Towing a trailer with 2007 Tacoma V6-2WD

Getting ready for towing a 2500-lb travel trailer with my 2007 Tacoma V6-2WD. It has the towing package up-to 6500 lbs. I only have 53,000 miles and I kept it with regular maintenance. However I didn't always go to Toyota as they are expensive. I haven't done transmission oil change yet.

Can you experts tell me what's need to be done at this point in terms of maintenance?
At 50,000 miles I did the following.

Differential Service, Power Steering Service, Fuel Injection Cleaning, Clean throttle body, New Cabin Filter, Oil change and multi point inspection, Front Wheel Alignment. I got a new battery at 42,000 miles. Replaced the tires at 50,000.

Should I also do the transmission oil change? I think I also have to do front and back brakes.
Thank you!

 

For towing try not to use OD if you have an Automatic as the gear is pretty weak. You will normally get as good of mileage in Drive as in OD and the tranny will be a lot happier.

 

No need to do the tranny at this point. Toyota recommends servicing the tranny at 60000miles if you tow on a regular basis. Inflate the trailer tires to the proper psi, pay attention to the tranny hunting for gears and it will be fine.

 

I have the same truck in 4X4, it won't make any difference with towing. In fact your truck will be a few hundred pounds lighter and should tow a bit better. No need to worry about the transmission unless you are towing heavy loads on a regular basis. I tow a 3500-4000 lb camper about a half dozen times a year, certainly less than 1000 miles per year. I also tow a 10' utility trailer at least 1-2 times each month. Weight can range between 400 lbs to 4000 lbs. I'm at 152,000 and the transmission has never been serviced. Don't plan on doing it either, Toyota recommends you never change it unless you tow heavy loads and do it a lot. If I towed 5000 lbs or more on a regular basis, maybe.

Have the brakes checked, replace if needed. I've done my front brakes twice in the 8 years I've owned the truck and they are still in great shape. The rear brakes were done at 100,000 miles and I still had plenty of pad left. The front rotors have only been turned once, the rear never. Some shops, especially at dealers will try to convince you need a lot of work done that isn't necessary. Find an independent shop you trust.

The gearing you choose depends on how much weight you're pulling and the terrain. On certain roads I take it out of OD even unloaded. With 2500 lbs behind me I'd suggest not using OD most of the time. But on the open road, on level ground where traffic conditions will allow you to maintain 65 mph or so it won't hurt a thing to shift up to OD. But you have to pay attention. If conditions change and the engine starts lugging or if the transmission downshifts, it is time to get out of OD.

 

Thanks for your input. This morning Toyota dealer mentioned that I should change the transmission oil at 60,000m. Somewhere I read it I don't need it until I hit 100,000m. Once I get the trailer I will be towing it 1600 miles to bring it home. Tacoma is automatic but I don't have OD. I think I have 4th gear (4-D). Next oil change I should check the brakes and possibly I'll replace it.