Towing a car

Hi Guys -
I thought i'd ask you guys for some advice before I make my trip. I am planning on going to Las Vegas tomorrow to tow my sisters 1996 Acura Integra back to Los Angeles (300 miles). I am planning to rent a tow dolly from U-Haul where the rear tires will be rolling on the street. Will my truck be okay for this whole trip? Am I suppose to leave the gear in 4 instead of D? I have a 08 TRD Tacoma V6 Access cab automatic, TSB springs, and towing package. (This will be my first time towing anything...any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Give yourself plenty of time to stop.. Truck will tow it no no problem.

-Sam

 

When I load up the car, do I drive all the way home in 4th gear?

 

Check with U-HAUL ASAP, they have restrictions on what size truck can hook up to a tow dolly, the thing is they don't know what size car you are really going to tow and they want to make sure and cover their (rear)end. Heck you might be fine, but find out as early as possible, so you know what you are getting into.

 

going by the book, yes (tow in 4th gear).. I live in Texas, it's pretty flat.. I leave it in 4, unless I am cruising on the highway, once I am up to speed.. I will go into 5th. You HAVE to make sure the truck is in the Torque Converter Clutch mode.. 4 and 5 gear have a clutch that prevents the Fluid from rotating in the Torque converter (which is what makes it HOT). The Torque converter generates the greatest amount of heat in the transmission, when it is spining (TCC clutch not engaged).

I am not very good at explaining it, but do you understand what I am saying?

Torque Converter Info
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/information/torque-converter.htm

-Sam

 

Yes - I understand. Thanks for your help Sam!

 

PLENTY PLENTY of time to stop...

Those tow dolly's don't have brakes (atleast, I'd be amazed if they did)

 

I'm new to this, but this is the first I've heard of the torque converter clutch locking up in 4th. Are you sure about that?

 

I will be doing the same thing but will be driving from Chicago to Virginia. Will my truck be ok? I have a 06 Tacoma prerunner w/ 3 in lift

 

They don't back up real well either.

 

I think they do. Ill double check on my way home, and update in about an hour.

On the backing up, if this is your first time towing, make sure where ever you pull in, you'll be able to pull through when you leave. Backing doubles is hard enough if you're experienced. Being a noob you will probably cause damage.

Also like said above, make sure you can rent the dolly with the tacoma. I showed up to rent a full sized trailer in my old 89 Toyota and they had a fit. My grandpa was on his way with his 1 ton chevy to trade me for a bit. They still hesitated even after my gpa was gone in my truck and it was hooked to his truck.

 

Yes. The converter will lock in 4th.

 

I towed a 73 Firebird on a dolly about 250 miles with my 06 auto 4x4. No problem at all. I did leave it in 4th 90% of the time. Slow and steady, and give yourself a bit extra time to stop. You'll be fine.