Towing experiences

The Tacoma exceeded my expectations by a long shot. Cruised around 65-70 most of the way home in 5th gear with a couple downshifts to 4 when behind big trucks going through the Adirondacks. Avg fuel economy, 13mpg loaded up and 19 on the way up without trailer. So, not really too bad

Appreciate the input and encouragement. My previous towing experience with this truck was an 8x12 landscape trailer with a solid aluminum ramp which acted like a wind break. That sucked. Averaged 16mpg on that short trip.

 

^ Just a smidge more than I averaged with my 9,000lb F350 Crew Cab dually, towing a 12' tall X 36' 13,000lb 5th wheel from Sebring Florida to California and back.. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

I'm glad it worked out for you with a good safe trip & a new project.


You really want to stay out of 5th and 6th gears when towing. It isn't about the engines ability to pull in those gears, it is about the side load on the gears in the transmission.

As the overdrive is speeding up the output shaft faster than the input shaft you are getting something for "free" if you will -- of course nothing is truly free. The mechanical advantage of that speed up is the issue, the transmission isn't as strong in overdrive as in the 1:1 ratio 4th gear.

When towing loaded just put it in 4th and let it eat.


Although not for our 6 speed the photos below illustrate the power flow in 4th gear and overdrive.

4th gear, direct drive, 1:1 ratio, see how the power flow is straight thru the main gearset = strong.




Overdrive gear, power flow through 4 gears and the countershaft = side load, the gears are trying to force themselves apart.