Need Advice on Flat Towing A Jeep

I have a 2 door jeep wrangler, pretty much stock that I will be flat towing behind my Tacoma on the interstate. What settings should I use on the Tacoma? ETC? It is an auto transmission but should I shift it manually, if so what gear should I use on the interstate?

 

I typically tow my little teardrop starting in S4 and ETC modes.

Depending on terrain I might have to drop into S3 ( inclines etc ) but on nice flat straight-aways S4 and ETC seem fine.

Take it easy and expect 16 MPG.

 

I would definitely use ECT. If you’ve driven a manual before, you will know when to go into S-mode and down shift.

 

Also, check out page 25 of this link for towing capacity and tongue load numbers for your 2023.

https://www.toyota.com/content/dam/toyota/brochures/pdf/2023/tacoma_ebrochure.pdf

 

Braking is a bigger issue. Many states require some sort of braking system if the toad weighs >3000 lbs.

 

I put a patriot brake box in the jeep and use a good set of non binding roadmaster tow bars. Cheap magnetic lights for brakes and directionals

 

I would go no higher than S4 and stay out of the overdrive speeds. Braking is also a concern.
Bluetooth dongles and the app are cheap, so you can monitor transmission temps, as added insurance, but not necessary. I would change trans and differential fluid more often,,, how often is up to you.

 

I have a scan gauge 3 so i monitor everything alteady

 

Thanks for all the info guys! I noticed just driving on local roads braking is an issue.
Planning to upgrade to larger btakes like i fid on my 2nd gen. You have a link to that Liberty brake box?

 

Looks like it weighs about 3500lbs

 

We should probably refrain from passing on judgment on any significant others and their size.

 

Bigger brakes will not reduce your stopping distance, but they might reduce the chance of overheating during long descents.

You need to use a device that allows you to use the brakes on the jeep, otherwise this is a non-starter idea.

I can elaborate the reasons if you like.

 

you need a brake set up that goes in the jeep and works the jeeps brakes..

this is what i run in our JK when we flat tow it behind our RV. https://rvibrake.com/products/rvibrake3-flat-towing-braking-system

even with a proper brake system i din't think i'd use a tacoma to pull the wrangler.

 

Well i learned one thing on my trip. Here is a tip, put a TON of weight in the bed of your truck!!!!

It was raining, Pulling onto I-10 I guess the truck lost traction for a second and VSC kicked in causing just enough of a little swerve for it to transfer to the Jeep.
The Jeep swung a little then ended up coming all the way around!

Truck and Jeep ended up perpendicular to the entrance ramp, with the front of the truck on the downward slope of the grass and Jeep half jack knifed.

Ended up leaving the Jeep hooked up, putting the Tacoma in neutral and out the Jeep in 4-Lo to pull the Tacoma back on the road and straight enough so i could put the Jeep back in tow mode and use the Tacoma to pull me back straight.

The drive back it was also raining. I put some sand bags and filled 4 ice chests with water and strapped them down tight.

No problems with the Jeep pulling me around on the way home, thank God!

 

the real lesson that should have been learned is not to tow that heavy of a vehicle with a little tacoma.

 

It only weighs like 4300 lbs the interior is stripped except 2 seats, took hard top off, only has 31's on it. Tacoma is rated for 6000lbs thought id be ok. Plus i have a 7 leaf pack on it

 

Glad all turned out ok.

Sounds like a solid reason to get a braking solution for flat towing. A Brake Buddy Select would've applied the brakes in the Jeep when the inertia changed.

 

Nutz. I hard a hard time understanding how such a thing could happen. Do you have details like speed, incline, tire condition, wind, corner radius, etc.?

 

But you still need brakes on the towed vehicle or trailer for anything over 1500lbs or there abouts. 4300 lbs with no trailer brakes is asking for trouble.

With a 4300 trailer with no brakes, you have effectively 50% of your braking potential. Stopping distance is twice as long. Not cool.