLEX Hitches

All rubber components for TORSION-FLEX Hitches are assured for 5 years from the date the unit was purchased.

Click HERE to purchase a TORSION-FLEX Lifetime Warranty  

This Limited Lifetime Warranty Warranty is expressly IN LIEU of any other express warranty and is further IN LIEU of any implied warranty, including, but not limited to, any implied WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE except as may otherwise be required by applicable Federal or State law at the time the hitch was manufactured.

This Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover the following:

  • normal wear and tear 
  • the finish on the product  →  wear around the shank of the hitch, the ball mount & the pintle saddle is inevitable and should be expected with normal use of the hitch due to metal on metal contact from trailer couplers / lunette rings
  • replacement of the product by any person or entity other than GEN-Y Hitch
  • any consequential or incidental damages including, but not limited to: commercial loss, loss of time, loss or damage to personal property, lodging, meals or other related travel costs or any other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of the product, the inability to use the product or for any other reasonable delay in performance under this Lifetime Warranty
  • service or labor charges for:
    • installing the product 
    • removing the product
    • returning the product to GEN-Y Hitch or replacing the product by anyone other than GEN-Y Hitch
    • damages caused by abuse, neglect, misuse, misapplication, overloading or improper installation, improper maintenance, repair, negligence or acts of God
    • alteration of the product in any way other than by GEN-Y Hitch
    • failure to utilize the product in compliance with it’s User Manual
    • failure of any product to which the GEN-Y product was attached

GEN-Y Hitch shall not be held responsible for any or all “compatible parts or products” being used or being utilized for towing with or around a GEN-Y Hitch product. GEN-Y Hitch products shall never be altered in any circumstance or for any reason and will void any warranties if done so.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Limited Lifetime Warranty gives you specific legals right, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. The laws applicable to any litigation, dispute, mediation, arbitration, or any claim whatsoever arising from the sale, purchase, or use of the product shall be the laws of the State of Indiana, without regard to rules pertaining to conflicts of law. The exclusive jurisdiction for deciding any claims, demands or causes of action relating in any way, from the sale, purchase, or use of the product shall be with the courts of the Circuit or Superior Courts of Elkhart County, Indiana.

Changes in the Design of and/or Improvements to GEN-Y Hitch products and substitution of parts or components

GEN-Y Hitch reserves the unrestricted right at any time and from time to time to make changes in the design of and/or improvements upon GEN-Y Hitch products without thereby imposing any obligation upon itself to make corresponding changes or improvements in or upon GEN-Y Hitch products already manufactured. GEN-Y Hitch further reserves the right to substitute parts or components of substantially equal quality in any warranty service required by the operation of this Limited Warranty.

If your GEN-Y product was involved in an accident, do not continue to tow with it. There may be structural damage to the hitch that you cannot see that could result in product failure