Tow/haul with 2.7L

Hi everyone,

I saw the seller posted a 2003 Tacoma a few months ago, I ignored because it’s a 2.7l 4 cylinders…But I ended up buy this one, I will get it soon. My first truck and first Tacoma I own. Very clean and well care for a 2003 I ever seen so far and fit my budget. I wanted a v6 but I accept a 4 cylinders.
I will use it for my camping, work around. I have a side by side (total weight with trailer is approx.1500 lbs) and also a tiny camper under 1000 lbs. It should be fine with 4 cylinders rates 3500 lbs. So will mpg change A LOT or LITTLE when towing ? Should I use ECT botton ? Even on highway? Does anyone have an enclosed trailer 6x12 ? Can I tow it with my side by side inside ?
I don’t understand why my Ford Edge 2010 FWD is 3.5l and 6 speeds automatic transmission and towing capacity is max 2000 lbs. Compare to Tacoma max 3500 lbs…

 

A lot and be sure to turn overdrive off if there is any change in grade along the way. Got an external trans cooler? Not needed but sure helps.

 

If you plan on towing fairly frequently, I highly suggest a trans cooler and a temperature gauge so you can watch it. Otherwise you are just blindly hoping you don't overheat it.
While cruising on flat highway it will be fine. You can can pay attention to if the torque converter is in lockup or not. If it keeps coming in and out of lockup, them you should take O/D off. ECT doesn't really do much other than when the transmission shifts.

I installed a tru-cool LPD4454 https://www.trucool.com/products/tru-cool-lpd
I also put a gauge on the output line from the transmission running to the cooler.
More info about my install here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tiffany-the-taco.374490/page-8#post-15903947

 

its not all about power, it might be about structure of the vehicle. like the other post said get a scan gauge so you can monitor your temps

 

Thanks guys. I will try to tow without tranny cooler and see what happens. Maybe I will add cooler. I keep eyes on temperature like I do with my Edge. NzBrook, I saw your links, nice truck. I will find out how much it costs to add tranny cooler here in Canada.

 

You’re going to hate towing with the four cylinder if you try to go up any sort of grade, but with that weight you’re doing it should be just fine. I’ve pulled my boat, cars on dollies, cargo trailers, etc. with my four cylinder and it did fine until I encountered hills.

Install a transmission cooler and a temperature gauge.

 

Oh well thanks BartMaster, I do have hills to go to my camp. So what does cooler help ? to prevent overheating the transmission correct ? If yes, does it will help to shift better with cooler ? Sorry I don't familiar much with towing. My first time was last year with my Edge, I can see my Egde works harder lol.