Gen 3 Towing Thread

Lol yes, at least fuel is coming down some. was down in NM earlier in the year, at one point was about 30 miles away from Texas.

Im sure the ballon festival is a sight to see!

 

Can’t imagine driving a trailer with $4-5 a gallon gas, barely over 10-12 mpg.

The balloon fest is biggest in the country and supposed to be pretty fun. Looking forward to it and hoping to have a safe drive there.

depending where you are, Texas is pretty nice. Not all parts though.

 

We drove to Rushmore in June, when gas prices were basically at their peak, nearly $5 per galloon. Into a VERY strong headwind (travelling west) and pulling an Apex Nano 208BHS (~4000# dry). I think I was getting 7-8 MPG if I was lucky. I'd fill up, drive 100 or so miles and already be needing to fill up again. It wasn't "fun" at all, but very expensive! Enforced bathroom/stretching breaks every couple hours though.

 

that’s awful. I imagine most driving west/north west will experience headwind. My trip towards NM is in that exact direction. I’d expect every hour and a half to stop to get gas and check on things. Some of it will be at night which I don’t look forward to but will keep it at a minimum.

 

If anyone has ever made it out of 4th gear on the HWY even if not towing something, what's the secret?? LOL
Besides re-gearing of course...

We we're around 4000RPM in 4th the whole way... Without the load i'm still in 4th, I don't think I've ever been in 5th or 6th for that matter on the HWY..

Hauling this home 400km's cost over $250CA in gas
Good thing my company pays for it...

 

I cruise in 5th at 63mph as much as I can. Mpg in 4th at 63 is about 10mpg where as 5th is closer to 15mpg.
I have OBD fusion on my iPad mini with all the essentials. The most important to me is knowing when the torque converter is locked.
My truck is stock and the trailer is 4,700lb.

 

@LEXICON ,
Are you tuned? That is the secret. KDMAX PRO-XT would be the biggest game changer for you. I am not a paid reviewer, just a VERY HAPPY and satisfied customer who tows and off-roads a lot.

 

What speed are you doing?

At 63mph in 4th I’m doing maybe 2,500rpm. (From memory)

 

Stock sized tires lol.

 

I'm not so technical about numbers... LOL gas and go.. I have a heavy foot, no trailer i'm cruisin at 75-85mph

Been looking into a good tune and a re-gear. Thanks!

No hills I'm cruisin at 75-85mph in 4th at around 3700RPM

Right?? we create our own problems. Even stock and no trailer I found it was impossible to shift into 5th for any significant amount of time.

 

The fest is a bucket list item for sure. We did it one year and that early rise with the crisp morning air was awesome. The evening moon glow is pretty cool too.

 

Long time lurker, new poster! Next big purchase is probably going to be a micro-toy hauler.

Find myself doing a lot of double duty / camp days at the tracks that have kart facilities that allow supermoto sessions along side the bigger layout for the go-fast bike.

 

I've done more than my fair share of towing but not much if any with my new Tacoma yet. The issues you state I've had with every tow vehicle I have owned in the past pulling my various RVs. I never did any measurements for weight other than a visual "looks level to me" and off we go. Always used a weight distribution hitch, quality brake controller, replace and strip off the cheap Chinese RV tires and the most important thing I've learned is to only buy 2 axle units. They pull so much better. Getting pushed around a little and wind sheer are just part of towing. I keep it slow and steady and don't rush myself into a bad situation. Looking forward to a new RV at some point to pull with the Tacoma but I'll try to keep it under 3500lbs. Need to sell my gas guzzling 32' class C first. Happy trails.

 

You can try my truck with the KDMax tune if you want. Are you at camp yet in Liberty Lake?

 

I can’t wait. I’ll try to post some pictures. Did you go in the balloons? I tried and they were sold out when it opened.

 

What’s importance or knowing about torque converter lock? I’ve seen it mentioned a few times but no reasons behind it.

 

Envious! I used to ride sports bikes and always wanted to get on the track. Looks very fun.

 

great input and thanks for providing. I think knowing what towing is like with various units and set ups is key. My wildwood is about 3,500 lbs and is single axle. it’s just the little jerking that concerns me. I’m due time I’ll have another, but also another truck to actually haul with. I initially wanted a class C to avoid all the concerns now. Good luck on your next rig. While it’s a towing thread, posting your class c wouldn’t hurt!

 

If the torque converter is unlocked the input and output are at different speeds and it's heating the transmission fluid up.

 

The torque converter is essentially a clutch. It only locks in 4th, 5th and 6th gear. If the TC is not locked then it’ll heat the transmission oil up dangerously quickly when towing.
When the TC is locked you are getting the best MPG in that gear.
I use OBD fusion app via a OBD Bluetooth adapter to monitor trans temps and TC lock status specifically along with a whole load of other stuff…