Towing With A Tacoma Sucks - Kind Of - My 6 Speed Experience
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- 2019 TRD Offroad 6 Speed
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I honestly wanted to throw away this truck last night and watch it get smashed by a compactor. Lol no lie
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See you on the trail!
- FC
I find using the handbrake to hill start is actually harder than just doing it normally with your feet.
100000000% agree. It took me forever to realize you just need a really really small amount of handbrake to make that work. I was using way too much
Use four low on your transfer case. You'll probably get, about a 3 to one multiplication of torque that way. I think on a Taco with the 6 manual, it's 2.88 to 1. Which means you'll reduce the load on your clutch, transmission and engine by a whole lot. The transfer case is designed to multiply the available torque of the engine, to give your truck amazing hill climbing ability, for one thing, and of course to apply wheel power to the front and back axles. It also reduces the amount of stress on your transmission and clutch, and engine, by the amount I stated. You shouldn't apply parking brake and rev the hell out of your engine, and try starting that load on a hill, all at the same time. You'll end up burning out your clutch. disc. Use the transfer case(4x4 in 4 low), until you get your trailer in an area that's either level or slightly going down hill. Then switch back to 2 high. The 4 wheel drive transfer case is designed to take the stresses of hill climbing, off of the engine, clutch, and transmission. In the long run, you'll replace six clutches, by not using 4 low, before you ever do any surmountable wear on the transfer case, by using 4 low to get your trailer moving .
Being in 4 low was the only way I could get it out. Reversing it back in though I had to use the parking brake, no way around it as even 4 low and slowly letting the clutch out wouldn’t do it.
I still think the trailer is too heavy for the Tacoma...just because the max is 6000-6500, common sense dictates not to expect great results when near max capacity. I watched several other videos of folks towing trailers of comparable length, but the weight was in the 4800 pound range, and they were having no problems whatsoever. I have driven stick shift for over 50 years, from personal vehicles to box trucks to a dump truck. But not pulling anything that was at max capacity. Hopefully you can get that electric brake problem completely solved. I used to have a duel axle trailer with electric brakes set up on my Tacoma. Damn thing got outta whack and would lock the brakes on the trailer before the truck brakes engaged! Took it to the installer with the trailer and he finally got it balanced out! Best of luck to you!
Thank you! Have a great weekend as well
It is rough with a smaller trailer 1700bh micro mini is 3010 lbs dry/3800 lbs maxed out and my 2019 trd 6 speed struggles. Factory everything, was considering a small lift like yours but towing would become even more gutless. Realisticaly no more then 3300 lbs is the safe towing capacity of these trucks. 6500 lbs is as made up as the hp numbers that Toyota says these trucks have.
I agree with you 100%. We ended up selling our trailer and the truck is next.
I’m towing a 21 foot camper a little over 3400lbs with my 06 4.0. It tows it and the suspension handles it fine but my biggest issues is the truck is too narrow so I need tow mirrors and my fuel economy drops bad. I went from using 1/4 tank unloaded on a 1:45 min trip to using 5/8 a tank loaded on the same trip. Makes me tempted to buy a full size truck.
What’s odd is my rpms rarely went over 2500 maybe twice most the time it was around 2000-2200. But felt like it was pulling hard and the fuel economy sucked. You wouldn’t think with RPMs that low it would use so much gas but this is my time hauling anything heavier than a 4 wheeler.
@@whatfreedom7 Fortunately for me and freedom crawler our winnebagos have a 7 foot width instead of the standard 8 foot, so the rearview mirrors work. Your 4.0 produces more torque at a lower rpm so that is your benefit. I have heard the pedal commander helps on our newer tacos. I've heard the drive by wire really softens our go pedals in stock form.
If you tow with your truck you need the rear higher than the front. That’s the reason trucks are higher in the rear. Also, airbags in the rear are great to decrease sagging when towing.
^ Exactly
Firestone Rideright airbags is what I use on my 15 tacoma sr5 4.0 4x4 crewcab automatic to level everything out, and 2018 Coleman light lx 1925bh. Cat Scale showed me I'm maxed out on tow ratings loaded up. Been all over the country, Rockies was the hardest, but I never felt I wasn't going to make it. Is has proven to be a pretty good truck, I have run it pretty hard, but in the future I'm planning on upgrading to a larger trailer, and will move up to a full size truck, also I have that same brake controller, it has worked well.
I tow a 3500' RPOD with my 2013 Tacoma DCSB TRD Sport. 6spd manual. I has a 2" OME lift kit, and I have 265/70 r16 BFK K02s in E range. I live in BC, so lots of mountains. As you mentioned in another video, momentum is your friend. My only towing issues are going up a long grade when someone cuts me off and slows or if no one gives me a chance to merge around a slow semi. But without the truck hauls well but can be noisy. I've learned to manage the load and dynamic well. I use a WDH with built in sway control that really helps and I do prefer the country roads to the freeways if I can. Challenges for me are reversing the trailer up a grade. The R gearing is so high it can be hard not to burn the clutch. I go into 4Lo when I can that really helps avoid burning the clutch and if you take it slow there isn't any major concerns with the transfer case. There is a "2LO" mod you can research that tricks the ECU to think you're in 4 LO but really only only using the rear wheels that I've considered. The stock suspension was too weak in the back with a canopy and it bounced around a fair bit over dips and bumps on the highways, sometimes bottoming out. The new Dakar springs helped a lot and the thick sidewalls of the KO2s also. If I were to travel more extensively and haul more gear I'd consider a bigger truck, but for now it's good. Once thing about the 6spd that is great is you can hold the gears yourself and downshift early when approaching a big hill. Makes a big difference for these trucks.
I have the plug and play 2Lo mod. It was a giant game changer. Really helpful in reverse, no more burnt clutch, but is also helpful going forward. I also did an AAL and Airbags, lol. No saggin for me. Spacers are trash Freedom, get a real suspension. I also added the remote Bilstein's in back and Pro Bilstein's up front, with heavier springs.
Wind is wind, it doesn’t matter what you’re towing with side to side gusts work everything over. Hills and wind will keep you out of 5th and 6th (overdrive). Should rev regardless of the hand brake position, don’t slip the clutch, give it gas and get off the clutch as quickly and smoothly as possible. Also for the record most st trailer tires are rated to 65mph.
Agreed.
I tow the same camper with a 2005 Chevy Suburban 4x4, 5.3 V8 Automatic. No problems and totally safe. I'm getting 14MPG highway and about the same in the city loaded. I bought the Suburban off Craigslist for $4000 with 190,000 miles two years ago. I'm currently at almost 250,000 miles and its still going strong. Get yourself some type of full size truck and you won't have any issues. I owned a 2008 Tacoma crew cab 4x4 V-6 and it got maybe 10mpg towing and it was pretty damn scary towing anything over 2000 pounds.
That’s a great tow rig. I’ll do something similar. I had got an excursion a while back and it was excellent. Also have had suburbans as well and they are great also. Love my chevys
Sounds like your trailer brakes are engaged.
Exactly what the problem was. They weren’t disengaging quick enough with the clutch. Unplugged them and it was good
Yea turn the brake control down son.
Weight distributing hitch and airbags will take care of your problem... The front of your camper is tall and the weight on the tongue are factors causing some of your problems... Worked as a mechanic and had several trucks brought to me to fix this problem... The problem is usually caused by people buying a bigger camper than the truck they plan on using to pull it with... Have a great day...
It has a weight distribution hitch on it and I used it as well as I know how. I could probably fine tune it a bit more though. Agree that airbags wouldn’t be too bad but worry about them Offroad. If they won’t impede then it may not be a bad idea.
Luckily I don’t think it’s so much the weight as the wind that was really killing me. Agreed that other trucks could pull better but we could always argue that
@@FreedomCrawler The Toyota is a good truck, I just meant that I've seen guys trying to tow a 40 foot with an S10... Your camper doesn't look nearly that long... Airbags are good offroad too and should be ok as long as you're not hitting the bags themselves on a rock or sharp things... They are decently strong... The front of your camper is tall and pretty flat some type of air deflector will help with wind from the front... nothing helps side wind except maybe keeping the center of gravity down but not really much help... As for 5th and 6th gear, axle gears will help... Good luck... Hope you figure it out...
Next time turn traction control off or it will stall your manual truck when tires slip
Good call
Traction control is now placed in a lot of vehicles. It's a nightmare if you don't know it and turn it off.
Turn on limited slip, one quick touch of the traction control button. It will control slip in 2hi. Those tires suck ass. Those are slicks for the dirt.
Yes, this happened to me when I try to get moving on an icy road in my 6MT civic. Or sometime I start from the 2nd gear to reduce the wheel torque. Obviously you can’t do that with that much load.
I have 2022 tacoma 6 sp. You helped me Bro!! I down sized to a rare Quick Silver 2.0 travel trailor. 800lb 5 person aluminum travel trailor. With A.C. high clearance 4x4 trailor. So thank you Bro!!! No worries here.
Glad it helped!
I was legit looking at this combo thanks for the heads up
Really glad I could help. It works, just expect it to be a little rough
I tow 3500 pounds almost every day. If you are on a really steep hill pulling heavy you have to use 4 wheel drive low. Mine is a manual and yes you have to drive like your angry. Always one gear lower than normal when pulling
Agreed, going to unplug the trailer brake next time too. I think it wasn’t disengaging quick enough
Have you towed a larger profile rig before? Just curious because it is a whole set of different variables to make things work well. And I believe the owners manual says not to tow in 6th. If you tow in SD, get ready for the wind coming down because a semi has issues not to mention what a Tacoma might encounter. Plus, a good two break system will help you otherwise you can have the trailer brake on slightly on a decline or incline.
Yes, towed with a dodge 2500 and an excursion
I have a 16 taco manual Tacoma trd or... I was struggling to pull a 5000lb boat out of the water and up the boat ramp.... there’s no power until u reach 3000rpm... the truck will not roll back into the water but it also will not move until u reach 3000rpm... my fix was? I ordered ov tune for 700$ and flashed my ecu to 91 fob... now it’s a totally different beast. Powers comes on at 2000rpm and now my tacoma is able to pull the boat out of the water without struggling. The weight of the 5000 boat n the water was too much for a manual Tacoma. I recommend u buy the tune. I promise that you will love your tacoma lol
By the way...before the flash I’ve tried 4 low 4x4 diff lock and attrac. I still wasn’t able to pull the boat until 3000rpm... butt clitching experience
I understand that completely. I honestly thought there was a malfunction with the truck when nothing moved trying to pull about the same weight. Good call on the tune. I’ll look more into that
Freedom Crawler hands down the best mod for a 3rd gen Tacoma
I struggled with my semi tractor trailer in strong wind condition.
There's lots of times when it's better to just pulled over and wait it out.
Makes sense to me.
I have a 4000 lbs boat and it was very difficult towing uphill especially because of the gearing. After I regard my Taco (2018 SR5 Toyota Tacoma crew cab 4WD) I got up to 6th (54 mph) and got up to 2700 rpms with 12 mph wind. I would definitely recommend to regear your truck because it makes towing with ease.
Agreed, just sucks that it needs to be done. Hopefully they fix the issues in the fourth gen. I had to get rid of it. Was so disappointed in the truck
Know that towing pain, pulled a 30ft travel trailer with Tundra with 5.7 had horrible mileage and mountains and tall slopes killed me, switch to F250 with the 6.7 diesel and pulled like there was nothing behind me. Better for a low profile trailer for that rig like Mantis or similar pop up to keep it out of wind and lower weight. Wish they had a Taco diesel option.
I agree, nothing compares with a diesel or a full size truck. It was the slopes that really had me scratching my head though.
Unplug the trailer plug so the trailer brakes aren't engaged then you won't need you e-brake. Once you get to the top of the driveway plug it back in.
^ this right here. Lesson learned on that one
You should have gotten the automatic. My 2016 has no problem towing 3500 travel trailer up mountains or steep driveways. I have crossed the country east to west several times. I have probably 20,000 towing miles on my off-road automatic. I lock out 5th and 6th gears and only use 4th gear on the interstate. I limit my top speed to 62 mph. The only struggle I had was in New Mexico driving into a 40 mph headwind. I had to use 3rd gear and drove at 50 mph for a few miles. It is not a full size truck but it can do the job if you realize the limitations.
Hi, what rpms does your truck run when towing in 4th gear? Just wondering?
@@mudstone6497 I don't remember exactly but I think it is about 2500 in 4th gear going 60 mph. I will check the next time I go somewhere. If I don't forget...
john m Wow, that’s good! I own a Ridgeline and pull a 4,000 lbs trailer and locked into 4th gear, it’s more like 3500!
I checked my rpm today. In 4th gear at 60 mph I am doing 2600 rpm. In 3rd gear at 40 mph I am doing 2600 rpm. I am using stock size tires.
john m OK, thanks for checking!
You should have a 20 percent leeway on your rated towing capacity. I Believe that your RV is to heavy or your Pick up is to small. I strongly recommend that you go to a truck scale with full propane, fuel and tanks half filled with full groceries and cargo and weight the truck and trailer. All other towing and truck accessories and modifications will not increase your tow rating.
So you are saying don’t get re-geared?
Reach out to the CZcams channel "Big Truck Big RV" and he will guide you in the right direction.
Might have guided you in the wrong direction
@@ZacTexC Thanks for your help in these matters.
Agreed but I don’t think I’m anywhere near overweight. I think it was other factors. The wind and hills I can’t do anything about but I need to learn more on how to get the power out when stopping and going on hills
Getting anywhere near your max tow rating is going to be a lot of work. Yeah you can do it legally but it's not going to be easy. Consider how many semis youve passed on the freeway doing 15mph in the slow lane going up a pass. Those trucks arent overweight either. This trailer would probably be reasonable with a Tundra but it is a job with the Taco. That said, I drive a 91 extra cab Toyota Truck with the v6 and a 5 speed and Ive towed trailers that were easily this heavy. Ive never had any trouble starting off even though I have way less power than your rig. I suspect your trailer brakes are to blame for that. If you need to just use four low but I dont see any good reason to be holding the parking brake.
I agree. Will be testing it out again with the trailer brake disconnected.
I have a 2015 4.0 with auto. I tow a 21 ft trailer all over. Wind is not your friend pulling any blunt nose trailer with any pickup (have high rise canopy to aide trailer in wind deflection). What I see with most tow ratings is; if you are going to tow a lot, figure on half of tow rating to save tow vehicle (unless diesel). You also want the weight of truck to be more than the trailer (at least the small tow vehicles). You do not want the trailer dictating where you are going. Yes, the tow vehicles are rated for more. But all suffer in wind and hills (esp elevation). I also notice the Toyotas do better between 55-65 mph (over that, the faster you go, the fuel needle drops as fast). I even considered a supercharger for the hills. Been sitting on TRD model supercharger for over a year (haven't been able to justify the 91 octane requirement for my periodic use). Usually never use overdrive, unless going down hill. I use airbags in back (this will kill the off road flex unless you install the correct ones). If the trailer brake wasn't released, you were pulling the 4,000 lb boat anchor (should have been trailer tire skids). No wonder you had a tuff time getting out. Using the trailer hitch system you have should have help keep the front down also (looks like you maybe right, a half to inch too much lift in front... won't change a lot with hills and wind though).
I agree, I think the 60mph spot is a perfect median.
Also with the truck sizes, for the occasional towing that I plan to do I think this will be perfect. Once I dial it in a bit better. I think it’s a solid base but I also think a big part of it was a lack of knowledge on my part and doing things correctly.
100% think I was towing a 4K anchor trying to get out of the driveway. I’m going to try to disconnect the brake next time and see if that will help me out. I think it didn’t have enough time to disengage between me releasing the brake and trying to give it gas
@@FreedomCrawler If your brake is hooked up electronically. It should have released when you took your foot of brake. But your right it won't activate with hand brake. I have friend in Canada pulling a double axel Escape trailer close to your weight and has been doing well (he went from 2013 to 2018/2019 Tacoma). Will be looking for your updates.
Heavy leaf pack for the rear, loss the front spacer and get bilstein 5100 and set at the 2” mark (or buy OME 888 coils) and regear to 5.29.
Agreed, regearing is going to be money. Beyond ready to do that
To me, having driven a Tojo since 92, starting off in 4low with a big load is intuitive, they are too tall geared in 1st 2wd, 2nd gen is better, but, also too tall geared, it got ingrained in me with the 92, just easier on the clutch etc. Big winds and big hills with a heavy non-wind friendly trailer, you just saw what it is. I noticed a difference right away with just the way the truck behaved from the 92 to the 09 in wind with no load of any kind , it did have more effect on the 09, 09 V6 HP did help a lot more with general driveability though, far more pleasant than the old V6 5spd setup. It isn't a V8 auto/ low 1st gear manual setup, and you do have to adjust to that fact. For myseldf and the bulk of the driving I do, hauling lighter loads up to maybe 3500lbs, I don't have an issue with it. Once you get to the 4000 zone, then you have to take the drivettrain limitations into account. Theyy'll do it, they just have to work harder on it.
Exactly
You need to remove the spacers and set your truck up with a weight distribution hitch (with sway control) it will remove the rear sag also did you figure out payload weight/truck / trailer/hitch weights
When leaving the drive put the truck in 4 LO till you get out the drive.... but the hitch is the most important
I had a weight distribution hitch setup on this. Spacers have been explained in multiple videos. Was only reviewing them per viewer request
I really wish Toyota would have included diesel in these tacomas like they do the Hilux oversees. Great information on this video.
Thank you and agreed!
I have a jayflight 14 ft there is no way that dual axle winne ways less than that
At 7:08 you it the nail on the head
Thank you!
You sound like you need stop driving a stick shift, I have never had trouble towing with any car or truck
Try staying below 80% of the total tow capability of vehicle
Tow rating is 6800, trailer dry weight is 4K. I rounded up to 5k to be super conservative which is 74%....
I’ve been driving stick for 19 years but I still learn every day. By no means a professional race car driver. Biggest problem was the trailer brake sticking. It wasn’t disengaging.
He definitely needs to lighten the load since he lives at 8,000 + ft.
@@FreedomCrawler Thanks for posting, just remember, tongue weight is also cargo weight... I actually like the set-up, but you are at max.
@@FreedomCrawler tow rating for manual tacoma 6400 pounds not 6800.
@@SimplyCarReviewsit’s 6800 lbs
Damn that’s crazy. That road you should be cruising right along.
It’s all good
Not enough truck for the trailer. Simple as that. Most I would tow with that is a popup. Even then you are asking a lot of that truck. It is rated for 6400, til you add 2 people, fuel, all the crap in your trailer, etc. unrealistic expectations on that truck. Can never have to much truck.
Agreed but it works for us. Not the best tow rig but i don’t tow often. Offroad way more so it’ll do. I just need to figure it out a bit more
The truck was stalling because the trailer brake was on, so the truck is bad? Or is that user error....?
Agree it was a little of both. Unplugging the trailer completely helped but the lack of low end power on the incline was also extremely obvious
@@FreedomCrawler - Yeah these 3.5L aren't that torquey 4.0, not sure why.. perhaps Toyota realized majority are not towing. Still, not sure why they made the engine have all the power up top vs low end
@@IPGAutothe torque difference isn’t huge at low rpms. This is an exaggeration. The 3rd gen is geared way lower than the 2nd gen too.
Get the KDMax pro tune and it will make a huge difference..
I agree, tune and gears would definitely help. Although it’s unfortunate it needs either
I pull my trailer and it is 5280 dry it pulls hills fine I think your trailer brakes are holding you back the Tacoma is able to handle 6800 pounds and for your squat in the back I would recommend air bags it will put you back to stock height and avoid using 6th gear when pulling a trailer.
^ great advice
You should seriously look into a regear. I heard they have done wonders for these trucks.
I have but I’m not interested in keeping the truck. Disappointed that a regear is necessary to fix something that shouldn’t even be an issue
Got a 3000lb boat on a 1000lb trailer with brakes in a 2.7L 4cylinder 08 tacoma SR5. Same struggles. Almost sank it into the launch not able to get out. Fucking nightmare. I got a foot brake. Feathered the clutch to keep it alive and sacrificed it to prevent getting swamped.
At least you have a great model year.
I purchased in 2017 a brand new Highlander (3.5 Ltr)thinking I would replace my 2003 Four Runner that has a 4.7 Ltd V 8. The Highlander has a 5k tow rating. I’m pulling a small 4500 lb. trailer. What a joke. There are lots of complaints from dummies like me thinking the Highlander would work fine. It didn’t!! I spoke to Toyota about the fact that it struggled terribly and they told me that it would pull 5k loads which is true if u want to kill your vehicle doing it! The true towing rating for their 3.5 ltr vehicles is only 3500lb’s. And yes, u can tow more depending on your drive train set up but it will be ugly. I’m damn happy I kept my 4 Runner which tows the trailer with NO problems. My wife drives the Highlander.
Really glad to hear you kept your 4Runner too. That really sucks but it sounds like your wife got a new rig out of it so that’s a win.
Thank you for the review, I'm looking into the very similar combo, TRD offroad + 5000lbs trailer, I would think again!
And this is exactly what I’m trying to help with.
Something is wrong with the truck or trailer I have almost the same truck manual aswell and I tow a 4-5k camper with it. And it struggles a bit but never had the issues you are describing. Also never use 6th gear when towing I usually use 4th.
Makes sense to me
I always run 91 non-ethanol in my ‘19 Tacoma. I live in Colorado also, it helps with the loss of power from altitude, and I get way better mileage.
Your Trailer brake may have been an issue, but Traction Control was your stay issue. In 4wd your Traction control isn't a factor. Dirt inclin with heavy load I would've been in 4WD to start with.
Agreed for sure.
Love how your taking us along. We have the same trailer in mind , so u caught our interest. OK now lol what possessed you to tow a 21ft coach with a Tacoma ? Man I get it, perhaps u had it before the Winnebago.
The weight with tall walls and climbs act as if your pulling 8000 pounds ! Full Size Truck was your call. Or max coach 16-17 ft and under 3800 LBS loaded: I say this because it seems you’re going to use it full time basically as your home. Your young waiting another year perhaps to switch out a vehicle would had been best.. Anyway don’t want to lecture, you’ll make it happen.
Thankfully your bringing down your nose on the Tacoma not 2 inches but go down to OEM. You need to control wind drag! Hopefully you have sway-bar control.
I originally towed the trailer over with our FJ80 . Since we like to Offroad I didn’t want a full size truck that I couldn’t get on the trails. Tacoma checked all the boxes and is still capable of towing into the upper 6k so the setup checked everything we wanted
Freedom Crawler the frontier tows better more tourqe 280 ft lbs at 3500 rpm need the extended cab its lighter so it tows better. And tow haul mode works great with the auto towing with auto is much better than standard. You need oem wheels when towing. Keep a spare set of tims and tires for off roading. Frontier is the choice for towing by far its the better engine and auto is far better you are burning your clutch up. Sucks i know. Plus you have the 4 door which is retarded for mid size truck. U want mid size get mid size. Your truck has an idenity crisis. I bought a 4 cylinder tacoma 4x4 i get 26 mpg on the highway and can drive my sxs anywhere i want to go wheeling. Sxs is much better wheeling than your tacoma. I got pop up camper in the bed to sleep in when i want to go camping in my truck. Plus a tuno cover. I also have a motorhome its way better than towing a camper it drives itself. And i have my bike and my 20 acres of land and 8 bay garage to keep all this shit. Oh and i cant forget my boat and 85 ford 7.3 diesel. To tow BITCH.
Pro tip: watch series on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.
@Garrett Lachlan definitely, have been using flixzone for since november myself :D
@Garrett Lachlan Definitely, been using Flixzone for since november myself :D
There are so many things wrong in this video and I have no idea where to start........first, a stick in any vehicle is never ideal for towing, PERIOD! Let alone thinking a lift block will give you more towing weight capacity. My 07 Tacoma short box double cab TRD Off road with 3 inch lift tows my trailer (2013 Jayco X18D) straight and I get 9-10 MPG. Plenty of power for getting on the freeway.
07 has a better engine, I’ve been told by quite a few people that those do a great job. Excellent choice.
Sorry bud but your comment about “a stick in any vehicle is never ideal for towing, PERIOD!” is completely arrogant. Most all semi trucks are a manual and manuals are usually better because you can more precisely keep the truck within its power curve without the transmission taking over.
My ‘97 F-350 is a stick with a diesel. It sure as hell is built to tow with a standard. I tow with my ‘19 Tacoma in Colorado also. I know it’s limitations so I tow accordingly, take your time and don’t blow the guts out of that truck. You know when a machine is happy and when a machine is stressed.
Probably old news to you but getting a weight distribution hitch will help with your vehicle sag and reduce sway. Cheers.
Agreed, I was running one every time I towed the trailer
Sounds like you didn't turn off traction control................................................................................................
Trailer brake was engaging too quickly
Not trying to be mean man but heres what im gonna say. My opinion its easier to foot on the brake let out on the clutch till you start lugging the motor when you do roll your foot on the the gas while letting out on the clutch you dont have to rev it high or dump the clutch. I back up my kayak trailer with my honda civic all the time and trust me a stage 3 race clutch and 10 pound fly wheel is way harder. The e brake trick might be in the cards if your on a crazy steep hill but like some other people said 4 low all day long thats how we would do hay racks on the farm with the old toyota. I make sure your tongue weight is right and not to heavy also i hear a lot of good feed back from those anti sway bar set ups for rvs. The add leaf would again in my opinion be better then blocks. I like the tacoma good trucks. Just remeber the higher you lift it that more you fighr rhe wind and worse trucks tow. Hope you the best with towing just trying to help.
I appreciate it. Biggest issue I had was the trailer brake was not disengaging quick enough and was creating drag.
Yea I've had problems like that with a 36 ft 5th I use to own. People look at you funny when it was unloaded and you hit your brakes and the trailer tires lock up and start Shreking.
Had to buy a different brake controller that fixed my problem not sure if it would help or you could adjust how much they're turned on when you go to take off on hills
Spacers IMO are rarely a good option.
Why not?
I’ve ran them for 6 years on every rig that I’ve daily driven and wheeled and never had an issue
Okay, now I don’t feel so crazy having the same issue backing my 6-speed Tacoma up a grade, with or without a trailer. Will have to try minimally engaging the brake.
It’s pretty sad. I get told often that i don’t know how to drive a manual because of this truck and i just shake my head and let people give it a go. Then they understand .
Freedom Crawler that is probably my only serious complaint about an otherwise awesome truck.
I agree completely. They should have given it the 5gen 4Runner engine/trans
I towed a car trailer with a 3k lbs Ford escape on it 3000 miles with my 17-taco sport... plenty of power but shifty gas mileage
That’s good stuff
That trailer is way to big for a Tacoma. Get a Tundra, I did. My best advice stay under 50% of your tow capacity. Towing kills vehicles. I wouldn’t tow that without a Powerstroke or Cummins. Nobody talks about wind resistance of those big square trailers.
I’ll go Silverado before Tundra. I despise the Tundras, no offense by any means. Just not my ideal truck.
I agree though, if I was towing more often and didn’t want something I could also take Offroad I’d go for a bigger rig. I think there’s some things I can do to make it work better for when I occasionally tow but we will see what the future holds
It’s still only a 4K trailer, half ton would be perfect for it
I worked in the auto industry for tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers for 15 years. There is a reason why I have only driven Toyota trucks since 2008. The Tundra is a gas pig but ultra reliable, I love it. BTW, I have owned 6 camping trailers various sizes.
That's weird. I have a '19 TRD Off-Road and I towed my 5x10 tandem dump (2060lbs dry) trailer w/ 2 yards or more of wet dirt (4,000 lbs or more) from a slight grade taking off and it's fine.. It too, is a 6 spd. manual, and idk but it sounds like the valves are going to shoot out in reverse.. sounds pretty terrible actually..
I also towed my brother's 23ft cabin/day cruiser with it, up boat ramps, etc. but I use 4LO w/out locker up the ramp, then back to 2WD.
They're only rated at 6,400 Lbs w/4 door.. and 6,800 with access cab.. I traded in my 18 SR5 access cab 4WD for the 19, and the auto SR5 towed 100Xs better IMO.
This was a pretty significant incline at about 5k. I really think it was the trailer brake though. Will do more testing
@@FreedomCrawler Awesome, man! I watched a few of your vids. New sub! Like your set up. I trailer shopping hence watching your video LOL
Thank you!
Advice. I have been down the add a leaf path. My advice, dont do it. Your ride will be like a dump truck. Better off with Hellwig Helper 1515. Trust me on this one. Also tried Timbrens. End of the day Hellwig do the best job and maintain ride quality when truck is not loaded down. A bit surprised 2019 taco underperfomance because our 4 cylinder 5 speed manual 2000 taco tows our trailer setup which is only 500# less than what you mention. So i think will just keep my two first gen tacomas for now. Hope this info helps.
After some conversations and debate I really think the biggest issue I was having was my trailer brake. I think it didn’t have enough time to disengage between getting off the brake and getting on the gas on the bigger inclines. I’m going to leave it disconnected next time and get back with everyone.
Thank you for the info on the add a leaf. I’ve been told it will ride rougher which really contradicts what I thought would happen. Live and learn
Do you not have 4x4? Just put it in 4 low and you barely have to touch the gas. I tow a 6000lb dump trailer up a steep grade at the dump almost every other day and mine does fine. And I don’t have a locker. TRD Sport.
Yes, I tried to explain that specifically in the video. That’s what I did
I bet yours was an auto that’s y you didn’t struggle going uphill from a dead start. The auto tacos do not have this problem
mr_hachi_roku 86 no I have a stick and have no problem towing. Could have something wrong. Have you figured it out yet?
4 yrs later.. Do still have the camper and the Tacoma?? I begin our adventure with the same set up but leaning near the 5000lbs mark.
thats the problem, when they switch the engine to 3.5L instead of 4.0L. Even when the truck is empty with no towing, I have to use 2nd, 3nd gear to drive up on the slope.
I agree completely
I thought the 3.5 liter has more power than the 4.0 liter
The lift with those larger diameter tires hurt your towing performance.
just let us have the throttle back toyota!!!! damn your eyes
Yeah no kidding
brave man towing with drum brakes, worst in class braking under a load...do the disc conversion and you'll notice a big difference.
Agreed that discs are definitely better but I never had an issue with braking . Trailer brakes did great
I think it may be easier and more economical to swap a 6 speed into a full size truck than to give this thing the power it needs where it needs it. It's very disappointing that I can't buy anything stock that meets my needs anymore.
I’m going to regear it. That should solve a lot of the issues I feel it has
@@FreedomCrawler You'll definitely need to re-gear it when you add those larger tires.
Magnuson Supercharger or regear/ get better suspension
Not trying to be a jerk but,
1-terrible lift choice
2-you most likely have alot more weight combined with ur trailer and cargo than you think
3-you need to learn how to drive a manual
4-don't tow in 6th gear.
Yes. All of this is already explained in further detail I our other videos. I appreciate it though
Agreed, the lift is not great. I go in a lot of detail about it and why I’m testing it out on this build temporarily.
Total weight is just under 5k.
Been driving stick for about 19 years and still practicing daily.
Agreed, was trying to save any gas that i could but you are correct. You shouldn’t normally tow in 6th gear.
@@FreedomCrawler empty weight? Did you weigh everything put in the trailer and truck?
No, empty weight is 4K. It’s a light trailer for what it is. Weighed at the rv lot
Has Toyota done away with the ECT by 2019, or is that not available on the manual?
And as far as the e-brake, I'd suggest taking your whole set-up to a hill with a decent grade, and find out how little will hold you. Yanking on it until it stops will just stretch out the cable that much quicker. You don't nned much for it to work.
It definitely took some trial and error to find the sweet spot in the e-brake.
It still has an ect button up top
6th gear towing? Man 5th and 6th are cruising gears not for towing, I went from Chicago to Seattle, Cali, Nevada, Utah etc 7600miles in 2 months w my 17 taco 6sp Mt, 4500# trailer like yours, 4 bicycles 1 mini bike 4 people 1 med dog plus gear, keep it in 4th gear at 2800rpm 65mph. No issues.
That will do it also. Our biggest issue was the wind in Wyoming and the steep inclines.
I have a buddy that has the diesel colorado, I was surprised how well that thing hauls.. if the taco keeps letting you down, no-one will be mad if you switch sides. Lol
If I buy a Chevy it’s not switching sides, it’s coming home lol
I don't understand the need to use the handbrake at all..... Then you rev it up to 3500 slipping clutch enough to make it smoke?..... Put the transfer case in low and let the gearing do the work..... All you're doing is tearing up the clutch revving it up so high....
That was in low.
Dude, if you had an half ton it be the same thing with the wind blowing like that. Go get a Pedal Commander too.
I agree
I thought the pedal commander wouldn't do much for a manual? Would it?
battleforutopia 124 I hear it helps out both.
@@johneverett1629 ok thanks!
Does that truck have front and rear wheel spacers?? How does it tow with them? Any problems?? Is it safe to tow with spacers??
Yes it does. I’ve never noticed a difference from having spacers it not in regards to towing.
It’s a huge wind resistance! Get rid of that lift, and those spacers.
I pull a 23' tandem coach with a dry weight of 3,880 lbs. With gear I imagine I weigh just under 5k. I have a 2020 6 speed TRD off road and live in Washington state. I pull my trailer just fine up and down mountain passes and keep up with the F-150 ford's with similar trailers just fine. The highest I've ever had to wind my tach is 4,500. I'm actually impressed with the way my Tacoma pulls and I drive semi for a living.
Sounds like a great setup for you. That’s awesome
Maybe a extended shackles instead of add a leaf, and it improves ride versus block lift.
Did you hit the traction control button all the times it stalled out?
Traction control? No, I wasn’t sliding. Didn’t have enough power. Didn’t think I was going to even make it out lol
Freedom Crawler Toyota really kills the throttle/fuel if any loss of traction.
Just weird I thought it would take it up no problem w/o over working the clutch.
It’s a mis size truck with a V6. What do you expect ?
It to live up to its specifications and competition
I believe they make a supercharger for the 3.5L. I'm sure that would help substantially with power. Without moving to a full size.
Agreed, it’s just unfortunate that they need that much help, regardless of towing, stock
They do, magnuson is the manufacture.
@@FreedomCrawler a full size f150 has a turbo v6, that’s the only way it puts up the towing numbers it does. Of course a v6 is going to need help, it’s not unfortunate that’s just the math.
Gosh!!!!! You wanted to do 65mph? If I’m towing heavy cargo with my utility trailer I hardly drive over 60mph, even flat roads. Also think that your trailer is too heavy for your taco man. I have a 2019, and I plan to buy a trailer trailer, not that big though.....R pod at the most. I hope you can reconsider your set up or expectations. Thank you for the video, best wishes.
I was trying to stay well within the tow rating. So a 4K trailer seemed well within that. It’s all good sold the trailer and the truck is going next
Yeah I see people tow and doing 65mph to 70mph I'm like not really safe there.
Is there by chance a cutout built into the logic of the manual transmission where if the e-brake is engaged past a certain degree's point, ie.20 degrees it would kill the engine or block the clutch capapbility? just curious but I agree with previous comments that eithe that "system logic" protection or the trailer brake's may have been working against your efforts? That grade was steep but not crazy steep for our torque capable trucks. Maybe higher revs to get started? Thanks for the vid buddy. Nice setup!
Thanks for reaching out. Lack of bottom end is the biggest issue with these trucks but the trailer brake wasn’t engaging quick enough either.
Trade for a Tundra. I mean I love tacos and have one myself but that is a full size truck job. Specially with how new it is. New tundras come with tow mode trailer brake setup everything.
I’d go with a gladiator I’m or Silverado first. Tundras are running off reputation and old revisions in my opinion. Had one a while back and really didn’t like it
@@FreedomCrawler yea I mean most trucks are good these days.. However once you get over 3500lbs. Full size trucks are the way to go. Love my tacoma though and yours is nice. Hope everything works out for you.
I heard changing gearing helps tremendously?
I disagree, I got a Winnebago 2100bh and so far my Tacoma has been towing it great and achieving 13mpg. No full size truck does that mileage. Remember getting there is not the fun part of the trip. It’s after getting there. And there is not a video at the moment in the market that is fun OFfroad and tows. Taco does the job well.
Typo, there is not a truck in the market not a video. Lol
What area are you in?
@@FreedomCrawler orange california but i dont go local when we go. we go on trips monthly. the longest trip so far was 1400 miles. and no issues. just be patient on the hills and drive speed limit everywhere else. this is my 3rd tacoma because i used to think like you. that i need to go bigger. and each time, i went back to tacoma. if you just buy a vehicle to tow, that car wont be fun where you are going. UNLESS you really dont care about doing trails and offroading, and getting there is your priority. if so, sure by all means, get a 2500 heavy duty tower.
i sound like a hardcore tacoma enthusiast but i'm not. haha.
I understand completely. My biggest issue was bottom end power and dealing with that in my driveway with the 6 speed. Was really thinking the manual would be better but I think the auto would have been better in a few aspects
Freedom Crawler I have automatic and it pulls well at low speed .. anyway best luck!
I've been looking at a 3rd gen with a 6 speed auto. I tow all over Texas (and TX is a big ass state with all sorts of terrain 😂 and I go out of state some too, I make 4 hr one way sometimes and long occasionally) My bass boat weighs about 3500lbs give or take and it's not a wind drag. I run the fuel around 10gal when I travel to cut down on weight too. How would it tow around 70 and also mpg lol. I would also get air bags to help too. Thx bud
It’ll probably be fine in TX. We are from Houston, lived in Austin and traveled all across the state. Biggest issues I had with towing was the mountains and hills with killer winds in Wyoming. Should be fine in 5th gear
gears would help alot
Correct, my opinion is that it shouldn’t need gears when you’re towing within the factory specs
6MT here too, I've really enjoyed hauling/ towing with the OME Dakar rear leaf packs, there's an HD option too that you might want to look into.
I've also really enjoyed Orange Virus tuning for 30K+ miles now...
Really transformed the low end grunt that these trucks lack... I down-shift much less often driving around the Grand Sierra's now. Stock 4.30's and 285's here... Might want to check it out!
I really appreciate you letting me know about that. What all did the Orange virus do? Adjust the power range or add power? Either is a win in my opinion
@@FreedomCrawler , both... lol
There's lots of info you can read, there's old dyno sheets somewhere but things have came a long way since then too...
www.ovtuned.com/
Can you run it in 4 high?
Buy a hellwig lift spring so that more stronger your lift and 2 inch on front
I’ve heard great things on those. If I had kept the trailer I definitely would
Haha clutch start cancel just lets you start without pressing in the clutch.
That’s correct. Also helps you up inclines when the truck stalls or is off. Check it out
Freedom Crawler only in 4low! Good luck to the starter, clutch, and bearings in that engine.
Why did you not lock the rears once the engine started to roll? You said you put everything on except rear lockers. Why?? Are we not supposed to use them when we tow?
Rear locker is only for when you’re in four low and you need traction to both wheels. In 4 low I didn’t have any slippage that required me to use the locker.
You wouldn’t use it in high speeds or anything other than temporarily to get out of a predicament or through an obstacle
Thanks for the info as I am finally looking into a 3rd gen taco.. a question: AT offered tow package that’s basically transmission fluid cooler, gear oil cooler, and maybe wirings and tow hitch?? Do Toyota offer tow package for 6spd? If so what comes with the package? Thank you for great info and I hope your wife and baby are doing well and happy😁👍
Thanks for watching! There’s a tow package that I got with ours. You’d have to look online to see what comes with it specifically but for sure add a trailer brake. Super easy to plug in one as it’s prewired
Oil cooler, hitch, dual plug hookup, 130amp alternator.
Given your experience, would towing a 2700lb sailboat with the m/t be fine? I live in North Idaho, there is mountains, but we are not as high in elevation up here.
Should be good to go. Would love to get another sailboat ourselves. Hope you enjoy it
Thanks!
I wonder how truck manufacturers come up with their “tow rating”? I would never pull anything over 60% of the vehicles max tow rating, with or without an equalizer hitch etc. They lack power, ride stability and handling anything over that. Thats just my take but some guys will drive regardless and deal with it. Unless you’re just driving to get groceries and not a long haul cross country.
No clue. With about a 6500 tow rating I thought I’d be good at 4K with a stabilizer bitch but no. It didn’t like it
Sorry to bust your balls, but get that lift off that truck, get rid of those spacers, and go back stock. All that wind resistance on the truck is not helping you, neither is the tires hanging out of the wheel wells. You also have a limited slip, push the traction control button momentarily and it makes a limited slip in 2wd to help out.
SAE J2807
Did you add your own weight and the weight of the fuel in the tank. From the way it went up hills in 2nd or 3rd gear, I would bet you were a good bit heavier than you guessed. I wonder what your tongue weight was causing that sag. A lift on the back end will level it but won't cure a heavy tongue. Using the e-brake instead of good clutch technique? I came up in San Francisco, and, with practice, you don't roll back an inch when coming off the clutch. No disrespect, but I think you're mighty close to being in over your head with this set up and your skill set. And I think the Minnie Winnie is probably right at the edge of what the Taco can reasonably safely tow, especially when loaded for a trip. Maybe rethink this set up before you end up in the ditch. Good luck!
Correct, using the e brake is very common. Especially on the trails. Same concept as Hill assist.
Tow rating is 6500 and I agree you shouldn’t max that out but even if I rounded up a grand from the dry trailer weight I’m still well under 6500. Having towed it with a gladiator the Jeep did a much better job with the same setup
dude I think your just not using your resources... they put 4Lo on the trucks for reasons like that, if you were smart you would use that function instead of complaining how it doesn't have the power your just not using the gears that they put in the truck.
The 4 low is for me to tear off the front and rear bumpers on the trails! Lol
No I get it, still shouldn’t have to go into four low just to get out of a driveway though. What if it was 2wd? It would let have been able to pull it out without struggling super hard.
You should limit towing during windy conditions.
I drove a semi for 14 years and not sure about why your burning up your clutch? When you start to tow your trailer from that spot you don't need all those rpms to over come roll back, just chalk the back of your trailer wheels. Tie them to your frame or trailer bumper and drag them to a level spot to retreave them then untie them and put them away.
That’s a great idea. I’ll give that a shot next time
When u showed your block and spacer lift I stopped watching.
Same here. Who would be dumb enough to do that. If only I had explained why I tossed this temporary lift on in another video....
Terrible lift idea, and with 3in on the front and factory ucas guaranteed to have terrible angles for tires.
I own 2019 automatic version 4x4 off road with KZ 17ft
Very nice
Hmm that’s scary I have a 2020 TRD off rd 3/2 lift with 33 on it looking for a trailer now might have to look at the same trailer as yours now might have to rethink it. Maybe a 14 16 ft camper but thanks for the heads up
You’re welcome. I’m sure it’s fine for some people but we ended up selling ours. I didn’t like the setup. I’d get a smaller one
@@FreedomCrawler
Did you get another one ? Or are they a pain in the ass? This would be our first time if we get one
No, in the future I plan on shifting to a diesel gladiator.
@@FreedomCrawler
I understand but I just got my truck about 8 months ago love the truck but not sure it’s the right truck for a camper. I’ll have to look for a smaller camper!
You may be ok with it but I was greatly disappointed.
TUNDRA TIME
They finally fixed the Tundras for 2022. Now they need to do the Tacomas
@@FreedomCrawler I have an 08. Amazing truck. Not sure what you're talking about
try the add a leaf before dropping the front imo
I keep getting mixed reviews on the add a leaf
trade in for a Tundra? it'll suck to lose the manual though.
Tundra is too big for the trails I like to do and if I went half ton I’d go Silverado personally. Great trucks for the right people though. Sold it and went back to a 3rd gen 4Runner. Really happy
@@FreedomCrawler well, I only figured you towing that thing the trails can't be smaller than a half-ton.
Work that clutch a little more should have to dump it where it jerks also better tires would help with your driveway street tires suck... also lifted doesn't help gas mileage
Unplugged the trailer brake and fixed the issue
Have you seen this with other manual trucks towing? That sucks you couldn't climb that tiny hill... Dang how much does the minnie weight? 13ft...
It’s a 22 footer that weighs 4K
The incline and stopping on it was my biggest issue. I really think the trailer brake not disengaging was my issue. I’ll try it with the brake disconnected next time
You have to learn to start a steep uphill incline without the ebrake. Is this your first manual?
No, I’ve been driving stick for 19 years. Always learning though. My trailer brake wasn’t disengaging quick enough causing the issue.
Was hoping you were the problem, cuz I just got a TRD off road in manual. Lol.
It’s a great truck but on steep inclines, with a load you’ll see what I’m referring to