How to Tow? (S Mode v. Automatic ECT, RPMs?)

I've been looking around at some threads and was having some trouble finding one on how to tow for a complete newbie. I just got a 2020 TRD Sport (automatic) and have never towed in my life.

I am moving in a few weeks across the country and am renting a uhaul trailer. I understand the weight/tongue weight and will be nowhere close to the max for either. I also read how to attach the trailer and properly load it. What I'm confused on is if I should use S Mode or just drive in utomatic with ECT engaged? What RPM should I be at? If in S Mode, should I never go higher than 4th gear down the highway? Any recs would help greatly! Thanks in advance!!

 

I havent towed so I can't be too much of help, but its great that you read the threads and are asking for help. I am a mechanic though so I'll give you my 2 cents.

I would say ECT/Sport 4th in mountain ranges. It used to be called tow haul, which eliminated top gear, but now it's ECT for much later shifts or 4th gear limit in sport.

I would say on flat ground, ECT is enough under 4500lbs. But if you feel it struggle or shift too often, limit it to fourth.

Also for a long drive towing, bump up the rear tire pressure to 35psi or 37 even.

 

Thank you so much!! Really appreciate the tips. Will for sure be using them.

Stay healthy my friend!

 

Keep it out of D, try to keep your rpm below 3000 as much as possible, below 2500 if you can. Have a trans cooler? Do a little practice before you head out across the country. Don't go over 60 or 65. Leave about 4 times as much room as usual for braking. Be easy on the brake in general. Use a weight distribution hitch. Slow way down if it's windy (depending on the height and weight of your trailer). Keep a full 5 gal gas can with you at all times. Celebrate anything over 10 mpg average for the trip.

 

When I towed a 22ft rv across the country with my Tacoma, I was in 4 the whole time unless it was a gentle downward grade. And I pretended like the tach was a game and tried to keep it as low as I could as much as possible.

 

Here's MY experience:
TV: 2016 TRD Off Road, AT. Brake controller. SUMO springs. Canopy. When traveling, typically about 600-700lbs worth of passengers, dog, cargo.
TRAILER: 2009 Chalet Pop-up A frame single axle camp trailer. All loaded for US; 2200-2400lbs. I do NOT use a Weight distribution hitch with my tongue weight at roughly 275lbs. I would probably if my tongue weight was significantly higher.
DRIVING: I've got about 7000-8000 miles driving this combined rig over 4 years. All in the western 1/3 of the USA. That includes deserts, Sierra mountains, the Rockies, and all seasons.
90% is in Sport mode. I'm typically 4th gear (selected) but if 5th will work, I'll drop 5th if it will go there. On rare occasions, I'll put it in D; not very often though.
ECT always when towing. Rarely go over 60, unless I'm on a FLAT interstate, then I'll bump it up for traffic sake.( which is smoking me doing 70, 80, 85+).
I DO average 14-16 mpg in town or towing in the mountains. But out in the flats (and doing a steady 55-60, I DO average 16-18. I kid you not. My rig is fairly aerodynamic; the height coming off the top of the canopy is continuous to the flat height of the collapsed trailer roof.
No,, these trucks aren't the best tow vehicles, but it could be worse. But your driving habits and techniques not only matters, but is HUGE in determining your gas mileage.
OH... And I DO monitor the transmission temperatures with a ScanGuage.
Happy to answer any more questions.
Take your time. Drive smart.

 

Thank you all!! These definitely help. I'll be towing from Denver to Chicago so it's pretty flat compared to the west. Overall, feeling confident!!

 

Do not tow in overdrive per the manual. Keep in mind 5th and 6th are BOTH overdrive gears. So put the trans in s4. ECT is up to you, the trailer weight and terrain ( hills? flat?)

As an aside, I do tow my jon boat in 5th but it's a light load on a light single axle trailer. Never scaled it but estimate gross weight at 1000#. I never tow my larger deep vee boat or utility trailer in 5th. S4 only.

 

On the 3.5 V6. I think 2400-2600rpm is good rpm range for adequate power and fuel economy towing trailers. Towing in S4.