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V-92 tow package

64K views 25 replies 13 participants last post by  bakerm28  
#1 ·
Hey everyone....I'm hoping someone with some competence can help me out here. I have a 2011 Chevy Traverse LS AWD without the V-92 tow package, and i want to tow a 4,000 lb camper. I know i am currently rated at 2,000 Lb and want to increase my capacity. When calling to several Chevy Dealerships, i hav received mixed answers on whether or not they can install the V-92 package (to keep my warranty valid). One dealership said they could do it for $425 and other dealerships say that they can not do it. I just want to make sure that these guys that say they CAN do it, know what they are talking about. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
#2 ·
I think most say they CAN install MOST of the parts that make up the factory package...

but 'legally' in GM's eyes.. you are still limited to 2000 lbs.

Thoug the ones that say they CAN.... ask them if it will 'legally' increase your tow capacity to 5200 lbs... if they say yes--- ask them to put in in writing...

I know of 1 member on here who had the dealer put in in writing.....
 
#4 ·
There is no way a dealer can "add" the factory tow package for $425.00. I think he is just going to install a hitch and ball.

The package includes the hitch, wires and harness, at one time a different fuse box (not sure if that is true anymore) cover plate for where the hitch comes through the bumper, larger radiator, and the tow mode button on the dash board. If you have a dealer willing to do all of that for $425.00 go for it!
 
#5 ·
ls973800 said:
There is no way a dealer can "add" the factory tow package for $425.00. I think he is just going to install a hitch and ball.

The package includes the hitch, wires and harness, at one time a different fuse box (not sure if that is true anymore) cover plate for where the hitch comes through the bumper, larger radiator, and the tow mode button on the dash board. If you have a dealer willing to do all of that for $425.00 go for it!
Personally, I'm starting to wonder about the radiator. I was speaking with someone this weekend that told me the transmission lines run through the rad to warm the fluid up and then run through a cooler to cool it down. That being said, I only see the lines running to the rad. I don't see any additional cooling on the "Tow package" Traverse. I'm starting to think that the Tow package only really gets you the button, hitch, electrical wiring and a warranty that covers you up to 5200lbs. I'm really not convinced that there is any thing different as far as the transmission fluid cooling goes.

I'd like to see pics of the cooling lines of a non-tow package Traverse vs. the pics of a Traverse that has a tow package. I can take the tow package pics if anyone wants to snap pics of the non-tow package version!
 
#6 ·
No the Radiator is a heavy duty one GM list two parts and two prices.

I know for a fact it's different. Part #1 is the radiator.

Image




COOLING SYSTEM / COOLING / RADIATOR & COMPONENTS / Radiator

With Tow Package

Radiator w/heavy duty clg

MSRP Core ? Online Price
$698.20 $0.00 $515.27
View Part Diagram Item # 1



Without Tow package.

COOLING SYSTEM / COOLING / RADIATOR & COMPONENTS / Radiator
Radiator w/o heavy duty clg

MSRP Core ? Online Price
$619.65 $0.00 $457.30
View Part Diagram Item # 1
 
#8 ·
thats right.. it appears its the fins ability to dissipate heat..
Denser- or more of them.... for incrased cooling capacity.


as LS973 said.... they are most likely ONLY adding an aftermarket hitch- (About $200-$300 depending on their charges)-- (if you buy one online at say etrailer.com $250 is what one cost-- roughly).... and the rest is labor charge.


I would ask-- what is being installed... with a breakdown of parts...
the factory tow package is about $525.
 
#9 ·
I'm apparently not qualified to post attachments, but I can email you a spreadsheet of GM parts required and prices. All the GM parts total $924. Dealer installation extra. As others said above, get them to put it in writing. (Note: 2012's don't need the fuse-relay box, just the fuses and relays; don't know the prices).

My spreadsheet also shows you what parts I've added, for a LOT LESS, but GM won't warrant it (the HD radiator is the killer). Only major difference for me is aux oil cooler vice GM HD radiator and Drawtite hitch vs GM.

More: I'm pullling a Rockford Roo 19, GVWR=4770 lbs (and I'm less than that). The Traverse sits mostly in 4th gear at 65mph, won't go into 5th unless downhill or tailwind. 9-10 mpg. The Traverse is my wife's car, so I'm looking at getting something else as a tow vehicle. It's not the weight, it's the frontal area i.e., drag. Note that others seem to do OK, not sure why I don't.

If you are interested in doing what I did or seeing the GM parts prices, send me an email (see my profile) and I can email you all kinds of info on doing it yourself, pics included. I let the pro's do the cooler. The rest is pretty easy.
 
#10 ·
BigBlueTraverse said:
get it in writing that they will continue to honor your warranty.

If you don't have the factory tow package and tow they will most likely not honor the warranty if the transmission is the issue.
A Chevrolet "dealer" cannot "override" the wording or implications of the Chevrolet warranty, as written by Chevrolet.

It is the responsibility of the dealer to "honor" the Chevrolet warranty, as outlined in GM's P & P manual, policies and procedures manual.

For a dealer or his representative to put into writing the warranty is "valid" on a tow package, without the V92 code attached to the VIN of that vehicle is looking for BIG trouble.
 
#11 ·
bobg1951chevy said:
A Chevrolet "dealer" cannot "override" the wording or implications of the Chevrolet warranty, as written by Chevrolet.

It is the responsibility of the dealer to "honor" the Chevrolet warranty, as outlined in GM's P & P manual, policies and procedures manual.

For a dealer or his representative to put into writing the warranty is "valid" on a tow package, without the V92 code attached to the VIN of that vehicle is looking for BIG trouble.
True, but they could see a transmission fail, and just TELL GM that the vehicle doesn't have the tow package, and hasn't been towing over 2,000 lbs. Sure if they were caught in their act, then they would be punished, but they could still choose to honor GM warranty, without GM's knowledge, if they wanted. Just sayin.
 
#12 ·
I wonder how the one poster did it--- that got it in writing...
that they would honor the 'upgrade'... was it the DEALER itself that made the promise.. as in they would pay for repairs.
 
#13 ·
I had the same questions about warranty with my 2012 2LT that did not come with the towing package. I called GM (1-800-222-1020) and asked how the warranty would be affected both if I had my dealer install a hitch and if I had a 3rd party (like U-Haul) install it. After being placed on hold the GM rep came back to tell me that she investigated it and even called my dealer's service department and the policy is that regardless of whether the dealer installs a GM part or a 3rd party installs an aftermarket part, so long as the hitch is installed correctly and I don't exceed the maximum towing capacity the warranty would not be voided. I asked her to confirm what the maximum capacity would be for both a GM hitch and a comparably-rated aftermarket hitch and she said it is indeed 2000 lbs.
 
#14 ·
I just called my dealer's service department to get a quote and to ask what is involved with installing a GM hitch. Service tells me that it costs about $1500-$1600 to "do it right." When I asked him exactly what comes with that install he said that they install a hitch (not weight-distributing), re-wire the fuse box, and upgrade the brake module. This wouldn't include the HD rad, transmission cooler, or even the Tow/Haul switch.

Anyone else have this done at a dealer? Does this sound like what they did for your Traverse and at a similar price?
 
#15 ·
calanan said:
include the HD rad, transmission cooler, or even the Tow/Haul switch.
just to clarify...

the HD radiator/Trans cooler.. are 1 unit. the cooler is built into the radiator assembly.

So is the regular unit.... just that the HD unit- has better cooling/flow.
 
#16 ·
I am getting ready to do this on my 2012 at the moment. Should cost me about $325 and 1.5/2 hours of my labor. Here is what I am doing;
Tow/haul switch will be from gmpartsdirect
add fuse and relay to fuse box, parts from autoxone,napa, ect.
aftermarket hitch (not sure where I want to purchase from yet)
wiring, I need a flat 4 connector and am unsure if I will do an inline setup with the lights or use the GM 7 pin setup and a converter.

I will not be adding the tranny cooler at this time as my trailer is light, If I were going to tow higher weights I would do a cooler and brake controller for sure.
 
#19 ·
Thanks, I see references that the part number for the 4-switch controls is 15839586 - a search on gmpartsdirect.com shows that the part has been superceded by 22824080 for just under $27.. I'll have to give them a call to confirm that this is the new 4-switch control for a 2012.

gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?singlepart=1&partnumber=22824080
 
#20 ·
calanan said:
I just called my dealer's service department to get a quote and to ask what is involved with installing a GM hitch. Service tells me that it costs about $1500-$1600 to "do it right." When I asked him exactly what comes with that install he said that they install a hitch (not weight-distributing), re-wire the fuse box, and upgrade the brake module. This wouldn't include the HD rad, transmission cooler, or even the Tow/Haul switch.

Anyone else have this done at a dealer? Does this sound like what they did for your Traverse and at a similar price?
That seems like a ridiculous price. Just put on an aftermarket class IV hitch, install the T/H switch, get the wiring put in, add a brake controller (if you need it) and an aftermarket transmission cooler. There are pics on the acadiaforum of how to install a transmission cooler. The transmission cooler will be WAY more effective than the HD radiator which more or less warms up the transmission fluid, instead of keeping it cool. Personally I'm a bit disappointed in the factory HD radiator. I wish GM would have put on an external cooler like the do on pickup trucks....that is USUALLY part of what you are paying for when you buy the tow package. Now I know why the pack is only $500 option. I wish it would have been a $600 option and included the auxillary cooler. Ohwell.
 
#23 ·
recently had one heck of a time locating one with the V92 package... with the options we wanted.
My brother lives in Florida. I did a search for Traverse LT1 with V92.
No luck. All the ones I could find near him- had ALOT of extras 'we' werent willing to pay for. We had a price range to stay within- and the ones near him had way too many extras... sunroof, leather, captains, bose, navigation, wrong color. He lives in the panhandle and had no desire for sunroof.

By luck-- we ended up finding one about 20 miles from me- here in Los Angeles.
LT1 in silver, V92, Remote Start, Rear Camera, seathing for 8, ebony interior, heated front seats. (the heated seats were actually part of the ALL STAR package)-- which had the remote start and heated seats... it came with 20's too.
I went ahead and did the legwork to have the dealer trade for the vehicle and prep it. (the salesman who weve bought 8 cars from)
He had his preapproved check ready to go.
My brother drove out from Florida with the family in his VUE. (they had already planned to come out)...
When they arrived- we headed over to the dealer- traded in his Vue- and we drove off.

It worked out quite well for him.

a day or so after he got the 2012--- we went on a long trip to the Redwood forest..
Check out his 2012 driving thru a redwood tree..

http://www.traverseforum.com/index.php?topic=2673.0
 
#24 ·
Quantum said:
I think it is completely up to the dealership. My dealer only stocks Traverse's/Acadia's with the tow package and remote start. If you want one without those options, you either have to order or have them do a dealer trade.
That's interesting Quantum. I looked for a used base model (LS) Traverse with a V92 package around here for an entire year before giving up. Finding a base model with the tow package, new or used, was nearly impossible. Tow packages seem to be more readily available on loaded models though. I found them quite common on Enclaves, which always come loaded it seems.

Anyway, I finally gave up and settled for a low mileage rental return LS then added what I needed to tow aftermarket. It cost me over $2k to do it, but that included some extras. For the cost, the V92 package is definitely worth it.
 
#25 ·
I wanted a 2012 2LT with nothing else but the tow package. They are rarer than blue moons. Dealer found only 1 w/in 500 miles and they didn't want to let it go. That's how I ended up with a 2011 2LT with all the bling (leather, rear DVD, sunroof) for $6K less than new (16,000 mi) and put on the tow package myself. Only diff is aux oil clr vs HD radiator, and Drawtite hitch vs GM. Only cost me $665 (only $140 over the GM package cost). I'm pretty happy with that!
 
#26 ·
greentraverse said:
I wanted a 2012 2LT with nothing else but the tow package. They are rarer than blue moons. Dealer found only 1 w/in 500 miles and they didn't want to let it go. That's how I ended up with a 2011 2LT with all the bling (leather, rear DVD, sunroof) for $6K less than new (16,000 mi) and put on the tow package myself. Only diff is aux oil clr vs HD radiator, and Drawtite hitch vs GM. Only cost me $665 (only $140 over the GM package cost). I'm pretty happy with that!
I know there are those on this forum that will tell you that even though you have added the equipment aftermarket that may in fact be better than the factory tow package, that because you don't have the V92 tow package that GM can deny your claim. They could but, from a legal standpoint if you took it to court and showed a judge and jury that you have added everything the factory V92 tow package has, most likely you will win the claim in court because you have added everything that the V92 package has. I have seen cases just like this over the years. Many of them settled in small claims court without the retaining of a attorney.