Towing small trailer cross country with 4banger

Since nobody’s mentioned it yet I will.... anybody else missing those days when you could fit everything you owned in a 5x8?

 

Take it slow and check on things the first few hundred miles. Once you know things are settled and safe. Travel at a safe speed for your comfort and the traffic around you, knowing that you can’t accelerate like an empty truck, braking shouldn’t be too different.

-edit
here’s how I did it 5 years ago. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/enclosed-trailer-buy.376994/page-2

 

I just moved from west coast to east and I doubled the amount of stuff I had to move in two years! I’ll blame it on the kids.

 

Go slow... enjoy the sights .. you will be fine.

 

Should I really drive in ECT mode the whole time? Seems like it would max out my RPM going up those long rolling hills. In fact, I usually avoid cruise control for the same reason. It always sends me to 4k-5k rpm when it’s not necessary

 

Per the manual every time you tow you should he using ECT and S4.

 

However some people just shouldn't tow period.


To OP: don't know if the 4cyl's have sport mode or not, but if you do, use it to keep rpms higher going through mountains. Then you won't shift every 5 seconds like my 6cyl likes to.

 

Just expect a very big difference at higher elevations. Don't worry when it happens, your truck isn't broken and the relative "zip" will come back as you head back down closer to sea level.

I would grab the 2LM mod, it really helps with this.

 

Yes, though it seems a prerequisite for agreeing is that your name is Joe:

Lotta Joe's on TW.

 

Lol for sure.

 

you will be fine, the rating is roughly 6400 pounds on the tow package from the dealer. i towed about 4000 pounds a couple years back on flat surface for about 350 miles but my tongue weight was off and the truck was light in the front for steering, but you should be good...will cut your mpg..

 

Did you make it?

 

I’m not going until next month, but I just reserved my UHaul. Taking 84 from Portland to Utah, then 80 through Wyoming/Nebraska/Iowa to Chicago for awhile!

 

Does the tow package entail more than just the hitch? Tranny coolers and what not? Can these be added

 

Drive safe and let us know how it was.

 

all I have is the Uhaul brand hitch which is rated for like 8,000 lbs, but I’ve done nothing to my engine and don’t have a trans cooler. Is it worth it if I only plan on occasional (<once a year) towing?

 

You should at least get a OBD2 Bluetooth scanner so you can keep a eye on your transmission temperature

 

God yes. I'm not one of those people that needs a storage unit or anything yet, but do I really need 15 fishing rods (yes), duplicate power tools (yes), and enough camping gear to survive a russian winter (also yes)?

I for sure remember when everything I owned fit in a college dorm room. Definitely miss it sometimes.

 

I over heated the trans in my jeep, fully loaded it with all my stuff and moved cross country. Engine light came on in Utah. Now im in a taco...
Consider installing a transmission cooler, i hear the 2020’s don’t have them

 

I remember going up that first hill; I was so scared you couldn’t have hammered a finishing nail into my ass. Now, I just laugh at it. I’d switch the rear diff oil over to synthetic, as well and good luck!