Why is everyone everywhere afraid of mid-range RPM while towing?

At least from my opinion, which most of the time I try to base on scientific data within context, I'm just not going to worry about it as long as my personal towing scenario falls within the design parameters of Toyota engineering. I have no desire to pull 6400lbs with max payload because that would be terribly not enjoyable and probably stressful. But until a bunch of examples of 3.5L engines or 3rd gen Tacoma transmissions popping starts to give some data points, I see no point in worrying about getting the RPM's higher in the curve when the conditions require it with a sub 5000lb GVWR travel trailer. In my 2020 at least, it's not all that loud when I'm climbing hills.

I just started the thread because it seems like so many people on trailer groups freaked out about having to get the truck up to 3000+ RPM and panic-bought F-150's so they could keep the RPMs at like 1800 which just seems like a crazy reasoning for that kind of investment. Just a kind of funny observation.

 

4th is all I use for towing now, I tried 5th on that trip because it was a light load and for the speed I was driving. I've known about not towing in OD since way before I got my Taco, I used to pull a 7500 pound gooseneck horse trailer with a one-ton dually and never towed with it in OD, either. I routinely tow 4500-5000 pound loads with my Taco, a 18 ft. flatbed with a tractor and equipment; I never tow other than in 4th, or even 3rd if on a long grade.

I agree, 70 is too fast for towing, but try driving 60 on I-95 or the Florida Turnpike, especially from West Palm Beach south with or without a trailer, and see how long you can go without getting rear-ended. It was definitely a survival tactic on that trip.

 

I have no problem with the increased rev’s, it’s the fact that Toyota dropped the transmission cooler part way through the 2020 model year - with out telling us...then has the gall to say they won’t warranty if a third party cooler in installed

 

That is pretty strange. I lucked out in getting one before the change but I'd really prefer to see some kind of notice or report on why they removed it and data showing that it doesn't cause any detriment. Because one of the main reasons I switched over to the Tacoma from the 4Runner, besides the longer wheelbase, was because it was slightly better equipped as far as towing accessories go.

 

Precisely, my plan it to sell just before the warranty expires.

 

That cracks me up! I used to fly into Orlando for work in Port St. Lucie. On I-95 my observations were right lane 45 mph, middle lane 65 mph, left lane 85 mph. This was inclusive of all traffic. Trucks going in the left lane, blue haired individuals going 45 in the right lane.

 

Never understood the apprehension of running higher revs. I recently replaced the stock tow package transmission cooler and have little concern at anything under the red zone on the rpm guage. I tow regularly in the upper end of the rpm zone due to the mountains here. 2nd and 3rd gear at near redline is not a concern unless tranny temps are too high. Sure, MPG might take a hit, but FFS, it is a truck/vehicle. Change the fluids regularly and forget about it. I had a VW back in the day that was driven to redline all the time and it never missed a beat. Change the fluids regularly and drive it like you stole it all day every day.

 

I did the same with my VW. Even when it was over 250,000 miles.

 

To tow 1600 lb boat wet 325miles eachway a few times a year to the keys. I’m also a flat lander, no mountains. Like mentioned, a good cooler, severe duty fluid changes and a auto meter trans temp gauge have kept my system in check. Also just added a electric fan with relay to a switch for traffic. 3000k rpms and the truck is very happy but not passing anyone

 

Traction control kicked in to stop wheel spinning.

 

I've got a '77 GMC and a Tacoma. The engine in the '77 is in perfect mechanical condition and it's normal state is to sound like it's going to explode if it's turning 4000 RPM. 4000 is right about where the torque curve falls off rapidly. I think a lot of the 'yer gonna blow it up' is carry over from those earlier days(up to the late 90's really). Those older chevy truck motor oiling systems were not really designed for continuous high RPM use either. I mean redline is only around 5000RPM and back then they meant it. NONE of those sorts of design compromises exist(or need to exist) anymore. Similarly the "don't tow in overdrive" is another carry over from when manufacturers took a regular 3 speed and quickly slapped on a new tail housing with a tiny overdrive gear in it. All the recent 4+ speed transmissions were designed from the beginning to have 4+ "real" gears and you see this reflected in the owner manual towing recommendations. In fact i'd venture a guess that if no tach was in the dash people would unknowingly run around at way higher RPM than they thought and be blissfully ignorant about it.

 

Ok didn't have an old truck but had an old Monte Carlo v8. As I was young and dumb decided to see how fast it would go. Well maxed out Speedo and the rpm was pegged at the top (car had a 410 rear, think last owner had a big block in it)

After noticing it pegged was like crap got to slow down. Ya it fook awhile to see tach move. So lucky I still had a car and didn't blow it. Tranny blew a few months later. Then the rear end. =(