Constant shifting while towing

Hey, I was wondering if anyone has a cure for the constant shifting while towing? My Taco wants to stay at around 4.5K while towing at 65 mph on the freeway.

My travel trailer, gear, and family probably weigh in at around 5000 lbs.

Are there any mods that can be done or is that just how it is?


Thanks!
Brian

 

OVTune or gears. I'd try OVTune first.

 

Just how it is..

 

What were you driving in? D? S? Was ECT on?

 

Are you putting the shifter in S mode and locking it out of the high gears?

 

Tundra if you’re constantly towing the 5k.

 

I tow in S4 with ECT on and shift up and down as needed. Doesn't hold that kind of rpm unless I'm going uphill. These engines like higher rpm for power.

 

This or at least a 2G Taco with the 4.0.

 

All the above.

 

That's what I'm going back too eventually, just trying to make due with the Taco for now.

 

S-mode in 4th, don't use cruise control, keep it under 72 mph.

 

I've tried everything! On the way home I took hwy 101 instead of I-5. The truck preformed way better at 55-60 mph. Also went from 8 mpg to 11.5, just took to hours longer to get home.

 

If you don't want to spend money, then just drive slower. I just stay in S mode and keep it in 3rd and maintain 55mph or find the sweet spot where the truck is not going to downshift and you are not over 4k rpm. 5k is a lot of weight. You will destroy your truck pushing it. (drivelines, engine, suspension).

 

This might be stupid to ask but you do have ECT PWR turned on correct?

 

You'll be in 3/4 gear towing that kind of load with the auto. best course of action is gears and the tune. or drive slow.

 

Ive had both the 4.0 does not pull much different than the 3.5
Granted my 4.0 was auto and my 3.5 is a manual but id say the 3.5 pulls harder but possibly because I have 3 pedals and a stick

 

Buy a truck that's made to tow that much,Tacoma's are not.

 

This^^^

Towing is improved tremendously.

 

ect and s4. 5th and 6th are over drive so you want to avoid them and ECT does the same thing that tow/haul mode does on other trucks.

 

Gears and OVTune will probably have you in to the $2k range, that's trading in (for the proper tow vehicle) range kind of money. I wouldn't throw money at it, it'll never be what you want it to be in that weight range.
Vacations/trips are supposed to be fun and relaxing. White knuckle diving, holding up traffic, packing light, all the things associated with not having the proper tow vehicle, is not fun or relaxing.