Towing Advice: 3.3k LBs with a '12 4 Cyl 2x4 MT

Hey everyone, Nicky here, just joined the forum. I am a track day junky who originally purchased my Tacoma with the intent of carrying a single sport bike in the bed, but I met a girl track day junky, and that changed. As of recently, we are now up to an estimated 3.3k lbs with the following in tow:

• 6x12 v-nose cargo trailer
• Honda Grom in the bed
• 2x sport bikes in the trailer
• All equipment in the trailer, including generator, tools, gas cans, etc.

I am getting concerned about taking care of the transmission because of the weight, and we are located in KY where the speed limits are 70 MPH, extreme hills are common.

So, my questions to the Taco pros:

• Is it true I can't use a transmission cooler w/ a MT?
  • If so, would you still recommend purchasing a ScanGauge 2 to monitor fluid temps, or is it a non-issue?
• Other than favoring the low side of the service intervals, what else can I do to prevent blowing my transmission?

Appreciate any guidance!

 

You don’t need trans coolers with a MT. You should be fine.

 

I don't know a lot about MTs, so this might sound stupid, but do MTs ever have a heat issue like ATs?

 

Scan gauge or ultra guage. With the manual your only concern should be service intervals like you mentioned. Ur just changing out the goop , so by watching ur temps ur trans will be happy.