Tow without a tow package????

Just bought a used 2023 Tacoma Access cab w/ 2.7 engine. 27 miles on it. This is my 5th P/U and never encountered a towing problem like this; My first Toyota; Post purchase, I realized it did not have the "tow package." I was not aware the "tow package" is such a big deal. I only want to tow a 12 ft flat bed, well within the load range of the truck. It appears that without the tow package I would be risking transmission issues since no trans cooler (other than radiator). Spent all day researching the possibility of adding a trans cooler, oil cooler and power steering cooler. I then stumbled upon a post indicating such action would void my warranty. Any suggestions other than selling it? Thanks in advance.

 

if you have a digital gauge like a scangauge or similar, you might be able to keep an eye on transmission temps.

but generally speaking, it's not likely to be a problem unless you're doing it in extreme heat of 90 degrees+, uphill, with a headwind.

 

Ultraguage MX is another option

 

Zero need for a tow package. Don't drive like a lunatic and you'll be fine.

I wired up a 7-pin myself, too. It's not difficult, and having brakes can help (sometimes?)

 

Thanks for the advice. My plan is to get the scan gage and do some test runs to see how hot the tranny gets under a load. I also plan to change the TF more often. Toyota should do a better job of dealing with this issue. Their website says the 2.7 truck is rated to pull 3500 lbs "if properly equipped," which really means "with a tow package." It also implies there are 2.7 trucks "improperly equipped" to pull 3500 lbs. There is a great deal of discussion on this site of hot Tacoma transmissions and tranny coolers, which raised my concern about this issue. Yesterday, I went to a second dealership to discuss the possibility of adding the OEM tranny and oil coolers. The Toyota warranty is OK with OEM parts. The Toyota mechanic there thought I would be fine without them. It seems to me that Toyota wants it both ways. Their website says one thing, but reality is something else. You either need the @#$%&*$# tow package or you don't. Owners/purchasers should not have to chase their tail for several hours trying to figure it out. This, along with the fact the #$%^& truck can't open/go through a bump gate, which are still quite common in my area of the country, is frankly unbelievable and has made me regret my purchase. Thanks again for your replies.

 

to be fair, toyota's interest is to protect themselves first from crazies that attempt to push any of their products past their intended working conditions. it's not all that weird to me that different channels contradict each other. as with anything else, your level of confidence plays a big part in the whole ordeal. someone that knows trailers and could easily make a cross-country trip with one without a second thought is going to be much less likely to have issues than someone that just tows a rented trailer from time to time, but still drives like there's nothing back there.

what about the truck won't open a bump gate? is it too tall?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI1LLETtQY8

 

This is a Texas bump gate; Don't know what you have in Indiana; And it would ruin the nose/bumper cover on a Tacoma if you went through it; To avoid damage we put a grill guard on our P/Us; Our local truck accessory shop won't put one on a Tacoma because of the aluminum nose frame can't handle the stress. I guess I'm just a crazy.

 

^The more substantial bumpers like ARB deletes the aluminum crash bar as part of the install. But they are pricey:



Your truck is rated for 3500 lb towing as-is, using the stock trans cooler built into the radiator. You can do that every day up 100% grades at redline and maintain the powertrain warranty.

 

i don't know that those exist anywhere within 3 states of me. i've never seen one before, or at the very least, never looked hard enough at them. i can understand not wanting to scratch up the plastics, though i think the local accessory shop is a little delusional.

there's a good number of options for grille guards/bull bars/winch bumpers that are compatible with the tacoma. the grille guards/bull bars don't mount through the front bumper, most will mount under and come up in front of the plastic bumper--just need to be aware of how different models might interfere with the truck sensor package. with the exception of any winch bumper-- those will replace the aluminum impact portion.

 

No 4 cyl Tacoma of any gen came with a tow package.

Stay under the 3500, 350 tongue, and total weight on the door jamb (which will include the 350 tongue) and you'll be fine.

 

None of the 2023 Tacomas come with a trans cooler. They did away with those a couple of years ago (2020 maybe?).

 

It is easy to add a trans cooler. Derale makes a nice one

 

Yes you definitely don't need a tow package on the 2tr-fe's they are extremely under rated at 3500lbs I don't advise pulling more weight but it can be done.

 

They most certainly DO

https://www.valdostatoyota.com/2023-toyota-tacoma-towing-capacity/

2023 Toyota Tacoma Tow Package
The Toyota Tacoma tow package allows for the full 6,800-pound towing capacity, thanks to the following advanced towing features:

• Class-IV towing hitch receiver
• ATF cooler
• Engine oil cooler
• Power steering cooler
• 130-amp alternator
• 4- and 7-pin connector with converter
• Trailer-Sway Control (TSC)

 

oooof. You may want to dig a little deeper.

You know who just bought a 2023 Off Road Tacoma that doesn't have a separate trans cooler? This guy (me).

 

The note was "None of the 2023 Tacomas come with a trans cooler"

You want to read the note

They do if you have the tow package.......

And if they have an automatic there is one in the radiator as standard. The tow package adds an additional one...

 

Pssssst... The tow package no longer comes with a separate trans cooler. The last year for that was 2019.

I have a 2023 Tacoma... with tow package. It does NOT have a trans cooler. It uses the radiator which isn't sufficient if you're going to be doing a lot of towing, especially in warmer climates.

 

I found an ATF cooler on the side of the transmission now... Not upfront like on my 2015



I don't own a 2023 so I have only been going on what it mentions in toyota site for towing package. Some have mentioned it just includes a bigger part inside radiator.
And i agree i would not trust that if i was indeed towing but thats me with the overkill additional cooler and thermostat in addition to factory cooler.

So i may indeed be wrong.. And a lot of posters in the 2023 thread have asked the same thing . "I have towing package, where's the cooler ??"


I do like the fact that the new transmission comes with an actual thermostat itself. Some posters have mentioned pining this open when towing...

 

Yah, my buddy has a 2019 and when I got my 2023 he gave the once over and that was one of the first things he noticed was missing. I rarely tow so won't add one but if I did, I would definitely add a separate trans cooler, and definitely not the overpriced OEM one.

 

Indeed, the factory cooler on my 2015 is lists for an MSRP of $920 CDN but online parts sites have it down to $650. They even list a less than 1 foot piece of hose that connects the cooler at $45!

That 6X more than a much better aftermarket cooler.

https://www.toyotapartsdirect.ca/a/...archGuid=20D2C9C9-4C0B-484B-88F5-13CD946488BB



And rockauto has a replica of factory one for $108

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10492448&cc=3310144&pt=2088&jsn=451

Considering that this cooler is exactly the same in appearance as the factory cooler and even has all the attachment points and brackets it must be made by the same company that makes the factory one...