6500 lbs from Texas to upstate ny

So here we go I have a 15 dcsb and a 16ft enclosed trailer. I need to go to Texas and move a relative to upstate ny. Think the taco can handle it. Looking for input from those of you that have towed on the highway.

 

No sweat. I'd switch the rear diff oil over to synthetic, first and don't leave the transmission in overdrive (or you'll overheat the gear) Have a nice trip.

 

Did you see I had to edit. The weight I will be pulling will be 6500lbs.

 

Ok, not sure.

 

Ok on the different oil. I'm still running the toyota conventional oil in motor maybe I'll swap that out too

 

I'd whip out the owners manual. I was surprised to find a wide range of towing capacity on the 2016 Tacomas. If memory serves, it's anywhere from about 3000 lbs to 6800 lbs depending on engine/transmission/towing pkg/etc.

Here is the 2015 Owners Manual. Scan down to page 213 and it starts describing towing. A few pages down it lists capacities.

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM04001U/pdf/OM04001U.pdf

 

Definitely switch out the diff oil and lube the driveshaft anyway.....but maybe a U-haul truck is in order. Someone else will have to chime in. Good luck.

 

Nearest I can tell my tow capacity is 6800 I have the off road with factory tow package just need to add the brake controller and the truck came with the wiring adapter. The truck pulls the trailer fine just worried about wind drag

 

Good way to break it in seeing as it only has 6k miles on it

 

Check your sticker (driver side door frame) for max weight and capacity info. You should be okay, but plan on 12mpg and 65mph the whole way.

 

Never thought to check door sticker. Thank you

 

I usually tow this 6x12 loaded with race bikes (approx weight 5000lbs) up and down east coast. The truck is capable and will pull it but not without a struggle.

As others pointed out, tow in 4th gear and I would recommend a tranny temp readout tool like scangauge or ultra gauge. I like to keep an eye on the transmission temps while towing

 

Good to know

 

You might also want to look into a transmission cooler if you don't already have one installed.

 

The truck will do the job, it just won't be a fun or relaxing drive since you really are putting it to its limits. Make sure that you don't push YOURSELF too hard, since it will take extra concentration to operate the rig, not that you'll be able to go for a particularly long time between fuel-ups. DO NOT try to drive through the night.

Contrary to report of keeping it out of overdrive to keep the gear cool, it isn't about overheating the gear. Its about overheating/burning the fluid and/or excessive wear on the transmission due to excessive shifting, aka "hunting".

If overdrive maintains the proper speed without hunting for gears, and the torque converter remains locked up (you can tell by feel or watching the tacometer if the torque converter is locked), then overdrive is fine. If you find that it is NOT locking the torque converter, or it is frequently locking and unlocking it, or shifting too much, THEN you downshift. This process goes by feel / judgment. Different wind, different slope, makes a huge difference and impacts what gear is reasonable to operate in.


I wouldn't worry about switching out fluids before the drive. Make sure that the engine oil is at the max line, and hit the road. Do an oil change WHEN YOU ARRIVE. Synthetic or conventional oil is irrelevant.

 

Good to know. I'm thinking I don't really want to put the truck through the stress. Especially as my boss just told me to use my company truck instead, and that's a ram with a Cummings. I don't mind pulling a load local but are planning on keeping this truck for a while. And my boss told me my next company truck will be the new tundra diesel when it's available. Can't wait

 

They don't mind the stress/work, that's their job. But if you have something larger (there is no "g" in "cummins" BTW...) then it should be a bit less stressful of a drive, even if you do end up burning more fuel with the bigger truck.

 

I'd take the heavier truck any day. You'll enjoy the trip more, MPG will be about the same, and it will be much safer (cross winds, passing 18 Wheelers, idiot drivers, etc).

Also tell us how the Tundra deisel is

 

When we get the tundra I will be giving a review for sure

 

Did you make it?