Towing in OD

I will be embarking on a journey from Orlando,FL to Las Vegas, NV. I will be towing a 6x12 Trailer with my Tacoma. What are the rules about using OD while towing and using the ETC button? Will i harm the transmission if I use OD with ECT? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Read the manual. ALL of the other trucks I had with an auto with OD said NO OD while towing.
Aluminum carrier in the geartrain was the reason.
Get your info from a toyota master tech if you like it straight from the horses mouth. I know there's at least one on here.

 

It depends on the weight also. You towing empty or loaded?

 

The local Toyota Master Tech tells me it's no issue towing in OD, even when the converter is unlocked. He says you only need to drop to 4th if it's hunting for a gear.
I've got about 8,000 towing miles with a 4,500lb enclosed trailer with no issues. See the thread " 6 cylinder towing review".

 

I've been towing with the tranny in 4, but if I find myself on the highway going a constant speed, then I'll move it to D. Back to 4 as soon as I'm off the highway though.

 

Im just wondering where you got this info about older trucks not towing in OD and now it is ok with newer vehicles? Im not being a smartass but I have had several full size trucks F 150s, 250s and GMCs and have always been told to take out of OD when towing. I would love what your saying cuz it can save some gas over the long haul. I was just curious as to where you heard this.

 

When I tow the boat I use "D" but like already stated if it hunts for a lower gear I'll drop it down to 4th for just a couple minutes until the road evens out. Staying in a lower gear while towing according to the owners manual will put increased wear and tear on the tranny and added heat. I mainly use the lower gears for engine braking when towing down steep descents...saves the brakes.

 

Thanks for the info

 

I'd worry less about saving break pads and more about transmissions. Not saying that what you're doing is bad for either..

 

It saves the brakes so you can use them to stop, as in not overheating them. Ride them and they quite working.

 

It's a matter of safety/control too. Particularly for manual trans: if you're in 4th gear you'll begin engine breaking the moment you take your foot off the gas. If you're in 5th (OD), you'll just keep coasting. This is true for going down hills...more control.

You can probably put it in OD if you're on level ground with little traffic and if the trans isn't hunting for gears. If you anticipate hills or traffic, shift out of OD.

 

The manuel for the 2010 says do not tow in OD! I would go with the factory recomendation.

 

My manual does not say anything about not towing in OD. What page are you referring to? There is a comment with regard to engine braking, but I read the manual cover to cover, and did not see a thing.

 

bump for my question to Jimsc.......

 

Sounds like a magazine about living in trailers.