Towing POV Video with 2019 TRD Pro & Manual Transmission

I was worried that the truck wouldn’t be up to the task after reading other threads and posts. “Get a full-size!” “No more than 2,000 pounds!”

On paper, the 3.5L looks weak. Only 278 HP, and 265 ft-lbs at a rather high RPM. However, when hooked up to the manual gearbox, it became a surprisingly capable machine.

The 3.5 had more power in the lower RPMs than expected, and it handled a 4500 lb. boat and tandem axle trailer pretty easily, even in the mountains.

https://youtu.be/OgE90X9SnMk

Full review here: https://chrisleoonline.com/2019-toyota-tacoma-trd-pro-review/

In short, the truck performed way better than I thought it would. I haven’t driven an automatic 3rd gen, but I’d imagine with proper trans tuning it would be just as good as the manual.

Toyota also really did a great job with the suspension tuning. The most surprising part was that it rode as good on pavement as it did off road.

Anyone else towing with their 3.5/manual Tacoma?

 

The 4.30 gears seem to help with towing too.

 

Definitely. Gotta love that short 1st gear as well.

Even reverse with the trailer hooked up wasn’t bad like some others have mentioned. Once you get used to where the clutch grabs, it’s easy to maneuver the trailer around. It’s all about clutch control and not over-revving the motor. Basically, let it out until it grabs, then give it just enough gas to keep the motor around idle, but still move the truck.

It took about 200 miles to get used to it.

 

I've towed an empty Uhaul 6x12 enclosed trailer. I kept it 4th gear (2600rpms) at 55mph and had no problems pulling. Uphill I dropped to 3rd and reved to about 3500rpms to pull a steep grade about a mile long. Was pretty fun.

 

Yes. I’ve been perfectly happy with how mine tows my trailers.

 

Nice video OP.

My recommendation, having spent 12 years as a heavy equipment mechanic, would be to re-engage 2wd BEFORE turning off the boat ramp on concrete/asphalt, or even dry gravel. Your drivetrain will thank you. As you mentioned, thats why it seems "finicky" switching back to 2wd. It's because there is a ton of pressure on your drivetrain in mid turn...you can hear the tires slipping/skipping in the video. Always trying to go in and out of 4wd when going in a straight line.

Cheers

 

In the first part where I was launching the boat, I tried engaging it while stopped and it didn’t want to go. I try not to turn with 4wd on pavement, but a little bit hopefully won’t hurt anything.

I played around with it some more without the trailer, and it went in 4LO each time. The only thing I can think of is maybe Toyota wants you to engage the parking brake before switching to 4LO while stopped. My old truck actually says to engage it while rolling around 2 MPH. The secondary method is to engage while stopped with trans in neutral.

 

3rd seems to be the hill gear for highway speeds. I did the 5.4% grade in 3rd at around 50 MPH and about half throttle.

Still impressed with the torque of the 3.5 - I thought it would be a lot weaker than it was.

 

What towing mirrors are those?