A Real World Tacoma Tow Test 

FINALY!!!! Someone that knows how to tow a trailer with a Tacoma , every other video I have seen , you have these people that have no business towing a trailer give their opinion on how bad the Tacoma tows , when they leave it in D and don’t use ECT. The only thing I would have done differently is left the truck in a lower gear and slowed down just a little until I finished climbing the hill , other than that good work !

Your truck is a long bed so it’s rated for 6600#. The short bed crew cab is rated for 6700#. The only Tacoma rated at 6800# is the extended cab. Subtract 300# for a 4wd. If you install an auxiliary trans cooler it’s recommended that it has a thermostat. The concern is that the transmission runs too cool. Apparently the Toyota 6sp transmission likes it a little hotter so much so that in the last 2 years of the second gen tundra they removed it. Another thing that may help it run a bit cooler is not let the the transmission hunt for gears. I usually manually shift to the next lower gear and slow down a bit. I have a 2020 TRD sport 2wd short bed and tow a Lance 1995 which is about the same weight as your mini lite. I towed it up the coast to Oregon from Southern California and then to Virginia and back. I averaged about 11mpg for the trip. It went over the Rockies with power to spare but I didn’t race it up the passes. I seldom went over 60 mph unless I had a pretty good tailwind. I change the oil every 5000 miles in spite of the dealer service Dept telling me I do have to and I will change the transmission fluid at 50,000 miles again in spite being told it’s not necessary. See the car care nut on RU-vid. He’s a certified Toyota mechanic at a dealer in Chicago. Very informative videos!

It's impressive the Taco was able to tow the way it did! The huge bonus now is you get all the benefits of a midsize truck when you aren't towing. Great video!

I have a 2023 Colorado. It's rated up to 7700 LBS. I pull 6000-6500 LBS GRVW pretty often at 26 FT with no issues. These newer midsize trucks are great for getaways with smaller travel trailers. Once you unhook you can run around towns and park with ease.

I pull the same exact rv, but I have an OV tune and it pulls great and not in and out of 3rd and 4th gear. If you tow, it's a must have.

That’s some clean work you did on the suspension and the air line. 👍

Thank you. Well done. I have a M1101 trailer turned into a camper. 2200 Lbs. My 2019 trd off road Tacoma pulls it well. Nice to know I can move up in size and not worry much.

Thanks for the video,much appreciated. I have a 23 Tacoma Off Road with the long bed. I wanted to recommend that you get the “Overland Torque Tune” for your truck. It will dramatically improve both the throttle response and also the hunting for gears. I did it about 4 months ago and honestly think the truck should have come from the factory with the tune. If you would like a referral let me know. I live in the Inland Empire and the guy I used is mobile. Anyway, thanks again.

Great video Gary. Very thorough and well reasoned. I have a 2019 Sport 4x4 and tow a 4100lbs tt. It tows it like a champ, I did upgrade the trans cooler due to the hills where I live. I think the key is to keep it around 60mph and you'll be fine. I'm amazed by the full sized trucks that fly down the highway and wonder why they blow tires. Give yourself lots of space and only go as fast as the trailer tires are rated for. The only issue is the size of gas tank. Would be nice to have a 26 gallon tank.

Back it the day in my old 1985 Suburban when the transmission hit 185 degrees we started getting nervous. With the superior synthetic oils and gears today you can run these things pretty hot without worry. If I were towing a little more regularly in my Tacoma and saw these temps I would just change the trans fluid more frequently. Good video.

Nice setup, I have a 21 SR quad cab 4x4. I have the same TPS monitor. I went for the Sumo springs (blue) and that was a huge improvement on the highway for stability, when not loaded they dont touch. I installed a Redarc integrated brake controller. I also use the scan gauge. MY TT weighs 3700lbs wet. The truck does the job very well. In 21 Toyota quit using an external trans cooler. I was a little concerned but after towing for a few years and reading the gauge nothing has heated up. On one trip i did pullover going up Cheaha mtn in North Alabama at an overlook for about 30 min (hit 227f with a mile to go) . I do not pin the transmission thermostat. My transmission hovers around 188 to 193 normal conditions. BTW I sure envy your Long Bed.

Good looking rig there my friend 👍 “Uphill any direction to get out of town”. Same in Florida but with idiots instead of hills lol.

I towed a 2800lb trailor with my '16 2.7 from San Diego > WI. Trick with that transmission is just keep it 3rd gear and slow down to 55 or 60 on the steep grades instead of letting it kick back and forth from 4th. 4.88 gears really benefit this truck/trans also, both the 3.5 and 2.7 motors.

Very good video. I have just ordered a 2022 TRD Sport Tacoma and I found this video to be very informative. Thank You Gary Cotton.

You nailed it!!! I believe my second time watch. I tow with your exact set up. In the same region. No issues at all. I really enjoy the compact truck for exploring especially in the cities such as Palm Springs. It certainly makes parking a breeze while bigger trucks need to pass up spaces.

I feel a 6600 lb camper on the Tacoma is too heavy of a payload we hauled a 3500 lb camper across the country it handled it good but the fuel light at mileage was horrible

Nice set up, and nice logical approach to towing with these Tacomas. The 3.5 is a screamer and likes working at 4500k plus RPMs. Only suggestion would be to look into the Roadmaster Active Suspension setup. I wouldnt ditch the bags for them as you already have them set up, but they are awesome for settling out bobbing and squatting.

I had air shocks on my last pickup, as the main purpose for that truck was for work around our property. I’ll have to get a set for my 23 Tacoma TRD Off Road, double cab, premium and technology pkgs and the 6’ bed

Hope all is well. Thinking about pulling two seadoo jet skis this summer or the seadoo boat with varying trailers weights. Hopefully it’s fine depending on which model I end up buying. 2022 Tacoma 4x4 off road 6ft bed. Informative video thanks !

Thank you Gary for this very good video. I can easily tow 3500lbs up and down the hills with my 2021 Sienna.

Gary, I'm in palm springs, when you said it's not windy i thought the same thing you said "strange" lol.

Ask your mechanic, I don't think it's good for transmission to keep downshifting over and over again. Once mine kicks down I put the transmission in the lower gear manually and leave it there until I finish the climb

Great Video and information! I have a 2020 TRD Sport 4X4 up here in Canada. Tow a 4000lb Hybrid travel trailer 3 or 4 times per year 300-400 mile trips through many grades. Found my Tacoma to do the job well, mind you I think it would do better if the truck had better gear spacing in the transmission. I tow in S4 all the time. Don't have air bags but find the equalizer hitch keeps it pretty level and solid without sway behind the truck. Like you said, great for occasional towing but not a full time tow vehicle for sure. Im curious about the transmission pin? have never heard of that and also curious about what type of trans temp gauge you have and how easy are they to install. Thanks for being the best Tacoma Towing review I have seen on RU-vid!

Basically it'll do it, but if you're looking to do it frequently get a full sized truck.

Great Job! Very informative! Thank you for putting this together and sharing your experience.

This is good to know. I was nervous to tow a sub 3500lbs weight for a trailer.

I have a “Ford Ranger” it pulls just fine, without all the”B.S.”

I’ll miss the V6… shame they put an i4 in the new one. The V6 was a reliable powerhouse for what it is.

Until a few months ago I used to visit the marine corps base weekly for construction work, I don’t miss that area at all

I would like to have seen a split screen on the tach.

I want to see an experiment of doing that type of towing on regular basis and see if anything fails

Good luck towing safely with those little trucks

Thank you for the very comprehensive review! It has answered my questions.

I have a 2020 TRD Off Road and tow a small 154BH Jayco 3200-pound coach. I have the 6-speed manual transmission with air bags and the REDARC brake controller. It handles the trailer very well. However, when going up steep grades, it makes it up, but I can definitely feel it behind me. What's you gas milage while towing? I was getting 10MPG uphill and around 13 MPG on flat.

Your trans would run a lot cooler if it wasn't hunting for gears the whole time. I'm not very familiar with three newer Tacos, but there should be a way to lock it into a lower gear

"TDR" my heart broke

Great overview. Also an excellent tow vehicle/trailer combo. I agree with your overall conclusions. That truck should have no trouble towing your trailer anywhere you wish to go all day long. I see you were set up with a weight distribution hitch which I tend to think is almost essential for any travel trailer with any tow vehicle for the safest towing. As far as your fuel mileage, your numbers seem about right. Doesn't seem to matter which tow vehicle and which trailer you have, the mileage with a gasser will be between 7 and 13 mpg. Anyone that says they are outside of that range is full of it I think. Diesels obviously can do a bit better, but one needs to save a fair bit of fuel to make up for the extra $10K or so on the purchase price. Some folks seem to get all excited about all the shifting that takes place when towing, or the fact that they don't get into top gear often. Since when did they make transmissions that are not supposed to shift gears to get you in the right one for the current load. Enjoy your travels...

Very informative sir thank you. I am about to tow and may also make a video pn it. Wish i had a scangauge.

excellent video i appreciate your attention to detail

Trans cooler helps. Don't trust the factory one it's small.

I was surprised that Taco could pull that much weight. I wanted to buy a trailer but I didn't want to pull with any Detroit made truck.

Good info to have! I've got a '21 in Phoenix and thinking of towing something over the summers back east

Put it in s mode and that way you can hold a gear and your transmission will also be alot cooler

Very good video. I am trying to decide Toyota or Ranger

Great video hope Mike didn't get any calls or mad that his number showed up on your video 🙂

I just picked up a 2014 Ram Outdoorsman 1500 with heavy duty towing package, tow mirrors and Integrated brake controller. Didn’t have to add anything and it’ll tow 10,300 lbs. Also came with after market air bags in the rear coils. Tows my 29’ TT with ease and worry free. Good luck.

Thanks Gary for the detailed review. I have a 2016 TRD OR 2X and am considering purchasing a 4K# trailer ( which I've towed before from So Cal to WA State ) I never saw over 210° and only for a brief minute or two. Question? - Why do you feel the need to pin the trans thermostat? The stat will run full open when the trans is hot anyway. Why not let it do its job? Curious about your thoughts on that. Thanks again.

Due to short supply of GM vehicles I have actually considered Toyota and Nissan. After watching this video I can believe how much that tranny shifts. My GMs for the last 15 years had trannys that will not upshft when still under load.

Great info, thanks! '21 TRD OR 4x4 DCLB towing a 4200+ pound No Boundaries travel trailer. Just got my Scan Gauge 2 and hooking it up today. Monitoring to see if an aftermarket trans-cooler is going to be a necessary addition. I believe there was a configuration change in trans cooler and oil coolers on the newer model and I'm not aware of the "trans pinning" being a thing on the '20-'22 model years but I'm off to investigate that mod. BTW...I have a Super White, also. Wanna swap hoods?! I need that hood skewp! LOL!

Would like to know your distribution hitch set up, and more about pinning the transmission. Regards

Haha Mike is getting hella prankcalls

Any advice for me: Thinking of buying a new Highlander 4x4 and towing a coachman clipper UVW 2,670 lbs. would the Highlander struggle towing that?

I think the transmission on the Tacos is where the downfall is, unless you get a tune for it. The manual is better for towing. Otherwise, excellent truck. It can tow, its not a Civic.

I wonder what that Magnuson supercharger would do for towing with this truck.

Great video .thank you.. were you using a weight distribution tow bar? If so, what model?

Good video. Would like to know more about “ pinning “ transmission on the Tacoma. I have a 2008 tundra with tow package with a transmission cooler. My son has the same Tacoma as yours. Thanks

This a good video man. This is the type of shit RU-vid tries hide with their bs algorithm these days.

That gear shifting was hella annoying. Couldnt you manually shift or is that not an option on a 2019 ?

Thanks Gary, can I get the info on the transmission temperature gage?

Dang! Those MiniLites are nice!!!

The ECT power button is that the button that I need to use while pulling a trailer so it helps it from the RPMs not going up too high? Also when pulling the trailer do I put it in drive or pull it into the "S" gear when pulling my trailer?

Is your truck a 4x4? it seems to be missing the 4x4 dial next to the push start.

What does it mean to pin the transmission and how do you do it?

Not sure if i missed it or not. But do you have your truck tuned? Tows much better if you do

Great job! Thanks!

Travel trailer weight must be 1/2 truck capacity. Tacoma work perfect towing ex.3000 - 3500

Excessive heat and foreign debris will kill an automatic transmission absolutely. Anything over 200 degrees and I would very much recommend an auxiliary cooler, along with more frequent service intervals. For this size of a camper a 1/2 ton full size would be a much better choice.

when towing how many miles can you go on a tank of gas? I have same truck and want to get a trailer

Great video,

Loos like it did ok. Have you tried manual shifting?

Great video thanks for sharing! I gave you a sub!

8:29 no sir, you were shifting between 2nd and 3rd.

Hey Sr ? Did you have a transmission cooling system on your tacoma

yep.. great video - thanks for the info on towing w the tacoma.

Hi. It's been 2 years since you made this video. Just wondering what you think about the Tacoma towing now. I am a handyman that tow a ~3500 lb trailer daily. Thinking of downsizing from a 97 Ford F350. Thanks.

Thank you for this video.

Is that on a factory trans cooler?

Stopped in Pahrump to purchase something huh...................it's usually a "rental" by the hour. Just kidding.

Are you towing in od?

What do you use for a brake controller?

Is ECT on while towing? If not, it should be on. It’ll reduce gas mileage but improve the overall ride while towing.

Lol 231° is pretty hot

Anyone try calling Mike Cotton?

Does Anyone Knows What class/Size Hitch The 2020 Trd Tacoma Takes??

Did you have ECT enabled?

How about braking. Did you get a brake controller? does the trailer have brakes?

It would tow 9000 easy but It wouldn't be good for it

Hey Gary! These shifts are increasing oil temp! Next time you better stick to the manual mode and pre select the lower gear. I bet result will be better. And also, I think your fuel is regular. You better switch to premium fuel type. Engine is lacking power. That 1GR 4.0 V6 loves high octane petrol!

It’s a trd not a tdr. You keep saying it wrong ?????

Do you just leave the transmission pinned or do you change it back once your done towing

Huh? When you tested Carvin speakers, you said ‘buy American, American first’ and now you drive a Toyota? I don’t get it…..

TRD not TDR.

Not “Real World” Tacoma Towing info: Too many modifications. I still wonder how a stock real world Tacoma off the lot can tow.

imagine paying this much for a 2x4

You're stressing the fuck out of that transmission. All that gear hunting is whats heating it up. Keep her in 3rd gear and let her scream.

I have a tacoma trd off road....I am getting rid of it because these trucks are not made to tow. I live in Wyoming and this truck barely makes it up mountains with just me in it......if you want to tow get a full size truck

You are going to ruin the truck. That transmission is screaming

That trailer is too big for your Tacoma. I know it’s within the rated tow weight for the truck … but the simple fact is they over rate all trucks .the fact that you are needing airbags and mods to keep the tranny fluid cooler.. as well as temp gauges etc et. . This is not the truck for the job . Will it do it in a pinch ? Sure , but the truck is straining.. and it’s wearing stuff out .. But simply pulling the trailer is only part of the equation. Get into any kind of emergency maneuver or stop …If an animal ran out in front of you .. some strong cross winds, or any other bad weather like heavy rain causing pooling on the roads .. et etc . You are going to put yourself in a bad situation. I’ve towed all my life. I’ve towed with everything from an old 4 cyl Toyota truck , up to now owning an f250 super duty . Let me just say .. there’s no replacement for displacement, and weight and wheelbase. Step up to a tundra or any other full-size half ton , and you won’t need all those mods ,. And your whole driving experience will be night and day different and a more relaxed experience. It’s not just pulling power .. it’s how a bigger truck handles the weight and holds the road with the trailer behind it . Your set up is known as “tail wagging the dog” Sorry, not trying to bash you . It’s a nice set up you have . But I am only speaking from experience, and from a safety standpoint .

Tacos are cute 😊max towintg 4000 lbs dont wreck your truck 50 years as cdl trucker you are a fool over trucked is always better

Lots of bs...video starts at 9.00