Towing With Auto Transmission

I tow a 5,400 lb trailer in D all the time. 126,000 miles, zero issues. If it's hunting for a gear, or if it's hilly, use 4th.

 

Agree with many of the above. I've towed 2-3000 lbs D in the past with no problems. I had to look back to even remember I'm towing something, the truck handles it no sweat. Now I tow 3500+ Lbs and if it's super flat terrain, D is fine, once i hit good grades or am driving in the mountains I put it into 4th (S, out of overdrive.) I have an ultra gauge set up to monitor my trans temp. It was only like $60 and easy install. It's cheap insurance to make sure you're not overheating the transmission and to learn what actions make the trans temp rise or fall. Definitely get something to monitor the trans fluid temp if you're planning on towing and you'll learn what you should and shouldn't do. I also change my trans fluid more regularly than most cause the majority of my miles, I'm towing the trailer.

 

I know this is an old thread but I had an active new thread going about using S-4 vs S 5 for a pop up (about 2000 lbs) do any of the original posters want to share their experiences since this was posted

 

I'm still towing like I've described here. 178,800 miles, zero issues!

 

Just follow the manual. Toyota didn’t waste a lot of time and testing to print a manual for no reason.
“Just because you can do it doesn’t mean it’s right”

 

How often do you change your transmission fluid and do you monitor your transmission temp?

I use an ultragauge and the transmission fluid gets hot quick when towing in D, even on flat ground. My travel trailer is 5,500lbs loaded and it'll run at +200f on flat ground at freeway speeds if I'm in D.

 

towing a light trailer with a vehicle not designed for towing, even an empty trailer causes the TCC to stay unlocked when driving on a slight incline. I have seen this happen more than once. The converter turns blue and the fluid turns clear. The customer brings the car in because the check trans light is on. $$$$$

If you are not monitoring your temps when towing in D , you will cook the additives out of the fluid much earlier than 60k .I hgihly suggest purchasing something to monitor your temps
Then , the next time you service your transmission , you end up plugging up solenoids and shift valves . Its happening fairly often on Tacoma World , mostly with 2nd gens mind you as they are starting to see some higher mileage

 

Thanks, Gearcruncher, I was hoping you’d chime in.

 

stickyTaco, it's changed every 60,000 miles.

 

I towed my boat (4,000 lbs. max loaded and fueled) 20+ times this summer in Truckee/Tahoe. The hills can get pretty brutal there but I drive it in D. I know what spots the truck struggles at now so I just shift it at those points, and use engine braking. I haven't had any issues yet but it's only been a year...

 

How do the trans temps (Torque converter in particular) look when in D compared to locked in S4? If you don’t see any problem then more power to ya.
Normal tow temps on mine are 185~195. If I pin the cooler open that drops 10*.

 

No idea. I don't find it necessary to purchase all those accessories that would tell me that.

 

You're probably heating the transmission fluid up pretty quick up here with that weight. I don't understand the resistance to following the manual when towing.

 

Maybe I'll learn the hard way lol. I'm planning to sell the boat anyway so it's a moot point

 

What type of boat and where do you usually take it? I try and get out on stampede, frenchmans, or davis a couple times a month with our Crestliner. Might be looking for a little larger boat next fall...the current boat is getting smaller as the kids get bigger.

 

Sanger V-215-S. I try to stick to Donner, we store it right up the street from the lake, don't even have to drive on the highway to get in the water. I took it to Stampede twice this summer, which is when I actually need to drive at highway speeds on hills. I have a pic of it on my new member post.

BTW sweet setup there! I fish off my boat sometimes and people look at me like I'm crazy LOL.

 

I have a brand new 2020 Tacoma off road with tow package. I’m getting my new trailer on Tuesday. It’s about 3200 lbs dry. I know by the manual to drive in S4 and ect on, based on manual. I’ve actually been driving in s mode lately around town and love how it handles a lot better than D.
Now, my question is, when I get to an actual time when I’m gonna take my trailer out for a trip, if I’m going 50 or 55 mph on freeway should I bump it to S5?

 

Are you watching your transmission temps with a guage ?

 

Yeah, I got a scan gauge 2. Haven’t towed the trailer yet. First time will be Tuesday and I’ll have that on for sure

 

Now, my question is, when I get to an actual time when I’m gonna take my trailer out for a trip, if I’m going 50 or 55 mph on freeway should I bump it to S5?[/QUOTE]

The Scanguage will answer that question for you. I tow a 3700lb trailer with my 2nd gen Taco and use 4th all the time (like the manual says). On the rare occasion that I forget and start out in 5th, I’ll glance at the gauge after a few minutes and it will be reading 210+. After slapping my forehead, I pop it into 4th and it goes back down to around 180. I have tried to run in 5th on flat sections of freeway and it gradually climbs up to 200+. If you’re worried about mileage, a few gallons of gas cost way less than a tranny rebuild.