Should I still use 4th gear

I will be using my 2013 TRD Offroad to tow my 17bh Clipper. Total weight, including gear, is around 4,000#. I have the Toyota tow package, 285/75 R16 tires, and I lowered my gears to 4.56's. On relatively flat stretches of highway should I still use 4th gear or can I use OD and allow the truck to downshift as needed? I am not too crazy about running the engine at over 3000 rpm's for a couple of hundred miles. Thanks for the advise.
Ron W.

 

1st, there is absolutely nothing wrong with running 3k, all day every day. Wont hurt a thing.

2nd, i tow on flat ground in od all the tIme. As long as the tranny isn't hunting is not cranking out heat. Od is the weakest gear though, there is the risk of it failing. Is up to you if you are ok with the risk.

 

The manual states to tow in 4 not OD but I've towed in OD before and the truck didn't blow up

 

Thanks for your input guys.

 

I appreciate the info as well. I've been reading this tow forum quite a bit the past few days. I bought a new 21' Center Console fishing boat last Friday. It'll be ready in 6-8 weeks, so I really need to keep reading and learning.

Never towed anything... never owned a boat. This is going to be interesting to say the least.

 

Start slow and realize that when towing, accelerating isn't usually the problem but stopping it is, especially with a lighter truck like a tacoma. Best of luck!

 

NEW CC fishing boat?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzBmQMyYDBk

 

^^HA! I love that clip!

 

Hey everyone, in a partial answer, 2016 DCLB SR5 with tow package, 1100 miles, 3200# boat up NYS thruway and Northway to Adirondacks and back. 400 miles, easiest was to tow in 4th,2900 rpm upshift to 5th, 2100rpm for long flat sections and downhills. On some really steep hills the truck downshifted to 3rd, 4500 rpm, Holding 65 no problem. Seems strange at first since it is a high revving engine with the way the tranny works but no problem. I did use a light single bar equalizing hitch which made a big difference. Stability in some nasty cross winds was great and according to the trip meter averaged 15.7 mpg with the boat loaded with other stuff, which if true is great!! My son towed his boat a lund probably another 500# with his dodge 1500 and managed 9 -10 mpg on same trip, So far I love the truck, Dealer is fixing the fluttering hood this week. Tranny fluid was ok. I did a double check on it just in case. Diffs were a little low but not enough to hurt. everything torqued up ok. Thanks for all the info on this site!!