2.7L for towing 1500-2000 lbs

As far as winding it up, its not often have to do that but when I do the 2TR-FE is a sweet smooth sounding engine. There are always trade offs, the reason the 3rd gen auto I4 turns a little faster than the V6 auto is the 4.30 differential vs the V6 3.91, the rest of the transmission gears on the auto are the same. Love the torque starting out and most V6 owners would love to have that rear end gear but only the V6 manual does. 2100 rpm vs 1900 isn’t a high difference at speed.

 

I towed 850lb boat and trailer with a 4-banger back in the 1990s with a Mazda. Terrible idea, which I got after I already had the car. If you know you're on the edge of capacity before you even buy the truck, I don't think you'll regret going with more horses.

 

Maybe if you know everything because you are a "car guy" then don't ask for advice - someone gives you their opinion and you shit on him about his spelling? - grow up !!

 

And I'm sure a Class IV hitch as well

You've obviously considered what you are doing and nothing any of us is going to say will change your mind. It's your truck and if you choose to abuse it that's totally your call. What concerns me is that your decision is putting the people you encounter at unnecessary risk. Trailer sway on a load that size with a 4k lb tow vehicle, reduced control because of lifting of the front end, inadequate brakes for stopping that much weight....this is stuff you seem to already know. You feel that you're ok because you're adjusting your driving, but one day you will be presented with a situation you can't avoid because of the excess load. I hope you see that kid running into the street after his ball from a quarter mile away, because otherwise it won't end well for him or you.

 

The SR is more than capable to pull a 2k aluminum boat @josephdiesel

 

Thats normal operation for the I4, and v6 manual the manufacture design's them for. Back in the day i've towed 2k trailers with 4 bangers, many times you can't maintain normal road speeds unless in a lower gear which takes you around, or over 3k for extended periods. Imo, no matter how well these engines are balanced to run smooth your creating excessive wear to components in them, especially if your doing that with no load.

 

fixed it.

 

We’ll just have to agree to disagree. I4 with the 4.30 gear experiences normal wear, not excessive and that’s why they last so long. Pulling heavy loads with any vehicle will increase wear. I refer you to the links I posted earlier for the not uncommonly reported on TW V6 engine issues. rpm is not the main factor in engine reliability.
Trucks aren’t always used to tow, I never do. I have a 6ft bed and that’s what I use to haul things in. Because it’s a truck lol. TBH if I were planning on frequent towing loads of more than 2000 lbs I would get the V6 and take my chances on not having some of the issues or better yet get a different make with more power.

 

From what toyota tech's here have told me most of the issues in the 2016-17 engine have been addressed so you less likely to have a reliability issue with the new ones like my 2020 v6. Except for some plastic bs in the cooling system they told me i should't have a worry the way i run my vehicles.

 

2.7 max torque is at 3,800 RPM they will do that all day long it's no push rod engine. Yes they are not even close to high performance but it's a damn dependable engine.

 

wow, Who needs experience when youve got a keyboard, a great attitude and imagination?

 

If you'd like to assume I have no practical real world experience and that all I'm doing is imagining things, feel free. Best of luck to you.

 

I'm just trying to match your assumptions

 

Run that engine over 3,500 rpm all the time and you can bet you won't have that so called 250k reliability .

 

Seriously man, what rpm do you think a 3rd gen runs at? I was at around 1500 rpm doing 45 just while ago, even at 75 it’s a reasonable rpm. It’s only for short times that I see 3500 or higher rpm. Your “high rpm on the 4 cylinder is wearing it out” theme is nonsense.

 

Not saying these rpm cause excessive wear when they run normal, but can when towing more than these trucks are rated for. I've heard of guys keeping them wound up on long uphill grades for an excessive amount of time to maintain a decent speed...its not healthy for any engine in the long run. All i'm saying is get the v6 if you tow over 2k several times a year. Your truck will be happier.

 

I was gonna say "who buys a toyota to worry about its reliability", and "why be a slave to your truck" but then I remembered where I'm posting this to

 

Well now that sounds more reasonable, good clarification. I wouldn’t be concerned running 3500 rpm up a long grade though, sounds good at that rpm like it likes being there.

 

Routinely haul a 2000 lb boat among other things with my 2.7. No issues what so ever. My previous vehicle was an 05 Toyota Matrix and used it to tow up to 1500 lbs on a regular basis. One particular item I towed was a home built 8x12 hunting trailer outfitted with table, bunks, wood stove and all required stuff for an extended stay in the bush. This was towed in a very hilly terrain and quite frequently engine was singing along in 3rd gear at 4 or 5 k rpm. Gave the car to my daughter about ten years ago and she used it up until last year when it failed inspection due to chassis rust. About 300 K on it and original drive train was still solid. Sold it to a guy for parts. Don't know where these longevity reduction while towing comments come from but it sure didn't affect a lowly 1.8 L Matrix so same should apply to the mighty 2.7 Tacoma!

 

^comments about you inevidably getting into an accident for being over the tow rating incoming