2017 TRD Off Road Towing

ed martin

Member
I recently purchased a hard-side pop-up camper, with a weight of about a ton. I have only had two experiences towing this trailer, and so far I have been less than impressed with the Tacoma's performance. The truck (6cyl. auto) seems challenged by the weight of the trailer, the transmission seems to be over-working both on hills and straight-aways, and the mileage drops about 4mpg (or more). I am mostly concerned about the transmission performance in the lower gears, when it is hesitant-almost unresponsive until I jam the pedal....and then it seems to be fighting me. Any thoughts on this? Is this typical behavior for this vehicle (I have only had the truck about 4 months-bought new)? Should I be concerned with the transmission?

My wife and I are hoping to travel the country with this unit as part of our retirement experience, and I purchased the Tacoma (my second) thinking it would be up to the task. I am having my doubts.
 
Yes. Be concerned. TSB x 2 for shifting parameter completed on my former 2016 TRDOR Tacoma. Still not good. Soooooo. Had to bite the bullet and trade it in after 18 months and 16000 miles of pure frustration. I wish you the best and know this sounds like im hatin on toyota but my new ride is a 4runner. Much happier with the 5spd auto and 4.0litre motor.
 
I have towed our popup (roughly 2k pounds) quite a bit with our 2017 v6. My experience is that the truck seems happiest towing on roads like state highways (not interstate) at around 60mph using s4. Interstate towing at around 70 mph using s5 is ok.....but any little bit of hill or headwind makes the truck shift down to 4th....so lots of gear hunting. If you keep your speed under 70 (which you should anyway when you tow), locking into s4 and going about 65 on the interstate, the truck will tow very happily.....rpms will just be higher than you are used to in daily driving. I also use ECT when towing to reduce that "foot to the floor" feeling.

This is just the reality of the drivetrain setup that is really set up for economy. Driving long distances at 2500+ rpm in s4 feels a bit odd at first, but this engine likes to rev higher than you are likely used to. The the power comes on at higher rpms and the gearing is very tall.
 
No, that's not normal.
I have a 20ft travel trailer, which weighs about 3000 lbs. Loaded about 4100. I have no problem towing it with my 2016 Double Cab TRD SPORT 6cyl
auto. I just bought mine July 2017. Had a 2008 Ranger FX4 4.0l. This could not haul it worth a damn!!
This is my first Toyota Tacoma, and I am "So Glad " purchased it. Toyota owner for life!!
 
No, that's not normal.
I have a 20ft travel trailer, which weighs about 3000 lbs. Loaded about 4100. I have no problem towing it with my 2016 Double Cab TRD SPORT 6cyl
auto. I just bought mine July 2017. Had a 2008 Ranger FX4 4.0l. This could not haul it worth a damn!!
This is my first Toyota Tacoma, and I am "So Glad " purchased it. Toyota owner for life!!

Welcome to the forum.
 
No, that's not normal.
I have a 20ft travel trailer, which weighs about 3000 lbs. Loaded about 4100. I have no problem towing it with my 2016 Double Cab TRD SPORT 6cyl
auto. I just bought mine July 2017. Had a 2008 Ranger FX4 4.0l. This could not haul it worth a damn!!
This is my first Toyota Tacoma, and I am "So Glad " purchased it. Toyota owner for life!!


I am new to this forum and I read your post. I own a 2017 TRD 4 WD pulling a Palomino Lite 21 ft TT. The max weight I pull is also 4100 lbs loaded. The Taco pulls it well in the S gear.
 
All i can add is i have a 2020 v6 sr5 and it pulls my 2k lb boat, and gear just fine. I tow in S5 where the engine, and tranny feel happy all the time and i get good fuel economy. I've noted some v6 autos don't perform the same...some are lazy, and hunt...i don't think much can be done other than an aftermarket tune..
 
Back
Top