Gen 3 Towing Thread

Didn't want to spin. Tires didn't spin. Never thought of traction control. Maybe I should turn it off next time.

 

My problem was in the snow. I was making forward progress up a snowy driveway in 4wd, but I was spinning. Not a lot, just enough for traction control to interfere. As I approached the top traction control really stepped in. Next thing I know my foots to the floor and traction control kills the truck. I restart, turn off TC completely, and resume.

I've been driving manual for over a decade, but this was my first 4wd truck with manual and traction control. It was strange.

As others suggested you should try 4Lo though. I always pulled my boat up the ramp in 4Lo with any manual trans truck. It wasn't worth the stress on the clutch and drivetrain when low range was an option.

 

OK so it's not towing but it ended up being max payload... figured I would share because beer

 

ALSO regarding these boat pulling out of the ramp discussions with a manual-

Not that I'm advocating slipping the clutch when towing but sometimes you do what you have to - but with the clutch accumulator you just can't slip the clutch in these trucks. I haven't had time but I really think bypassing it will help with these issues.

I promise to get to my write-up just as soon as I have some time

 

Just to be clear, it wasn't pulling the boat out of the ramp that was the issue. It was heading up a steep hill off the property with the boat, and near capacity payload. Never had any issues with any boat ramps.

And yes, tried to slip the clutch but it just wasn't happening for me. Maybe it was all the weight? Looking forward to a write up

 

I feel like all freakin trucks should have a tow package....whatever that helps with when pulling a trailer -_- my freakin SR5 2wd does not...and pulling a trailer with 2 atv's from El Paso, TX to San Antonio, TX was not bad at all....EXCEPT for the 8mpg I got!!

I mean yea I have a 6" lift and bigger wheels/tires but heading that way I got about 13mpg and only had to stop twice to fill up and only was at half a tank...but stopping 4-5 times.? Come on now...

 

Pisan1,
What you experienced is very close to the reason I sent the Taco pack'in. My experience was trying to back a 3700 GVW lb TT into camping spots uphill. It just wouldn't do it with out some horrible clutch abuse and smells. Finally did a lap of the campground and dropped it into 4 Lo. Second try it did it but was protesting greatly due to the binding of the drivetrain during the maneuvering phase. Happened on more than one occasion and that was it. What a disappointment. These things may tow 6400 lbs but they sure can't maneuver the weight when you get to where you are going.

BTW, still check in TW often just to see the SH** Show. The RL forums are...well....boring

Best of luck to you in figuring out how to make it work for you.

 

How does the Ridge line tow?

 

That tonneau ate about 50 lbs of payload.

 

I think there might be a mod that allows 2lo.

 

Moving to the RL was the right move for me (us). It seems to be more a more willing dance partner towing. Not as loud when under load, pulls and pushes the TT better. We have been back to one of the same CG spots that the Taco had issues and the RL pushed it fine. Do not need the tow mirrors anymore since it is wider and can see down the sides of the TT. It is more comfortable during the long tow sessions of 4-6 hrs.

Just did a 1200 mi/ 9 day trip to SE MO in the Ozarks of which 750 mi +/- where towing. Avg 17.7 mpg for the trip. Twisty/hilly 2 lane roads most of the time. 10 % 4 lane hwys @ 65 mph with the cruise on.

In a nut shell it is what I was hoping the Taco was going to be when I bought it.

 

That's interesting. Makes me think you need to go with the AT Tacoma for towing. The independent reviews I have seen rate the Tacoma over the RL for towing.

Autotrader's Advice
For those in need of traditional truck capabilities, the Toyota Tacoma is the way to go. It can venture places off road the Ridgeline would cower from, its available long bed allows you to carry larger objects and its greater towing capacity should allow you to bring along heavier toys. However, for those more interested in a truck's look and added bed capability, the Ridgeline has sufficient capability for most, plus superior driving manners and an abundance of clever features. Its greater comfort and space also make it a better choice for families.

https://www.autotrader.com/car-revi...-vs-2017-toyota-tacoma-which-is-better-257065

 

Do some camp grounds offer shifters?

 

The Auto may be an advantage when towing with its torque multiplication effect . On the Taco they have a 3.90 rear end Auto? I think. The RL has an 4.25 which is lower that even the MT Taco at 4.10 and that may have an effect as well. Of course the trans ratios play into all this as well.

RL specs

As far as tow capacities the Taco will run out of payload way before reaching its max tow rating. A TT with a 6400 GVW will need a tongue weight of 12-13 % to tow well. 768 - 832 lbs. My Taco had a payload of right at a 1000 lbs. Add one passenger and a cooler of beer and your maxed out. Add bikes, kayaks, wood and now way over. IDK if Off Road versions are less because of the softer suspensions or not.

My RL has a payload of 1383.

FWIW I'm trying to start a this vs that thing here. Just responding to the Gent that had an issue towing up a hill and sharing his frustration . I'm all for a healthy discussion tho.

 

I'm sure Taco MT has a 4.30 for the V6 atleast.

 

Right on.

 

Yes please no Tacoma vs RL shitfest. My AC has a payload similar to your RL. Short bed does not work for me.

 

I had the factory bed cover and sliding bed divider so that was worth 100 lbs +/- I guess. It had the yellow "adjusted payload" sticker.

 

Not for third gen