How about towing tiny trailers?

I have a 2017 DCLB with factory tow package. I towed a 3500 lb trailer through the blue ridge mountains with very little to complain about. Some of the downhills were sketchy because the trailer didn't have brakes. But I put it in S4 and ECT and she handled it like a champ.

Question now is, I am buying a small pop up camper, with a dry weight of around 1150lbs.
When on flat ground would you guys do the S4 and ECT, or just put that sucker in D and go?

 

The owners manual says to tow in 4. I know from xperience with a light trailer on level roads no problem towing in D. As far as ECT with a light trailer like you mention I don’t really think it’s necessary. If you are climbing hills or long grades then put it in 4.

 

I would use ECT and try drive. Toyota recomends ect for mountain terrain and towing. If it's popping out of 6th alot, try S5, and if there's still an issue use s4.

 

Lol, it pops out of 6th in Florida just going up an overpass with no trailer!

 

To each use trail and error. I've towed my 2400lb Chalet about 10K miles now, and all up and down the Sierra Mts and Rockies from AZ to MT. My standard procedure for towing: ECT on and S4/5 as needed. Steeper longer grades S3 at 50mph is not uncommon. I will use D occasionally on unchanging level terrain. BTW, for highway travel I generally keep my speeds 55-60mph, tho interstates I''l do 65+. And if I keep my speeds below 60, I'll commonly see 16-17mpg.

 

Nice! I am going to pick this little guy up in Indiana on Jan 2nd. It is a new leftover 2017. It is about half the weight of yours. I suspect I will drive it just like you do.
I live in FL, and most of my towing will see overpasses as the highest hill to climb.

https://www.mountcomfortrv.com/New-...iler-Newport-Newport-Mount-Comfort-RV-2119146

 

I have a small utility trailer that weights 1000-2000 lbs, depending on how it's loaded. I tow in S6 with the ECT on. No issues. On flat roads or on gentle downhills it even drops into 6th gear. And yes, I keep 65 mph or under.

 

There is a difference in towing and Towing. If you look at the black and white and don't interpret anything, if you tie a helium Balloon onto your hitch you are now towing, and by the manual you should be in 4 just like if you're pulling a 6500lb trailer. The manuals are wtitten to account for the largest number of idiots it can. In this case people that can't figure out that towing 6500 through the Rockies in od is a bad idea.

If you're towing light and it's holding gears, you're fine. If it's locking and unlocking the tc and shifting regularly the fluid is going to cook and you should be in 4. Easy peasy.