Towed first trip with camper in “D” with ECT PWR on

Hey guys. New member here with 2018 TRDOR. I followed break in period and did not tow anything until around 700mi on the truck. Pulled a lightweight 16ft hybrid travel trailer and didn’t realize to shift into S mode 4 to prevent shifting into OD gears. I read the manual and thought the ECT power button was the equivalent of a tow/haul mode. My first Toyota and bought it with 6mi on it. I had no problems on the trip which was about 250mi one way. I have had no problems at all since, but I am sick at the thought that I may gotten my transmission too hot. Do you all think the truck is okay so long as I only ever tow in S-4 from here on out? Truck has about 1,400 mi on it right now. Love the truck and love this forum.

 

id trade it in, its probably ruined




(jk your trucks fine)

 

I wouldn’t be too worried. Pulling my enclosed it won’t hold 6th at all due to wind drag and most of the time it is in 4th anyway regardless of where the shifter position is. Just make sure for the future you use S4.

 

I just feel really stupid for missing it in the manual. I’ve never owned a Toyota before and every other truck I’ve ever owned had a tow/haul button. lol

 

My wife made fun of me for spending my nights reading the manual.

 

Don't feel bad. My old Dodge Dakota had a tow/haul button that was nothing more than an overdrive off button. Every truck is different. You pulled a trailer 250 miles and now have driven your truck 1400, I can PROMISE you if there was an issue it would have showed its face by now. Changes are the truck never came out of 4th on it's own anyway.

 

Thanks. It pulled the little camper really well and I am taking my second trip out next weekend. Of course this time, in S4! This trip is a much shorter distance than my first one. About 75mi round trip versus 500mi round trip.

 

You have a trans cooler. You're fine.

 

Mine too!

 

I am curious,what kind of camper do you have?

 

2018 Viking 16RBD

 

Nice! So how did your Tacoma do?

 

It did great especially considering I was asking too much of the auto trans. These trucks have great torque up higher in the power band. I made sure to invest in a quality weight distributing hitch even though the dry weight of the camper is only 2806lbs. It levels the truck out and has built in sway control.

 

I appreciate you responding. I am considering getting a small hard sided camper but haven't decided on which one or when... I really like the looks and layout of the Casita campers.

Also, welcome to TW!!!! You have a lot of reading to do!

 

Hey. Nice TW name...

 

I don't think there is anywhere in the manual where it says you must use the S mode while towing. It says you can use it but mentions nothing about transmission cooling benefits.

 

The manual does say something to the effect of use 4th gear in autos and 5th in manuals to tow... of course we know that's simply a Toyota CYA move. As long as the transmission isn't hunting you can tow in OD.

I just looked up the trailer the OP has. His biggest enemy is wind resistance. As long as he's not trying to drive 80 I'm sure the transmission probably settled into 5th and stayed there.

 

I can recommend the Casita. We’ve been looking for a couple of years, and put a deposit on a Casita Spirit Deluxe 17’ earlier this month. October delivery.

 

Do a transmission fluid service early or don’t worry about it.