Anyone have the tow package? Anyone have the hitch wiring ?

[Herb Jenssen]

I'm still fighting with this worthles DC about my tow package and I'm getting weary.
I've sent three certified letters. One was to the President, Mr.Dieter Zetsche.
Response? Get serious! Nada, Zip, nothing!

How complicated is the shocks? Computer? Wiring,etc?
In your opinion can it be dealer installed?

I'm also still waiting on the hitch wiring.

Anyone received theirs yet?
Thanks
Herb Jenssen

[Badpenny]

Just looking at the service manual, you have to partially drop the rear drive assembly to remove or replace the Nivomat load adjusting shocks. No problem with the standard shocks, they just lift out. The dealer should be able to install the Nivomat shocks IF they can order them from the factory. I was going to install them myself but I don't want to mess with the 5 link rear suspension.

[Badpenny]

I forgot to add, the trailer wiring should be a simple job but I haven't received Vol 2, 3 and 4 of my service manual yet. The last volume apparently has all the wiring diagrams. DC Technical only shipped me Vol 1, some body goofed! Customer Service said they would ship out the rest ASAP.

[HemiMagnum]

does the magnum even have a towing capacity?

[MagnumFreak]

3800 lbs with the load leveling shocks and heavy duty cooling. Without it is about 2000.

[Herb Jenssen]

Badpenny,
Is there any kind of computer involved with the shocks?
How does the shocks get the signal to inflate?
Where is the compressor located?
Thanks
Herb

[Badpenny]

The Nivomat shocks are self leveling with no external connections. They have a built in pump powered by the wheel oscillations over the road. They probably won't work on a lowered Magnum, the shocks will want to raise the rear up to normal ride height. Check Zfsachs web site: http://www.zfsachs.com/

[Herb Jenssen]

Thanks Badpenny for the info.
I wonder why Dodge insists they can't install them.
They say you can only order them on a new car ????

I'm still not sure how it stays level. You said an Oscillating wheel?
I'm not sure what your referring to. Can you explain?
Thanks
Herb

[Badpenny]

The Nivomat description used the term "oscillation". I should have said bouncing over the road. The up/down movement of the axle as the tires roll over the road cause an internal pump in the shock to build up pressure until the proper ride height is reached. Sounds like your dealer is just lazy. The service manual has very detailed instructions on how to replace the Nivomat shocks!

[Herb Jenssen]

Badpenny,
You have made my day!! Thanks so much for the info.
I want to see what excuse they have now.
Later
Herb

[BlanchMan]

My car is supposed to have the Tow Package. I was just investigating the suspension yesterday, as I was painting my brake calipers. The rear shocks are definitely self-contained. No wiring or hydralics of any kind. I was really wondering if in fact I had the load-leveling shocks, because external appearences don't show much. Have to assume they are. I did notice that they say Sachs on them. Not sure if Sachs are the standard issue shocks ??

[Herb Jenssen]

This has got to be the most f_______ up company I've ever dealt with.
Dodge will not give me a part number for the tow package shocks or springs unless I give them a VIN number from a vehicle with a tow package !!!!!

I gave them the part number that Badpenny gave me and they STILL can't look anything up with out a VIN.

I called ZF Sachs (dont know if the ones without the tow package say Sachs on the shocks. I'll have to look.) and spoke to an engineer and was informed that the tow package also comes with different springs.

This was news to me! They couldn't help me with part numbers because they change a number of times by the time they get put on the car.

I called up worthless Chrysler Customer Assistance and they didn't disappoint me. I was disconnected after being on hold for 10 min.

When I finally got to speak with someone they told me I need the VIN also.
They did tell me there were "THIRTY" different spring and shock combos for the Magnum. I said I find this hard to believe. I mean, yeah, maybe for the different model Magnum's but "THIRTY" Give me a break!

I called back the ZF engineer and was told there are "SIX" different combos.
Some options come with the Tow Package, some come with other options etc. I give up!

Anyone with a tow package can you give me your VIN? Or, if you don't want to do that, call up parts and give them your VIN and ask for the part numbers for your rear springs and shocks and see what the cost is.

Although I won't be able to order them because they can't look them up even if I have a part number.
Does any of this make sense??
Herb

[Herb Jenssen]

I found a VIN for a Magnum with the tow package and called two Dodge dealers.

They both told me the springs were available but not the shocks.
They don't know why.

One said the springs had a left and right part number, the other said they did not. One price was $76.00 the other was $68.00.

Both gave me the same part number for the shocks=4895512AB

One gave me 4895533AA and 4895534AA for the springs left and right.

The other dealer gave me 4895313AA for both springs. Go figure!!

[Badpenny]

Page 2-113 of the service manual, under rear spring installation, the first thing is "Note: Rear coil springs are interchangeable" in bold type. On page 2-31, front shock reassembly, it notes that left and right springs must NOT be interchanged. Sounds like the dealer got the front and rear springs mixed up.

[Herb Jenssen]

Thanks Badpenny. I'll get on their case again tomorrow.
Any idea why the difference in part numbers from yours?
Later
Herb

[Mosie]

The Nivomat shocks are self leveling with no external connections. They have a built in pump powered by the wheel oscillations over the road. * They probably won't work on a lowered Magnum, the shocks will want to raise the rear up to normal ride height. So what is in the tow package?
AND, what are all the different components consisting of? I have heard different items from different sources.

I ask because I intend to lower my Magnum.*
Plus, I would like to have the heavy duty parts (cooling and alternator?) even though I do not have anything to tow.
Am I weird or what..?

[Herb Jenssen]

The tow package consists of different radiator, different cooling fans, different shocks(self leveling) and different rear springs.
That's it as far as I know.
Later
Herb

[BlanchMan]

I have the TOW package, in fact the Magnum is in the shop today for the 7-lead wiring install. The dealership had never done a hitch package before, so the first day they only managed to get the receiver installed. I checked this out, and wow, am I glad I didn't even consider installing this piece. I usually like to do this kind of work, to make sure its done RIGHT. This would have bene a mess. I'm pretty sure you have to remove the mufflers to get access to the mount points.
The wiring for the 7-lead requires the installation of a wiring loom, so is a little time consuming. Since this is their first shot, I think I will let them take their time.
Note that the package I bought with the car, running about $500 did not even include the, ahhhhh, ball and tougue part. Jeez, this is strange, and getting quite expensive !! Luckily, the dealership has decided to contribute this part of the package, mainly, I think, because they are taking so long.

Anyway, yea, I have the load-leveling shocks too. I was thinking that I might just lower the front of the car, and leave the back alone. That will give the Magnum a much more aggressive look.

[Mosie]

I heard from a sales guy that the tow package has different rear end gearing. I have not heard that anywhere else so I am thinking that it's not correct. He also said it comes with a transmission oil cooler...

Like I said, there's a lot of misinformation out there and I just don't know.

[Herb Jenssen]

I think your sales person is misinformed.

[Badpenny]

I just recieved the Mopar ball mount (82208642) for my factory recommended trailer hitch. The "Tow Package" is rather pointless if you plan to use the factory ball mount. Stamped on the part is:
max load 2000LB, tongue wt. 200LB. Both the SXT and RT can handle that load without the self leveling shocks and other heavy duty stuff. I'm now glad I didn't wait for the tow package. As far as the wiring, I'm using a Tow Power Regular Duty Circuit Protector, Reese #74204. It isolates the car lamp circuits from the trailer circuit and installs with simple crimp on splices.

[BlanchMan]

It occurs to me that those Nivomat shocks are pretty cool !! Althougth they definitely can have their drawbacks, as far as customization/programmability is concerned, I really love components that are self contained. There are much less problems overall with self contained components, as any type of interfacing is not a factor.

[Herb Jenssen]

Blanchman,
What type of connector does the factory wiring have?
Is it flat or round?
Also, do they have a place to put the connector or does it just hang down?
Thanks
Herb

[Badpenny]

I don't know about the factory wiring but the hitch has a welded bracket for a 7 pin round connector. The hitch kit also comes with an adapter plate for a 4 pin rectangular connector. I couldn't find the factory harness listed so I used a simple aftermarket device that uses 4 crimp splices. Works just fine and protects the car wiring.

[BlanchMan]

When i purchased the car, I specified the 7-pin big ole round connector, as it is what my tent-trailor uses. Using the 7-pin guy allows you to run 12-volt power and electric brake lines to the trailor. The mount for this connector is built into the receiver, and points down at like a 45-degree angle. You can see it, just barely, from behind the car. You pretty much need to be looking for it to notice it, its well disguised.

[HGB7862]

I had the tow package installed, did take them one more day than they said, but is a great job, DC done a great job engineering this, Just about unnoticable, you have to be looking for it.
Great cars

[magnuman]

Like Blanchman, I just had my hitch and wiring installed by the dealer. Like his, it took them a while as it was their first install too. (I figure if it's installed wrong, they can pay for any resulting damages) Apparently the wiring harness has plugs on both ends. They had to go buy a 1 3/4 inch metal hole saw to run the end into the right tail light area where it connects. The hole is then filled with a large grommet. I haven't looked at it yet, but plan to pull the right tail light access cover and see what I can see. I'll also put it up on my hoist and check underside to see how it is installed. When they finished with it I took it to U Haul to get the correct stinger (ball and mount) and have them make sure the wiring was correct. To get the correct ball height (minimum 15 inches to top of ball) I had to get a 5 inch offset lift. The wiring all checked out great. Guess my dealer knows what's happening---or is at least learning. The whole hitch, wiring, receiver adapter, install, two locking mount pins, stinger and ball ended up costing about $450. The receiver and plug are hidden as others have said, but with everything installed it is REAL UGLY, especially with that big offset on the heavy two inch square mount stinger.

[w5blt]

magnuman; How about posting a picture of the hitch with the ball attached?

[magnuman]

w5blt and all,
I put the RT up on the hoist this morning and checked out the hitch installation. Looks like they had to drop the exhaust in the back and, at least, bend the flimzy plastic rear bumper out of the way to get the hitch assy. up where it belongs. There are 3 good size bolts on each side mounting it to the frame. The wiring harness DOES have plugs on both ends. They drilled one hole through the body right under the spare tire and a second behind the right tail light. Apparently the Tow Package comes with the vehicle side plug installed there, as it doesn't look like any "custom" work has been done in that area. Large tight fitting grommets fill the holes, so there is no danger of leakage. It looks like a real clean, well thought out installation in a tight space. I've enclosed some pictures so everyone can see the wiring, the receiver the wiring by the battery, and the stinger. I also put one in to show how I store that stuff when not in use. :rck:

[Herb Jenssen]

I did not need the adapter to lift the ball. I just used the factory reciever.

I did need to get an adapter to mate the Dodge plug to my plug on my trailer which was different.
I asked Dage and was told it was about $25.00 and they would have to order it.(Groan) I said forget it!
On the way home I pulled into a U-Haul place and they had the plug adapter in stock for $13.00 bucks.
Later
Herb

[rockhead]

Not to beat a dead horse, I am taking my Rt to the shop on tues. (Dec 1) I dont think I have the loadleveling shocks OR their not working.. I put a pretty heavy load in the back and the ass end stayed down during a short trip. I want them to check and make sure....
1- I have them and their working or ..
2- I get them since I already paid for them.

I checked with the dealer (salesman) he thought they were not even available yet,according to his book. Of course I paid for them anyway when I ordered the car.

I just want to make sure I got the dam things. I like the idea of keeping the slighty "jacked up" look even under load.

I did take a look at the Web sight listed here for the ride system. NIVOMAT must be THE name with this type suspension systems.

[magnuman]

rockhead,
The window sticker that came on the car listing options should show the tow package, if you indeed got it. Take a copy of that to the dealer with you to show that it is suppose to be there. When I did a visual check of mine, I couldn't tell if the package had been installed either. Turns out that it is though. You might remove the right tail light (two plastic plugs when lift gate is open---real easy) and look in the cavity to see if the trailer wiring harness plug is there. That would also be a clue. It's a pretty good size plug fastened to a metal lip on the lower portion of the tail light cavity. Also, you may have to drive a little farther to get the shocks to level the car. Needs to hit a few small bumps or the like to get them to ratchet up. Good luck. Hope this helps.

[cadvette]

My dealer gave me a price of $529.00 installed for the hitch.BOY THAT IS ALOT OF MONEY!!!! But after reading all of the posts I just might call the dealer and have them order it. I hear it is almost invisible. I am sure the aftermarket hitches (if they are available) might stick out like a sore thumb and I don't really want to see it if you look at the vehicle from the back. All I need to tow is a small motorcycle trailer to get my dirt bike to the track and trails.

[LJ Dodge guy]

I installed the hitch and wiring harness on my Magnum yesterday.
It took about 2 hours, but the next one can be done in less time.
The instructions were easy to follow and everything fit perfect.
This is a diy project, the only special tool required is a 1 3/4" hole saw.
Hardware stores have them, I paid $9.00.

[HIPCHIP]

The box-tubed "L" piece (Dodge Magnum Hitch Receiver Ball Mount Kit), did you get that from Dodge? If yes, do you have a part number? I checked with the dealer, and he wasn't sure what part number it was or which kit it was, but it was $33. I looked at Lee Auto, and they want $33, and $18 to ship. I'd rather pay $33+ tax than $51.

[tbirdman]

I installed the hitch and wiring harness on my Magnum yesterday.
It took about 2 hours, but the next one can be done in less time.
The instructions were easy to follow and everything fit perfect.
This is a diy project, the only special tool required is a 1 3/4" hole saw.
Hardware stores have them, I paid $9.00.

Unless you are like me and bought a whole set of hole saws. However now I have a set of 9 holes saws for metal. $9 is pretty cheap. Did you by one specifically for metal?

The wiring seems like an afterthought with the drilling of these large holes. I would recommend installingthe hitch and wiring yourself. It's a piece of cake.

[mcraej@rocheste]

I just picked up my Magnum tonight. It has the factory tow package, and I had the dealer install the hitch before delivery. Are they supposed to supply the adaptor to my 4 wire flat trailer wiring, or am I on my own for that ?

[HIPCHIP]

I had the tow hitch added and mine came with the 7 wire to 4 wire adapter, but I asked for the 4-wire harness when I bought it, so I don't know if it came with it or not, but it couldn't hurt to call and ask them for it. What didn't come with it is the ball mount or the heavy duty "L" that the ball mount slides in to. Things start adding up real quickly, and the only place I could find the heavy duty "L" was through Dodge.

[mcraej@rocheste]

Funny, mine came with a "drawbar" and ball. The service dept was closed when I took delivery. I will give them a call in am.

[diamondrmp]

Well folks I'll give you the skinny on this. The shocks are self contained as mentioned above. They CAN NOT be lowered. How do I know this? I found one Magnum R/T in Northern Cali equiped the way I wanted. Only problem it had the tow package. Before negotiating the car I asked the salesman if it could be lowered he left for 10 or so minutes came back and assured me it could be lowered and that Mopar has 2 inch lowering springs for it. I bought the Magnum and went right over to parts and bought the springs. The next day from 7:30am to 7:00pm I sat at the dealership waiting for my lowering springs and alignment. It was supposed to take no more than 3 hours. I got the R/T and it was 1/4 inch higher in the rear. The front came down 1/4 inch. So now the dealer at their cost is putting the non self leveling R/T shocks on so my car will drop. Since the front has only dropped a total of 1/2 inch (its been 3 weeks) they are going to change the shocks on the front also.

There is a heavy duty transmission oil cooler Mopar calls it "Severe Duty Engine Cooler" that is part of the tow package too. What it looks like or if it is an extra cooler like on the Ram I don't know.