S mode and ECT button

I tried it once too. But on a Camry that I borrowed from the dealer while my truck was in for service.

 

It does but not often.

 

Yep, while in drive and moving you can bump left to S4 then bump forward once for S5 and again for S6. To toggle the gear limiter bump forward or back and you'll see it change.

It says S4 or S5 is the default depending on speed but I've only seen S4, I usually drop to 55 when I bump from drive to S4 to prevent over- revving the engine. Once in S4 you can bump up once or twice and speed up.

Play with it so you get used to how it works so you're comfortable with it before you have the trailer on. It helps to be familiar with how it works before you need it.

It also makes the truck a lot of fun to drive.

 

Thank you guys so very much for answering my “dumb and easy” questions!! It is all super new to me. Recently single and trying to learn what most men know all their lives.

 

There are just as many inexperienced men new to the forum and 4WD. No dumb questions, only dumb answers here. In fact, I would argue that women have a slight advantage when learning new stuff as they don’t seem to think they magically know it all, which can impede learning.

 

Just a warning for you, just because the "men" on this forum say it, does not always mean its true or even close to correct.

 

Could I recommend that you get some towing mirrors for your Truck. They mount to your current mirrors and do help when pulling a trailer.

 

Link for the extended mirrors...?

 

I will play with it tomorrow to try and figure it out. Once I hook up to my trailer should I start out in S4 to begin pulling? Not start out in Drive then switch toS4 etc..?

 

I’ve looked into that and seems the best thing to do! I’ve also been looking into wireless “back up” cameras that can be mounted to the rear of the trailer and has a 7” display screen you put in the cab. Lord help me backing a trailer! I’ve watched many videos on how to do it but dang..might take me 50 tries

 

I have one of those too. But the mirrors also help with passing and looking at the trailer.
https://www.dometic.com/en-ca/ca/pr...cessories/dometic-milenco-grand-aero3-_-30842
These are the mirrors that I have. I am not sure if they are the best ones. But I found that they work good.

 

Where are you going on your trip?

 

I just towed 4-wheelers 550 miles this weekend and found that etc with S mode seemed to tow best. Had it in S5 and averaged 15.5 mpg... pretty good I thought.

 

We live in an age where it's easily found online though...
Can easily get it on Toyota website too

 

S4.
Over drive gears are not good for towing regardless of terrain.

@gearcruncher chime in?

 

I tow a 1700 pound trailer pretty regularly. I leave etc on and put it in s mode as well. Semi flat should not be a problem. However, s mode is very convenient for engine braking and climbimg hills. I usually have it in S4 on the interstate, but I also only go 65. Play around. You'll get the hang of it.

 

Start in S4

 

I've towed with my 2019 4 times over large hills and a small (4000 ft) mountain pass. You're going to have to feel out the right combo for the grade you're on. In S5 with ETC on there was a lot of hunting around between gears with cruise control set. It was funny to see the speed fully managed by the computer and have the transmission keep shifting up/down after a few seconds instead of holding the lower gear. Moral of the story, even with ETC on it may make sense to set a lower top gear on some inclines.

 

Unrelated to shifting, but if you are new to towing a camper, it is always a good idea to know how to service your wheel bearings and carry some spares with you as well as some grease. I also carry a Garmin Inreach so I can communicate when I don't have a cell signal. Not to freak you out, but a gun is also a good idea.

 

A gun is a good idea anytime, but especially when travelling. With that, it is important to know and follow the States gun laws if going through different states. Luckily Louisiana and Texas are pretty nice when it comes to carrying weapons.