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How much can my truck tow? I'm confused by the manual.

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by sprucemica, Nov 23, 2021.

  1. Dec 5, 2021 at 7:40 AM
    #41
    Steelhead Bum

    Steelhead Bum Well-Known Member

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    Good call op.

    On a side note I see some talk on this thread that mentions not using OD while towing with autos.

    I think it’s a lame the 2nd gen doesn’t have a tow/haul switch or OD/off switch for towing. So my question is what are you guys doing? Leaving the truck in 4th instead of drive? I occasionally tow around a boat and never gave it much thought in this truck.

    When I had my powerstroke and was towing around a camper or a 24’ enclosed sled trailer it was second nature to turn tow/haul mode on.
     
  2. Dec 5, 2021 at 8:19 AM
    #42
    2015WhiteOR

    2015WhiteOR Well-Known Member

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    Yes if you are towing in an auto Tacoma, do not leave it in (D) which allows the trans to go into overdrive. Leave it in 4.
     
  3. Dec 5, 2021 at 8:21 AM
    #43
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    Towing in 4th vs D is really dependent on terrain, towed weight, aerodynamic drag, speeds,........

    If you are pulling in D and the the transmission is hunting between gears, then you should downshift to 4.

    It isn't very complicated.
     
  4. Dec 5, 2021 at 9:25 AM
    #44
    Steelhead Bum

    Steelhead Bum Well-Known Member

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    Thanks.

    Was just curious what the majority is doing. Haven’t personally experienced any hunting “yet” pulling boats or the car trailer all over the NE WA, N. ID and W Montana.
     
  5. Dec 5, 2021 at 12:43 PM
    #45
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    I tow in 4th 90% of the time. I live in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains.
    We have hills, lots of hills.

    The safe answer is 4th always.
    I have used 5th, yes.
    But @Knute explained it pretty well.
    There’s more to it than hunting gears. If the torque converter is unlocking/locking excessively, this too indicates you should probably drop a gear.
     
    Steelhead Bum[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Dec 5, 2021 at 1:35 PM
    #46
    Williston

    Williston Unknown Member

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    2014 Tacoma 040 SR5 4x4 DC SB V6 AT5 Tow Pkg Entune+ Mostly stock with a couple of non-OEM nods.M mods.
    Stock (99.999%) OEM Bed Floor Mat, Front Bed Rail Cargo Net and hooks, Auto-Dim mirror w/Compass and outside Temperature display, TRD Pro Grille, Uni-Filter air pump modification, WeatherTech floor liners f/r. (winter) OEM All-Weather floor mats (summer).
    The "lockout button" on a 5-speed automatic 2nd gen Tacoma is: "4".
    ;)
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2021
    Knute and whatstcp like this.
  7. Dec 5, 2021 at 2:24 PM
    #47
    Steelhead Bum

    Steelhead Bum Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the additional information. While my truck doesn’t shudder or constantly up/down shift while towing, I’m not very familiar with the operation of the torque converter. I’ll read up on it for a better understanding.
     
  8. Dec 5, 2021 at 2:35 PM
    #48
    stuttgart1

    stuttgart1 Well-Known Member

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    I have a 27 foot travel trailer with a dry weight of 4150 lbs. and I’ve gone over scales at about 4850 lbs. loaded for camping. I towed this with a Chevy 2500 longbed truck. I also have a Tacoma DCLB that I would never even consider towing this trailer with. It’s not just the weight but the size of the trailer. Others have stated your side mirrors on your Tacoma will be worthless. 22 miles or not, my opinion is don’t risk it.
     
  9. Dec 5, 2021 at 2:48 PM
    #49
    goforbroke123

    goforbroke123 Well-Known Member

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    I hauled about 5000lb pounds of pavers on a trailer for my buddy, not a fun experience!
    The worse part was backing up the trailer into his driveway, my poor clutch.:bananadead:
    The highway ratio makes sense after my experiences of backing up my truck with heavy loads.
     
    TnShooter[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Dec 5, 2021 at 4:47 PM
    #50
    Williston

    Williston Unknown Member

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    Stock (99.999%) OEM Bed Floor Mat, Front Bed Rail Cargo Net and hooks, Auto-Dim mirror w/Compass and outside Temperature display, TRD Pro Grille, Uni-Filter air pump modification, WeatherTech floor liners f/r. (winter) OEM All-Weather floor mats (summer).
    So: I decided to review my (2014) owner's manual to find out what Toyota has to say about towing a trailer in "D": >Nothing<. Hmmmm... Checked closer: nope. (Hey: it's 600 pages... gave it my best shot) Since the 2014 Tacoma brochure I also have contains NO specfications regarding transmission gear ratios (nor final rear axle drive ratios) I decided to check my vintage, dog-eared, comprehensive 2005 Tacoma specifications guideline sheets to confirm the auto 5-speed is indeed an overdrive transmission: It is: (at least in 2005: may have changed)
    4th: 1.00. 5th: 0.72.... (as is the 5sp stick: 0.81)

    I will not be towing in "D" (5) regardless what Toyota has not to say about the subject. If Volvo says/warns not to do it (Aisin transmissions since at least the mid '80's,) that's good enuf for me. YMMV.

    Oh yeah: Final drive ratio: 3.727:1... I'll call them 3.73's: Not bad. It's not 4:11's, but a good compromise by Toyota: you can't have everthing... (The Pre-Runner had 4:10 final gears on the 5sp though...(2005 sheet....sweet!! Bless Toyota's heart.....)
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2021
  11. Dec 5, 2021 at 4:51 PM
    #51
    G2.M6

    G2.M6 Well-Known Member

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    A few, mainly added skids. I like leaving the suspension alone. I drive forest service dirt roafs in the desert west extremely extremely too fast. Toyota nailed this suspension going 65 across desert terrain. Changing it is dumb unless you have a specific need like crawling or mud.
    Lol I wish I had seen this thread before I tried pulling my 24 foot sailboat over three passes... If I had had an automatic I'd be dead
     

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