Towing 4 down with AT

Congrats, 999crazy Job well done! Thanks for sharing your solution.

 

Another member of the Tacoma toad club here.

 

Another late question, but...

Anyone know if a driveshaft disconnect is needed on a 4x4 tacoma with a manual trans? I'm wondering if the transfer case will be damaged during towing?

 

Yes, it will need a drive shaft disconnect. Its the transfer case that needs to also be manual, not just the trans.

 

For those with Gen3 Tacomas as toads, did you run the wiring all the way back to the taillights or find a convenient intercept under the hood? It seems the only kits available are universal so they have to be spliced into the existing wires.

 

Fyi,. Just putting the key in the ignition turns on the fuel pump, that's without turning the key at all.

 

Yes, I ran the wires all the way back. I put the wires in a wire loom to protect them and ran the wires down the drivers side frame rail.

 

I've resigned myself to do the same. I was able to locate the wires in question in the underhood fuse box but while it appears the turn and tail light wires are discreet from there to the rear, the stop light wire is a very small gauge wire more typical as a signal lead rather than a current carrying wire as the others.

I'm not willing to risk an issue by tying into that wire and if I've got to go the rear for it, I might as well do the same for the others, especially considering the purchased harness includes a combined 4 wire cable. I still need to determine if 7 pin outlet on the RV is setup for a combined or separate lighting scheme. I already have a convenient wire loom with a single 12ga wire for power to the ARE topper.

 

I followed Yellowstone22's method for the steering lock and it works great. I used a circuit tap for ATM-LP fuses, wired a switch inline with a tab on the end of the wire to slip in the load side of the fuse holder. I drilled a 1/2" hole in the lower portion of the dash near the fuse panel and inserted the switch there. Superior Driveline does have a complicated procedure but it also requires a switch that disconnects some if not all of the electrics so not sure why all the extra steps. The important thing to know is that the steering lock solenoid will activate around 15-20 seconds after the engine is stopped or immediately if a door is opened.

I purchased the Remco disconnect kit from Superior and had my driveshaft modified locally. Saved a few hundred dollars this way but I'm not at all satisfied with the cable and linkage for re-engaging the driveshaft. Pushing on the cable is probably the less effective method to move anything and it takes a bit of force to slide that collar into place. I've yet to do it successfully and had to crawl under the truck each time. Everything is aligned and spaced exactly as they specify but moving the collar by hand makes it clear that more force is required than can be achieved by pushing on a noodle...err, cable!

 

I absolutely HATED using my disconnect cable for the first few months. Checked alignment, cleaned it, lubed up the cable, and it just sucked trying to get it to reengage.
It would work perfect in my driveway, but after towing it was stubborn as hell to get it engaged.
Eventually it broke in, and engages/disengages very easily.
I logged 6K miles last year flat towing the Tacoma and it's been great

 

Thanks for the encouragement, I am thinking it needs some break-in time but what a pain to do it from underneath until then. Maybe I'll just stay under there moving it back and forth for an hour LOL!

 

I'm not sure if anyone is still reading this thread, but I'm having the same issue with my 2019 2WD Taco (automatic).
I had a Remco Driveshaft installed this week - https://remcodsc.com/?gad_source=1&...I3GUStl3wp0AmlN0LlOX11K22qD9QW24aAiYCEALw_wcB.
I had one on my 2008 4WD Taco. We flat towed it for years behind our diesel pusher, with absolutely no issues, but we had a keyed ignition in 08, and this 2019 is obviously a push-button start.
Moving on. I picked it up from the shop yesterday, turned on aux mode to release the steering, and began towing it home (about 30 miles). When I got home, the steering wheel was locked. GRRRR!. Now I know it goes to sleep after 18 min - wish I'd known that earlier!
Anyway, did anyone figure out how to release the steering, without drawing power? I'm thinking maybe a battery disconnect?
Before the haters chime in about installing a driveline disconnect, save it. I've heard it all, and I respect your opinion, but I also know it works beautifully, except for this darn steering issue!
Sure hope anyone has some good advice.
Cheers!

 

UPDATE - Looking through other forums like iRV2, I found that the battery disconnect is likely the best option. If I could ask your opinion through, does it matter if it's in neutral or park when towing? Remember, I've got the driveshaft disconnected, so it's not turning. Thanks again!

 

Scroll back up and you’ll find the solution, a fuse tap with an inline switch. I tow my 2019 with the DS disconnect and incorporated this fix for dealing with the steering wheel lock and it works great. I used a rocker switch mount horizontally down low and have oriented such that when depressed toward the door means I’m exiting the vehicle for towing.

 

Wow, that sounds awesome! Can you share a picture or tell me where I can see what you're referring to? I read your post, but it seems pretty complicated. I've ordered a battery disconnect, and to work in tandem, I also ordered a memory saver.
Thanks again. We'll see what happens.

 

On page 2 is the post by yellowstone22 that describes how to do it. An yes, there is a specific fuse he identifies. Sorry but I don’t have any pics.

 

Here are pics of my steering lock bypass switch.

 

I am grateful you people are making this journey. We had thought about flat-towing our 2020 Tacoma, but opted to use our FJ Cruiser instead - might reconsider in the future.

Two thoughts...

The Harbor Freight wireless towing lights have worked great for us - plug, stick and go!

The driveshaft disconnect system does not require the Remco shifting mechanism. I ruined one off-roading, and did not replace it. I think it is just as easy to reach under the FJ and slide the ring manually, though the modest suspension lift probably makes it easier.

 

Hello all,

I’ve been following this for the last year, I was ready to do it on my 2023, but just sold it last week and waiting for a 2024. Just as the OP was determined, I WILL also set up the 2024 as a toad. I have everything lined up, except the steering lock,but I plan to follow Yellowstone’s method and using the information here.

I will post pics when I complete it. Good discussion guys, plenty of knowledge here.

 

Can you describe how this is setup? I want to recreate it.

Would I use a fuse tap on the steering lock fuse and then put the OEM fuse on the bottom of the tap. Then wire in a switch to the top fuse spot of the tap? This is where I am a little confused. Any help is appreciated