Any manual transmission towing reviews out there?

Anyone with a 2016 manual towed with their Tacoma? Looked for a review but could not find one. Curious on how it pulls vs the auto. I have heard the rear end is different on the manual. I have tested both transmissions and the manual does indeed seem more torquey, especially off the line. I am sure it tows a 4 wheeler just fine. Really wanting to know how it pulls ~3000 lbs up grades. Thanks.

 

Hi TacoJonn- your question inspired me to join TW, I've been reading and learning since getting my truck, and it's time to give back.

I towed a 4 x 8 U-Haul from Billings back to the Colorado Front Range last month, the U-Haul weighed 850 lbs., so I figure the load was 2000+ lbs. The truck handled beautifully, and with the trailer I was able to maintain a good pace on I-90 and I-25. I found for the most part that 5th gear would get me up the long grades, with occasional forays into 4th gear. This engine has a lot to give when you hit the 3000 and 4000 RPM mark, and being able to find that range with the MT is awesome. I did use 3rd once or twice, having more to do with navigating with the other drivers and not the contours of the highway. I had about 1000 miles on my truck when I got up to Billings, so I was still learning the way this engine and tranny interfaced and worked together, having driven MT Subaru's for the past 20 years.

One other note, I was using Ethanol-free Premium gas for much of the drive. I topped off in Casper on the way up, maybe half a tank, then filled up in Billings, topped up in Sheridan and Casper on the way down. When I first added it I could feel a small difference in performance, but I figured since I was towing, and finishing the engine break-in on this trip, that using the better grade fuel would be worthwhile. I cannot say in absolute terms how much of a difference it made.

I hope this info is helpful to you.

 

Thanks for the review! I live in Cheyenne and am frequently all up and down the front range and even in Casper sometimes. I would be pulling my trailer to Moab Utah on I70 a couple of times a year I imagine. Seems to manual seems to be the stronger option if that 2 mpg is not a concern.

 

I'm glad my story was useful. Given the reviews I've read of the automatic here, I'd say the manual would be better for the trek over I-70. I would also say that if you were doing this and other trips more regularly, you'd want to think about a bigger truck. But the '16 is a sweet ride.

 

Yeah that is my dilema. I would probably not tow more than 10x per year. I like everyday drivability of a mid-size pickup, but a V8 would be nice going over passes. Then again I am never in a hurry when I drive. I just want an engine to be reliable in a way that towing won't affect it's overall lifespan. Got any more pics of your truck? If so post here. I really like that topper.

 

On a related note for my MT bruthas-do you guys find going from 2nd to 3rd gear a bit un-precise/ or for lack of better term un-snyched... every other gear has smooth and accurate shift engagements.

I drove a car once like that but it was only when going into Reverse, so I just double pumped the clutch to remesh/sync and it went in smooth.