Gen 3 Towing Thread

I also towed through the hill country in Texas with a lot more weight: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gen-3-towing-thread.413026/#post-11908678 . Just be prepared to stay in 4th (no overdrive) and lower gears when going uphill. 3,000 pounds will not be a problem. Since you have the tow package make sure to check the tranny fluid level if you haven't done so yet ...

 

I tried to get the dealer(Charles Maund in Austin) to check the tranny fluid and they told me I'd need to leave the truck for an entire day since it's a sealed system and needs to cool down. They also told me they hadn't heard of any issues so I went on to pull up the threads online about it and the tech just scratched his head and said I'd be fine. Not really thrilled about their attitude.

 

Sadly, your experience with the Toyota service department there is not all that uncommon. Yes, the transmission fluid has to cool down to be checked so it's a pain in the rear to have it done by a dealer. If you're even a little mechanically inclined (ie: used to changing your own motor oil) then checking the transmission fluid yourself is easy enough to do and only takes about 30 minutes if you do it first thing in the morning. There are plenty of threads in this forum related to this along with the official Toyota procedure in pdf form.

 

Yea I'll take a look at it this Saturday. I was at work when I read the thread about low ATF so decided to risk it at lunch.

 

To save you some searching:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rocedure-for-2016.415389/page-2#post-11808217
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...luid-level-check.410615/page-11#post-11912899

• You'll need a 24mm 6-point socket for the fill plug and a 5mm allen wrench for the check plug. I got the socket at O'reilly Auto. It's for some GM drain plugs but the low profile makes it easier to reach: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...earch_24mm+socket_-1_4440&keyword=24mm+socket
• Get a quart of WS oil and a hand pump with hose that reaches the fill hole.

To save time, I added 3/4 qt first, then started the truck, got it to temp then pulled the check plug. About 2-3 tablespoons came out before the "trickle".

 

I spoke with an unnamed service manager at an unnamed Toyota dealer about this (unnamed for obvious reason). He said Toyota service techs and service managers will keep tight-lipped about any ongoing issue until Toyota actually steps forward with a plan and a fix. In other words, they won't say there is a problem until Toyota tells them how to fix it. The tranny thing is a problem and everyone with a gen 3 should get theirs checked regardless of what the people in the service garage say.

 

When did this thread change from a towing to tranny issues thread? Last I checked there's plenty of tranny threads...

 

why not? the manual only states that you should use S4 and lower due to electrical system requirements. It says nothing about power output from the engine

 

The short answer, you will overheat your transmission while towing using overdrive gears - 5 and 6.

"Automatic transmissions are destroyed when the fluid inside them breaks down and stops lubricating things correctly and stops allowing the valve bodies inside to stop functioning correctly which prevents the truck from being in the correct gear. The fluid breaks down when it is heated to beyond its tolerance. The transmission generated heat when it repeatedly shifts up and down under load. This is called hunting, and when the transmission hunts it builds heat. Take away its ability to hunt by locking it out of overdrive, and you’ll not only preserve the life of your transmission, but you’ll enjoy the towing experience more." - maverick

 

How many miles do you have on your truck? I know there is some kind of break in period to tow...either gotta wait 500 or 1000 miles..something like that. Did you keep it in 4th and use ECT? If kept in drive the transmission is likely to shift more.

There is also a chance your transmission is low on fluid, I'd get that checked out.

 

Just in cace it has not been posted . I called and found out that this plug and play cable works with the 2016 Tacoma and for sure a Tekonsha Prodigy 90185 brake controller . it is a 3017P

Tekonsha 3017-P Trailer Brake Control Wiring Harness - 2 Plugs, Toyota

http://www.amazon.com/Bargman-3017P...psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00
I ordered one since I have the 90185

Update , I guess this is wrong. I have been told a 3017-S is the correct part. I called Etrailer and had a sales person look ir up and they assured me it would be a 3017-P and that is what i ordered . I will have to send it back .

Update again On the Tekonsha site they say they both fit , it looks like a 3017-S needs to be wired in with connectors ? I will try it on my truck tomorrow .

http://www.tekonsha.com/fit-guides/electrical-selector

 

so what about towing on a flat if it will hold in 5th? Why shouldn't people do that?

 

I like your thinking . Can you tell me aprox. how big the mirrors are ? They do not say on the site .

 

I guess it all depends how much weight and where you are towing.

If you are towing a light load with no hills 5th gear should be fine. As long as you don't feel the transmission constantly shifting. If you tow in 5th and you find it downshifting to 4th a lot, just leave it in 4th.

I am by no means a towing expert, just going by what i read on the towing thread.

 

I got the trailer today. It was on sale at Tractor Supply this weekend only. Stopped by Home Depot on the way home and got hardware, sealer, and scored some sanded 3/4 pine plywood for 30 dollars a sheet.

We will be painting, cutting, and installing today.



These are just the full sheets sitting in the trailer

 

Does anyone else have a utility trailer?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/index.php?threads/430108/

 

Yep I have one..

 

Picked up this 6x12 last fall. Perfect size for our atvs. Looking forward to using it more now that it's warm.

 

Yes sir . I have a steel floor 3/16" x 8 " x 10' plates for hauling gravel etc. It weighs 1100 # and has a 3500# axle, 15" tires

 

I may be going out on a limb, but you like tan vehicles, don't you?