Towing in the mountains

BobnCo - thanks for the feedback. Though I don't want to do the homework (find a new truck, probably Tundra) I think I made the right call. The camper wife wants is empty weight 800 lbs more than your 4900. One I add another 800 pounds of stuff and 400 pounds of passengers it will likely be a struggle. I made that drive out of Phoenix last spring. It's a long.... pull. Also, my trips would be a minimum of 750 miles one way. Really appreciate your feedback.

 

My wife and I got our new rig out this weekend, didn't pull any huge hills but some smallish ones and the truck did great with occasional drops from S4 to S3. The trailer weighs 2800 dry and loaded has 1500 - 2000 lbs of bikes and gear. I don't think I would want to pull more than ~5k but thats my 2cents.

 

The fluid travels from the converter into the cooler at the front of the truck. Most heat in a auto trans in created in the converter. That's why it's always hotter than the pan. The sensor is at the exit of the converter.

Read these thread a bit if you still want to tow with the Tacoma. Sounds like you may not.

This one is mine.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ure-pids-for-torque-pro-and-now-apple.513531/

I did part of this install on my truck. You will want this in the hills. The torque converter does not lock in 1, 2, or 3rd gear. An unlocked converter is where LOTS of heat is created
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-transmission-cooler-upgrade.482280/

 

was in construction for 35yrs. cant tell you how many fried trans, broken suspension, failed brakes , blow motors , etc, ive seen shut a truck down. it always happens in the middle of nowhere! its the fasted way to say " F _ _ _ this... i should've got a bigger truck!"

the scary part is not going up... its coming down a 9% grade and feel that sway. there is a reason DOT puts runaway truck ramps on the "down side" of a mountain.

get a 3/4 ton and be done!