Towing/Overdrive with 2012 stock Tacoma?

Hello there,

I've been trying to find some answers throughout the internet about towing with the 2012 Tacoma but it seems every video or answer I find is based around the newer models. So hopefully you guys can give me some answers.

Would I likely burn out my transmission towing a trailer with a four wheeler loaded on it?

How come there's no Overdrive button or ETC button on the 2012 tacoma? I remember having a Overdrive button on my shift knob in my 2002 Tacoma. I just find it odd how the 2012 doesn't have a towing mode or ETC button.

I appreciate any feedback. Lets hope I don't ruin my transmission tomorrow to my hunting trip!!!

 

put it in 4th gear

 

What air savage said. 5th is overdrive. Tow in 4th.

 

it’s an automatic

 

Use the shift lever and out it in four.

 

oh the 4 position next to drive? I’m not gonna lie... I’ve always thought it had something to do with the four wheel drive. Makes more sense now.

 

Yep. Shifting to those other gear numbers will limit the transmission at that gear. It works similar to downshifting a manual and is especially useful when going down steep hills to use the engine/transmission to brake rather than the brakes.

You can tow in D without a problem when not carrying much weight like a single four wheeler.

 

Doesn't sound like you are towing a heavy load. Check the Owner's Manual for towing guidelines and transmission gear selection.

Myself, I monitor how the truck is running over the terrain with the tow load. If the truck is frequently hunting gears, then I'll drop out of OD. If not hunting and running well, then I'll leave in OD.

Flat terrain and a light tow load, may be possible to run in OD. Hilly or mountains with light tow load, may need to avoid OD.

Be mindful of the all fluid temperatures.

The automatic transmission gear selector has a "D" position, this allows OD to engage. The "4" position will not allow OD.

 

dude I love this forum. Thank you a bunch lol.

 

this was especially helpful. Thank you!! Going from Charlotte NC to Bedford VA so I may be going through some mountains but we’ll see. Thanks again!

 

A lot of members roll the dice and tow in overdrive ( D -range ) even though your owners manual says leave it in 4th
With this being said , most of the members are running a guage to watch their transmission temps .
When towing in OD , your torque converter remains unlocked for longer periods of time . When the converter remains unlocked , the transmission temps increase very very quickly which greatly reduces the expected life of the additives in your transmission fluid . Some members add a transmission cooler in an effort to keep fluid cooler .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...l-toyotas-write-up-with-many-pictures.526283/
Do you have the tow package ?

 

If you just have a small trailer and a 4 wheeler you probably have less than 1,500 pounds. No problem. Concentrate on the hunting your truck will be fine. Make sure to secure the 4 wheeler properly.

 

Are you basing your opinion on 1 truck cuz thats what it sounds like ?
towing a light trailer with a vehicle not designed for towing, even an empty trailer causes the TCC to stay unlocked when driving on a slight incline. I have seen this happen more than once. The converter turns blue and the fluid turns clear. The customer brings the car in because the check trans light is on. $$$$$

 

Tell ‘em, Gearcruncher. I’ve seen my tranny temps go north of 200 pulling a 5x8 trailer and 4 wheeler. I would have never known without the scanguage.

 

IMO there is no need to get a guy worried about towing a small trailer behind a truck.

 

north of 200? how much north?

 

It hit 210 heading up the mountain to trail ride.

 

You do have the option of putting on a bigger fluid cooler or adding a fluid cooler if it does
not have one. Towing heavier loads will demand it .

 

Or just tow in 4th like the manual says.

 

If there is any doubt tow in 4th gear and don't use overdrive. If towing light loads, (1000 lbs or so) on level ground it probably won't hurt anything.

Just because it is an automatic doesn't mean you can't control what gear it is in. If I put mine in L it won't come out of 1st gear, in 2 it won't shift above 2nd gear and so on. If you wait for the transmission to downshift it only does so AFTER the engine starts to struggle. With experience you can anticipate which gear you need to get up an incline and manually downshift early. This is easier on the engine and allows you to maintain momentum. And of course downshifting going down hills/mountains means you have to use the brakes less. Especially important when towing light utility trailers with no trailer brakes.