No "tow" button, does cooling activate automatically when towing?

So we are taking the weekend camping and I just wanted to verify something.

there is no "tow" button in the tacoma... so i am assuming all the extra cooling that comes with the tow package "kicks in" when needed? there is no need for me to "turn anything on" as i start towing?

thanks!

 

There is a T-stat on the transmission that operates automatically. You can press the ECT button to allow the engine to rev higher before shifting for towing in hilly terrain. It recommends this in the manual.

 

If your truck is a 2017 as stated in your signature, the ATF cooler will kick in when needed. No need to activate anything.

Also..you probably already know, but never tow in S mode (locked at 4th gear).

 

Why would S-Mode be a problem? It’s not locked in 4th gear, it just won’t select 5th or 6th. It still goes through 1,2,3,4. Seems ideal for towing honestly.

 

Could you please elaborate on this?

 

If your intent is to keep the truck out of overdrive while towing, wouldn't using S mode limited to 4th gear be appropriate?

 

there's no reason not to tow in s-mode. you need to use it for engine braking down hills.

 

Maybe it’s trolling?

 

I use ETC and S mode when towing. Usually leave it in S4 most of the time, will push up to S5 on nice flat straight-aways and
will drop to S3 when climbing rapid inclines when needed.

 

wat

 

Before you tow, it’s best to read your manual to ensure you are within the limits of weight etc.

 

Probably referring to Torque converter locking. Tc locks up starting in 3rd at 20-25 mph and all away to 6th in early models. TC only lives in "slip" state for a short time in low gears&speeds.
When tow, you want TC locked up to cool the fluid in TC. Otherwise the temp in TC will continue to rise untill TC solenoid goes to ON state.

 

My truck tows in S5 fine, always has. Even will go into S4 automatically on big long hills. I've tried ECT, but I feel the truck over-revs, and gets poor fuel mileage. Came to the conclusion ECT is mean't for towing loads over 4k lbs.

 

Thanks for the all the replies.

Yes, i intend to tow in S mode with ECT on.... based on everything i have read, that is the way to do it.

Yes, i have ensured all my weights are below towing capacity (trailer is 3300 lbs dry).

thanks everyone, and wish us luck!!

 

Don't forget your trailer brake!

 

User manual recommends towing in D with ECT switched on. If engine braking is needed then select S5 or lower.

 

Don’t tow in overdrive