Towing Question

Hey Guys.. Thanks in advance for your response. I recently purchased a 2015 Tacoma Access Cab with the little 4 cylinder engine. I have a small 16 foot aluminum fishing boat that I am planning on towing with it. I did a test tow today and on regular roads, it did fine. But on the expressway I felt like I was under powered at the 70 mph space. So my question is this: If I have a 4 speed, I know I can drop it into 3rd to help with speed on hills and such. But how do I know if I have a 4 or 5 speed? I have gone through a few starts and stops counting the gear shift points and it seems like it's a 5 speed, but I can't really be sure because my shift knob indicator goes from 1,2,3, D. I can only drop back into 3rd gear.. Cornfused and Cornflicted because after monitoring the shift points it seems like when it does drop into 4th, 5th comes very shortly after and the rpms drop even more.. Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

It’s a 4 speed and if you want to optimize your power shift it like a manual when towing. Also keep it out of D. I’ve towed over 4000lbs on the highways with my 4cyl and it did fine.

 

Try here

https://core-shifters.com/pages/toyota-truck-transmission-identification

 

Torque converter locking up and unlocking in 4th can feel like another shift - that's what you are feeling.