S mode and ECT button

I will be pulling my new Winnebago Micro Mini next week. I’ve been told to tow it in S mode with ECT button on. Can anyone explain why this is the appropriate towing mode please? I’m a 2017 Taco OR TRD with tow package.

 

ETC will change the shift points allowing the engine to reach higher RPMs before shifting. When towing you'll probably want the extra RPMs to keep momentum up hills and such.

 

And activating S mode will prevent the truck from trying to get in to overdrive constantly

 

I didnt know that they both worked together, I thought it was one or the other?

 

Separate systems. ECT changes shift points, S mode set the max gear the truck will shift to. For example, S5 will go from first to fifth gear, but will not go to 6th. S4 will go from first to fourth... but not fifth or sixth

 

Your most reliable information with reference to towing will be found in your owners manual.

 

Exactly. WTF is wrong with people?

 

Agree 100%

 

ECT definitely when towing, S mode keeps it from accessing the OD gears which you wouldnt need with towing and helps with engine braking.

 

Or just get an MT.

 

Unreliable information is so much more fun!

OP, ShiftSense Pro is worth investigating as well as it gives three levels of shift points making your choices now 5 options.

 

Exactly. I dont see the purpose of trying to use both. Seems redundant to me. Using ect mode already prevents the transmission from shifting into 5th until you reach 53 mph. What more can u do?

 

While this is correct, there is a possibility that she, like me purchased a used third gen and the twatwaffle that owned the vehicle before her didn't leave the manual in the vehicle when he sold it to the dealer. That or maybe she figured she could ask the people of Tacomaworld and not be made to feel like the dumb kid in class for asking a pretty simple question.

 

Her*

 

Ty, fixed it

 

simple rule for AT owner - only tow in S mode, with or without ECT. Never tow in D.

 

This sounds right. I mean I’ve pulled a single axel two wheel 6 foot trailer (max 700-800 lbs) did drive with ect. Not a far drive but I would see this as a better option for heavier towing and longer distances. Checking the manual wouldn’t be a bad idea of it recommends for different weights towing.

 

It's not going to hurt using both, hell instead of S4 put it in S5 with ECT. It's your truck, play around with it and see what works best.

The point being you can choose to configure for what suits your conditions best.

 

Thank you so much for your reply! I enjoy getting all the wisdom I can from real men that know what they are talking about!! Would you suggest S4 for towing 100 miles on semi flat roads? Or should I use S5? Still learning my truck with no other help.

 

You can try S5 with ECT on but if it keeps dropping back to 4th then you can kick down to S4