ITBC & MT vs AT

Hey, All!

When towing a travel trailer is it better to have AT or MT? Or does it matter?

Do I really need ITBC - integrated trailer brake controller?

Thanks!!!

 

I would venture the answer is no, hence the questions. I can tell you, AT is easier than MT, but MT is very doable if you are experienced. I recommend the integrated brake controller, but you can also buy Bluetooth ones on the aftermarket. The IBC helps you setup the trailer brakes to help with braking balance and load. You should get it because the taco is smaller and lighter and will probably be bullied by larger trailer loads. GL

 

Never towed anything. This will be our first time.

 

Thanks!!!

 

Can't speak about towing with a 4th gen, but I have pulled trailers with my 3rd gen plenty of times.

An automatic is easier, but a manual is easily doable. My first time towing was with a manual and I've only ever towed with manual trucks.

It depends on the trailer's braking system if you do need a trailer brake controller or not, but I do recommend having one just in case. Some trailers, for example, the U-Haul car trailer, has their own automatic surge brake system, so you don't need a trailer brake controller for that. But, there are plenty of trailers that uses electric brakes, and for those, you need a trailer brake controller.

You probably should get a Tacoma with ITBC if you're lazy like me and don't want to deal with installing one. From what I've heard, installing an aftermarket trailer brake controller on a 4th gen Tacoma that doesn't have ITBC isn't the easiest. Pretty unfortunate, as installing an aftermarket trailer brake controller on a 3rd gen Tacoma is plug and play if you have the tow package (which is on most of them). You can also use an aftermarket unit that uses Bluetooth, but I can't speak on that as I never used one. Here's a link to a thread discussing this.

 

Yes you need trailer brakes.
It doesn't matter in the transmission.
Don't tow in OD gears in the Auto.

 

How heavy of a load are you planning on towing? Either tranny is fine.

 

lol @ towing with a 3rd gen auto trans… Them transmissions are terrible

 

Not if you know what you’re doing and aren’t towing 6500 pounds.

 

If you tow a fifteen hundred-pound trailer or less on flat ground, you don't need trailer brakes. Something heavier or through steep country, you betcha.

 

I've got 50k miles of towing on my 3rd gen AT. The main issue with the AT is the hole between 3rd and 4th gears when climbing IMO. ECT and S-mode make it do what it is supposed to do for the most part.

4th gen would beat the brakes off a 3rd gen here.

OP, get a ITBC.

 

Thank you all very much!!!!!

I’ll be towing a small travel trailer, likely a KZ Sportsman Classic 160 QB; GVWR 3,500lbs. It's for my wife, our dog and me to travel comfortably across the country. I just started looking into Jayco, too. If anyone has any recommendations I’d appreciate it.

 

You definitely want a trim level with the brake controller.

 

Thank you very much!!!
Looks like the OR offers ITBC with the $4,625 package.
Anyone think the TRD air intake will help? Toyota states it improves hp & torque.

 

Not true. The factory software programming is what’s terrible. Easily corrected with a tune (pick your poison). The transmission is pretty bulletproof.

 

Did they say how much it improves hp and tq?

 

They did not.

 

Hey, All!!!
One more thing, as I’m building the truck online and figuring out what I’ll need, does the $780 skid plate package cover both catalytic converters?
Thanks!

 

MTs are tricky to back up, use 4-low or burn the clutch. My Nissan was the same.

I have an MT with aftermarket brake controller, no harness, so hard wired like 20 years ago.

 

There is only one catalytic converter, and it's hidden deep inside the engine well. It's secure.