Gen 3 Towing Thread

Ah shit, you caught me

 

Finally did a short tow with mine...borrowed a neighbor's 18" single axle trailer to take my zero-turn to the dealer for troubleshooting the electrical system. The truck felt considerably different than the 2012 I traded for it. There was more downshifting and the truck definitely stayed in a higher RPM range..I even got to press my ECT button. Other than that, and a bit more engine/exhaust noise it pulled fine and the transmission fluid temps stayed about 190 dF according to the ScanGauge.

 

LOL no. Didn't even think about it.

 

I don't tow anything regularly, but I had to rent a trailer today to haul some wood pellets for the winter. Made three trips hauling one ton of pellets in each trip, plus the trailer, total around 3,500 lbs. truck did fine. I avoided traffic which meant lots of ups and downs in the hills of PA, averaged about 16 loaded, 19 unloaded with trailer. Kept it in S4 plus ect on the hills, and S5 otherwise. Seemed to have the power when I needed it.

 

Pulled my 6x10 box trailer with a 700lbs rolling toolbox. From new Orleans to pensacola. 250 miles, definitely made me second guess the purchase of this truck. Ect on and 4th, engine screaming for help and average 10-12mpg.

 

Don't get me wrong, I love it but my Ltd '14 awd runner gave me a bit better gas mileage. How are you guys getther over 15mpg with bigger stuff?!?! Oh about 3500 on the clock.

 

I think the manual trans (read 4.30:1 gearing) in mine helps a lot.

 

And the sagging lol... Ill snap a pic of it soon.

 

Have abbout 21K on ODO now, trailer weights 4,250, WD hitch, no sag. 55 - 60mph tach is 2,500 without ect and in S4. Force myself to drive smoothly without jackrabbit starts and racing idiots (not that I exclude myself from that group).

 

Luscious - I've bought those same tow mirrors but haven't had a need for them yet. When I test fit them though they seemed to have a tendency to slide towards the edge of the Tacoma mirror. Have you noticed that?

 

No, they behave well. They need to be really snug then rechecked. Once on, they stayed in place for some really bumpy hiway at speed. Really happy with them as it was the first time I had them on the truck.

 

You towed this in Wisconsin I take it?

 

No. Around other side of Lake Michigan from top to bottom, down thru Michigan, round Indiana, Illinois then Wisconsin. Folks don't always understand how large Great Lakes really are, Lake Michigan is 330 miles long and 50 wide. Inland ocean is closer than large puddle. Going around was my choice, others include Luddington ferry($200 per vehicle plus trailer)or Macinac bridge over the straights (one of largest suspension bridges in world if I recall then around top of Upper Pensula). Took a much smaller bridge over Lake Huron I believe a couple years back and had to bury my pants on the other side.

 

Waiting for my 2017 extra cab with the 2.7 and 5 speed manual. Hope I made the right choice, I have a 16 foot aluminum boat with a 40 on it and hope to tow that without issues.

 

they tow slower

 

You should be just fine.

 

Been pulling this trailer 4300# dry all summer. Use a Husky distribution hitch. Barely lowers the rear. Tires have been upsized 265/70/R17. No other mods. Last trip avg speed 60mph avg 9.1 mpg. Not bad really. Use the Dometic Aero mirrors for visibility.

 

How was it pulling that trailer up hills?

 

Will drop the gears and hold revs as needed. It's no V8 or I6 on the hills, but sufficient. That being said would not hit the Rockies with this truck/trailer combo. A steep incline hill with any length the truck really works.

 

Are you running 16 or 17 tires ? Lift ?