Smells after towing

Hey guys, I have noticed that when I haul my bass boat (aluminum) and 5x8 enclosed trailer (probably 1500 pounds) that when I get to my destination, it has somewhat of a burning smell.
It never has the odor when not hauling.
It now has 180k miles.

Thanks in advance!

2005 Tacoma trd off road package

 

It hasn't always done this, and I bought my Tacoma new.

 

Like burning what?
Brakes, plastic, rubber?
Cats/exhaust maybe?

 

Get the trans fluid changed !

 

Manual or auto ?

 

automatic

 

OP--could just be your brakes overheating a bit with the extra weight but...some variables need answering...

 

Being a sealed transmission, how would fumes/smoke escape it?

 

I am at the dealer now having trans flushed . Have you ever had it done ? I’m at 106000 miles , auto .

 

I believe there is a small breather on the passenger side of transmission.

 

could be an oil leak hitting the exhaust...

 

Do you actually see smoke .?

 

It is due for a trans fluid flush/change. I don't see smoke.
Just thought it was odd when it only does it when I haul. Definitely having it changed soon.

 

I don't think it means you need a fluid change. Mine only has ~30K mi and I get a smell when towing a 4000lb boat, mostly only when doing so uphill. It is definitely transmission fluid. Under heavy towing load, the fluid heats up and can foam a bit. If overfilled (even slightly), some can escape through the vent and burn on hot surfaces.

 

I’ve experienced the same smell while backing a trailer up a very steep driveway. Only time I’ve ever smelled it.

 

op has an 05.... OP you smelling a burning coolant smell? Possible somewhat common 05-06 headgasket issue.

How are coolant levels?

 

Yes, there is a vent somewhere to account for normal thermal expansion of fluid.

Calling it "sealed" just means no dipstick for checking fluid level.

 

I made an appointment for Monday to have the fluid changed at the dealership and they are going to check it out. Also has the rear spring and frame recall, so...

 

Could also be brakes, but it doesn't seem to be from there. Hard to tell. :/

 

Look at the front of the motor from under the truck using a light. Could be oil coming from the crankshaft seal behind the big pulley on the bottom there. It would only occur when driving not idling. And it Probably won’t drip, just run down the motor. Hence the burning smell. Would be able to smell it in the front wheel wells