I have a chance to pick up a 'needs TLC' 73 Electra 225 driver, and it's supposed to have the tow package. What exactly does the tow package add to the vehicle? What I'm looking for is something to pull derby cars with (shoot me later...). I just run the newer stuff, so the car on the trailer would be lighter than the Electra. I'm pretty sure from what I gleaned from my search, with a weight distributing hitch, I should be good towing with the car, so I guess I'm really just asking what additional equipment is added with the tow package. Thanks, and sorry for rambling.
According to the 1973 Buick Trailer Towing Guide it doesn't say exactly. It gives a list of recommendations per your towing frequency and a list of Buick trailer towing options and accessories available for trailering. Heavy-Duty engine and transmission cooling system (Code I-3): Includes high-capacity crossflow radiator with internal transmission fluid cooler designed especially for trailering. No additional external coolers are needed with this available option. Also included is a thermoclutch fan on 455 engines and quiet-flex fan on 350 engines (with A/C). Heavy-Duty wheels (Code H6): Recommended with all trailer applications. These wheels are extra heavy-gauge steel disc type built to withstand the stress of extra-duty trailer hauling. These wheels are available as a dealer installed option, or from the factory--available for all Buick models except Estate Wagon where they are standard. Heavy-Duty electrical system (Code L3): An 80 ampere Delcotron generator is available for all Buicks. It is recommended for Class II and Class III towing situations where there is usually more demand for electrical output. Trailer wiring harness and variable load flasher (Codes 12 and 13): Synchronizes car and trailer taillights, brake lights and turn indicators. Easily stored when not being used. The harness for Class I usuage has five wires and quick disconnect trailer connector, while the harness for Class II and Class III has seven wires and no connector (connector is usually furnished with your trailer.) A seperate five-wire trailer connector for additional trailers is available. The variable load flasher assures constant flashing. Wiring harness is dealer of factory installed. (Estate Wagon wiring harness is available only as a factory installed option. NOTE:Variable load flasher does not provide bulb failure indications as described in the Buick Owner's Manual, and therefore should be installed only when trailering. Rear lighting and trailer wiring harness wires are color coded as shown below to simplify repairs and harness installation. Brown--Taillamps, side marker and license lamp. Yellow--Left stop lamp and turn signal. Dark Green--Right stop lamp and turn signal. Light Green--Back-up lamps. White--Ground. Red--Battery Charge. Blue--Brake Controller. Trailer mirrors (Dealer installed) Trailer mirrors are mandatory in several states when towing a trailer. These available, front fender-mounted Buick Mirrors feature adjustable arms and permit improved rear visibility. Buick mirrors are easily installed and disassembled. Dealer installed through your Buick dealer under service part No. 981928. Automatice Level Control System (Code H3): Automatically adjusts rear end height to varying load conditions. Load a new Buicks with luggage and hitch on a trailer. The level control provides air inflate the rear shock absorbers until the car returns to level. Comparable to Superlift shock absorber actin, but with its own automatic, engine-operated air supply and leveling valve, it adjusts itself to added trailer loads, and again when the load is removed. The car rides level! Buick recommends Automatic Level Control for most trailers towing, with or without a load equalizing type hitch. Level Control is ideal where the car is loaded with extra gear, even though no trailer is being hauled! Rear suspension bottoming is virtually eliminated. Handling and performance are excellent. Available on all Bicks except Gran Sport--factory or dealer installed. Superlift shock absorbers (Code H5) Provide a means of leveling loaded car, quickly and easily, at an air hose. Well suited for full passenger loads and for use with Class I, II and II trailers. Dealer of factory installed. Steel-belted radial-ply tires (Codes F5 or F9): Steel-belted radial-ply tires offer long tread mileage, improved fuel economy because of lower rolling resistance, good tractin and handling capabilities and increase resistance to penetration by road hazards. They are available on 1973 Gran Sport, Electra 225 and Riviera models. Buick's exclusive MaxTrac (Code C2): MaxTrac is a revolutionary new power control system designed to prevent excessive wheel spin on slick surfaces. Rear end swerve during acceleration is reduced and the car moves at a steady pace. A minature transistorized computer actually compares the speeds of the front and rear wheels. When the beginning of rear wheel spin is detected, the computer modulates the engine to control power to the rear wheels. MaxTrac is available on Riviera, Electra 225, Estate Wagon, Centurion and LeSabre. Hitches and equalizer hitch platform (Code 11): Buick offers specially engineered hitches for Class I trailer towing (see page 4 for part numbers). A bolt-on, heavy-duty equalizing hitch platform is available on the Estate Wagon for Class II and III through Buick dealers (accessory #994126). Hitch platforms for other models ar not offered but may be obtained through reputable hitch dealers or installers. Buick is unable to offer specific recommendations or assume responsibility for the operation of hitches or equalizer platforms that are not manufactured or supplied by Buick.
My guess is ... very little. Just add some air shocks and the car can tow whatever what won't overheat the engine or burn up the transmission. Or better yet, buy a truck. It's a lot hotter now than it was in 1973.
