stock 08 2tfe 4wd. towing cross country

im towing cross country and i was wondering what is the maximum i can safely tow from shore to shore? i know the max tow capacity on my truck is 3500. but im going over two mountain ranges and driving almost 3000 miles. also im gonna be towing a utility flatbed trailer. what is the best way to keep everything dry without having tarps ripping off? if get rid of a lot of junk the smallest amount i can tow is about 2000lbs including the trailer. also my car comes standard with automatic overdrive. i heard towing kills ur overdrive. does this mean i have to keep it out of 5th gear?

 

Check your manual but most trucks should not tow with OD engaged.

 

As long as the transmission stays in 5th you are not hurting it. When it hunts back and fouth between 4th and 5th you are building up too much heat and should leave it in 4th.

Driving on the interstate on flat land you can use 5th. If there are any kind of hills you'll need 4th. You will not hurt anything but your gas mileage using 4th.

 

can this truck handle 2000lbs cross county over 2 mountain ranges?

 

I don't see why it could not.

 

sweet. so whats the best way to keep everything dry thats loaded on to a utility trailer? i got a tarp but i bet it would rip.

 

Ok here the deal.. these truck are underrated for towing...
So going to 3500 is not a big deal. yes hills will suck, but you can go 35 like the truckers do.
Do not expect to drive 80 and 100 with a trailor.. Cops are out to ticket you for that.
Be safe..

Second I would buy good quailty tarps, then buy low end spider nets.
Raps of the gear good and tight with straps and what not.
THen cover it with Spider netting. To prevent the flapping.
Ok Spider netting is a term more than a type or brand.

Use lots of bungy cords and straps to get it right.

 

thanks for the advice ubermx

 

Instead of tarps try using rubermaind boxes. I am not sure what you are putting on the trailer but its an idea if its not a few large items like furniture.

 

Here in Minnesota we haul lots of boats, big and small. I've never considered 'towing capacity' an issue before. If it'll move it..it'll work!. Granted , you've gotta consider handling when you drive, and know the limitations, but this little 4 cyl will move a bunch of weight and do it well as long as you are conscious of the light weight of the truck and drive accordingly.

 

Just because a truck will move something is not valid confirmation that you should do it. A significant element of the tow capacity is the ability of the brakes to stop the load in an appropriate fashion. If you exceed the rating you are likely to have problems in a panic stop.

If you are using it to move something across a yard, not on the road, you are probably OK using the "if it moves" criteria. Otherwise please warn me before you venture out on the highway. I want to make sure I am completely out of your way.

 

What makes me think Toyota underrated there trucks.

Well for 1. I have pulled over the 3500 LBS many times with no real issues.
The trucks can take it... But this is not for everyone.

3500 is the safe max.. the motor, brakes and tranny can take it.
Over that yes, things get tricky...

Also do these Automatic have 5th gear?
i know a manual tranny does...

When ever towing also disable OD.
never use 5th gear... unless you are not stressing the tranny.
4th gear is fine.. you will get 8 to 13 MPG no matter what gear when towing 3500 LBS.