Towing Capacity Manual vs Automatic

Hi everyone,

I currently have a 2017 Manual V6 Tacoma Sport and I’m trying to confirm what the tow capacity is. The book says 6400lbs but I find that it struggles to pull 2000lbs. I’ve read that Manual Transmissions may not be able to tow as much. We’re looking at getting a bigger camping trailer and I am worried that going heavier may damage my transmission?

Any advice?

Richard

 

What do you mean by ‘struggles’ to pull 2k?

 

The Tacoma will tow, but it doesn’t tow well.
Anything over 3,000 lbs and you will know it’s back there.
Enclosed trailers and campers are worse. They aren’t aerodynamic and that doesn’t help.
There are pros and cons to the Manual vs Auto.

You don’t have to worry about Trans temps with a Manual.
Backing you will have to watch clutch slip as reverse isn’t really “Low” enough.
Some guys run a 2Lo mod, this lets them back up in low range but not be in 4WD.

That’s not the case with the Automatic.
It does fine in reverse. But you have “drive it” as well as watch temperatures.

 

My Trailer weight fully loaded is about 2000lbs and I struggle to keep it at 100km/h on the highway with a bit of head-wind. I literally have it floored and have to down shift to get it back up over 100km/h.

 

Don’t be afraid to run the engine higher up in the RPM range.
That’s where the engine makes the power.

The 3.5 make power higher up than a 4.0.
And even in my 4.0, I run it closer to 3,000 rpm when towing.
Other wise, I too am like you. Shifting all the time.

 

Shame on TOYOTA for boasting a 6400lbs Tow Capacity for the Tacoma.

 

No truck is a good towing experience when at its maximum rated weight. It’s not a Toyota thing.

With the 3rd gen manual you just have to not be afraid to downshift two gears sometimes to find the powerband. It’s really no different than the automatic that is constantly shifting around for you to find the power.

 

Manual transmissions tow fine but you have to drive them right. For starters, no 6th gear. For minor grades, 4th, steep grades, 3rd. For cruising, 5th. When accelerating, wind the gears to redline.

 

Lol

 

Are you towing in overdrive gear?

Yes you'll have to downshift, you got a manual you have to do that yourself.

 

It will do it.
But it won’t like it. Neither will you.
My opinion is, the Tacoma is a better suited for towing 3,500 or less.
But that’s my opinions.

 

Sounds like you want to drive in the top gear. Settle for cruising in 5th or 4th gear with the higher rpm. Goes much better:

 

What shape is the trailer? Is it an rv or cargo trailer or something? Aerodynamics of it make a big difference.

 

The manual gives you a lot more choices the biggest problem with them is you have to be smarter than the transmission. Seen many automatic tractor trailers?

 

I feel your pain, I have a V8 tundra and have been used to V8 trucks. Towing with my Tacoma is painful, keeping it at 110km/h towing a 5.5’x10.5’ open trailer with my grizzly is a struggle on hills, yes it does it but if you’re not paying attention you’re at 90 in no time.

 

Tire size matters, are you larger than stock? Every size bigger has less effective ratio. Wheel spacers?

Removing the bull bar and roof carrier will help with aero. Drag is the enemy.

 

Haven't towed much beyond the 1100 pound Uhaul 5x10 trailer with bikes using my gen 3 but have a bit of towing experience. This truck just isn't designed for towing as already stated. It will do it, but if you are upgrading your family trailer to something with more than one axle, its going to be a rough, probably unenjoyable trip getting there. For shorter <4 hour trips it will be fine, but any real incline and declines you'll be hurting, assuming you have a brake controller already. Crazy, my 2015 wrx had a class 1 hitch and would tow around 1400 pounds of motorcycles in an open trailer, car hardly felt like anything was even behind it and still managed mid to upper 20's mpg.

 

I can’t imagine the manual towing worse than the auto. The Tacoma is a “best case scenario” tower. With a headwind, it will not be fun.

 

I have a buddy that sold his Tacoma because it couldn't tow his snowmobile trailer. Bought a F150 and seems happy with it.

 

100kmh is barely 6th gear without a trailer.

Like everyone says.... Let the revs out. I much prefer towing with a manual but you need to understand your gear selections and where you're making the most power.