Towing with an auto....1st or 2nd gen....?

I am looking to buy a Tacoma and a travel trailer. My ideal travel trailer would be under 3500lbs dry and would have electric brakes. Which should be way under the 1st and 2nd gen V6 tow limits.

I really...really...really want a truck with a Tacoma with a manual transmission and at least the V6. I have been looking at 2000 to 2010 Tacomas because it is seemingly one of the few trucks that can actually offer that. However, the manual requirement is really narrowing down the field.

Thoughts on towing with an automatic? If I was to go that route I would make sure I had an external cooler and a way to monitor the transmission fluid temp. I think the 2nd gens with the towing package already have an external cooler?

Are the automatics in the Tacomas solid?

Thanks !

 

The automatic in the 2nd gen is known for being rock solid. Stronger than the manual as well. Asking around should net a similar answer. The exact same transmission was used in the v8 4 runner and tundra for a while.

 

I'd much rather tow with an auto than a manual. If it is equipped right you'll have no problems.

 

Would an auto or manual Tacoma have better resale?

 

Kind of a hard question to answer. If i had to bet it would b automatic since its more expensive to begin with and the fact that 90 percent of the market is looking for an automatic.

 

I know someone will blast me for this, but I don't like external trans coolers and its not cause there bad. The problem is aftermarket installs usually suck, cheap hose clamps, cheap rubber hose that rubs on something and there you go a burnt trans due to leak. The radiator should keep it plenty cool for 3500lbs.

 

I've towed a 6500lbs travel trailer with my 2nd gen auto. No issues at all.

 

Something that might narrow your choice even more...do you want a four door or access cab? Because four door first gens are all automatics from factory. Just in case you didn't know.

 

Get what you want. Manual or auto. 1st gen or 2nd. They'll tow the trailer just fine.