TRD 4x4 OR pulling ability or lack of in this case!

Just wanted to post and tell everyone how dis-satisfied I am over the pulling ability of my Taco. My boat is a 19' MasterCraft, not that heavy or big but the Taco was struggling to keep up and my gas mileage almost dropped to half of what it was. It was my first time pulling anything at all.

Anyone have any suggestions on settings I have on the vehicle that might help?

Thanks!

 

Did you push the ECT button?

 

Did you press the ECT button? Also its pretty well documented between the Tacoma and Tundra anything over 5000 lbs the Tundra will be getting better gas mileage towing.

 

Wait, confused..... OP has a boat but says; "It was my first time pulling anything at all".

How did you get said boat home? Plus with gear that's probably over 5K pounds... should have gotten a Full size or get a lighter boat.

Better yet just rent a boat slip and leave the boat at marina.... problem solved.

 

I didn't do anything other than hook my boat up and pull it. OK, so yes rlx02, that is a burn . I will study my manual more next time. Thanks to all!
So what does ECT do, I will read about it when I get back in my truck.

 

Did you check and see if there was a minivan motor under the hood?

 

lol - when I bought the boat the guy delivered it to me.....seriously he did. Now that the weather has warmed up....its time to boat!

 

How much does your boat AND trailer weigh? a Mastercraft can way up between 4-7k. Add the trailer and you are on the edge as far as tow capacity.

I feel like this is common sense. A 3.5L V6 is not going to tow a lot and will suffer mpg loss.

 

Should have delivered to Toyota dealer and then take trucks for test drive with boat attached!

 

New towing Checklist:

1) ECT ON
2) Shifter in S mode (4th gear max since auto is double-overdrive)
3) Credit card (for all the extra gas you're burning)

 

Sorry we're too busy being able to merge onto the highway without getting rear ended.

 

ECT will hold gears longer. But when you're towing that much weight you are pegged far down on the pedal so you'd be in high RPM anyway.

You just have to get used to "towing" at 5k+ rpm, sadly thats how the truck is designed.

 

OP could try fishing....many bass boats go fast as you wanna go and are usually a lot lighter and you get to go fishing with bro's....

 

Eh, I'll keep my torque lower in the powerband vs a few extra HP up top, it is a truck after all, or it was.

 

The MPG drop is expected. I average less than 12 MPGS in towing with my 2nd gen. Also, a 19ft mastercraft can weigh in at 5K lbs, close to the limit with these trucks so its understandable that you're experiencing all those issues. From what I gather, its normal. Try the ETC button, and don't expect too much towing capability out of a midsize truck.

 

TIL: 30hp is "a few extra HP up top"

 

I wish I could delete this post......lol
But thanks guys.....I will do better next time!

 

Hey man, enjoy your Sienna

 

Eh if you look at the Dyno tests of both engines, they basically generate the same torque. The difference is the transmission and gears if any.