Tow mode?

So now that I threw my rig on the back I just noticed this really doesn't have a tow mode option in any of the menus. What do you guys use when towing something reasonably heavy? She's kind of squatting a bit even though I use a rhino hitch, I would say the rig plus the trailer are about 3000 lb loaded with fuel and stuff.

 

If the trailer is heavy you might just leave it in 4th

 

Can you adjust your tongue weight? I know on boat trailers you can in many instances. Maybe it is me but the sag does not look too bad.

How does it tow for you?

 

Don't know much about the Pro and the differences between that and the standard TRD Off-Road package, but on my 2019 I installed a $99 set of airbags in the rear springs to eliminate the sag when I haul my Rhino to TN & back. I was worried when I upgraded my suspension (Eibach Pro Truck series) that I may not be able to use the airbags but turns out the new springs easily accommodated the airbags. So that resolved the sag issue then I installed an anti-sway bar which was like $50 so it goes down the road pretty good now. As others have stated, driving in 4th eliminates the transmission constantly hunting for the right gear ratio.

 

Manually shifting is probably your best option.

Maybe look into stiffer suspension for the rear if you haul that weight often.

Also may want better brakes. Remember you will want to stop eventually.

Then again if you do haul it often, it may be best to get a full size truck to tow with just to avoid straining. I’ve towed that much weight or more with my Taco and I definitely wouldn’t want to do it every weekend.

 

Seems to me if that rig is only 3,000lbs and you do not have a ton of weight in the vehicle itself you should be more than fine. This is supposed to have the SAE J28207 towing standards for 5,000 lbs. Obviously can't add up too much in the vehicle itself though. I plan to tow my boat all in shy of 3,000lbs with mine and did it for years with an old V6 Explorer.

Granted I have not done it yet as I am still waiting for my 4R. But I bought with this intention since its the only body on frame SUV in its size to still tow 5,000lbs.

I did not have room in my garage for a full size pickup nor did I really want a pickup. I did a ton of reading and talked with folks at TFL truck as well prior to my purchase. I am not however towing through mountains/hills which pose more issues. I am on ground level in Michigan just towing to local lakes and Lake Erie for fishing.

My old V6 Explorer towed just fine, I knew the boat was back there and just took my time as we should all do while towing. I had a few friends tow similar loads with them also. I have one friend with a 4R and he has towed a 2,000 lb Airstream camper from Michigan to Utah and back, then out to Maine, then to Florida, then back to Arizona etal and has over 50,000 towing miles only (116 in total) on a 2016 4R and not had any issues. I am hoping for no issues but wont be putting on that mileage

 

Do not tow in overdrive.

Tow in S4 and knock it into S5 downhill. You may need to drop to S3 on inclines.

Toyota recommends maximum speed of 65 MPH while towing.

Take your time and be happy!

Weight distribution hitches will still allow the rear end to sag. Their purpose is to transfer some weight to the front wheels as well.

 

If you're towing often, a set of Timbrens is a lot easier than airbags and almost as effective. Love Timbrens.

 

Help me with manual on this thing. Coming from a 10 speed Raptor in manual it stayed in the gear I put it in. When I shift to S the vehicle will still downshift and up shift. How do I counteract this?

 

Yeah, you just bolt them on and forget them. No maintenance. Almost no way for them to fail. There's no adjustabilty, of course, but I like them for their utter mechanical simplicity.

 

Just to piggyback off what you said. A properly adjusted weight distribution hitch should help with the sag to some extent. And it will transfer weight to the front wheels of the truck and to the wheels of the trailer.

To the OP: I don't know if your trailer has brakes or not but if not, it might be worth installing them. It will save your truck brakes and make it safer and more relaxing to drive.

 

It shouldn't upshift unless you redline it. It will downshift on it's own as S mode only limits the top gear used. You can't counteract this unless you're able to reprogram the transmission computer.

 

you need to drop that hitch so the trailer is more level

 

Yes, it looks a few inches high.

I always towed with a 3500 dually, but my boats were a lot heavier.

Looks like you are doing pretty well with that, but I agree about having good brakes. If not, that's the situation that will bite you in the butt.

 

I have Airlift bags in mine. It does stiffen the unloaded ride even with just 5psi in bags but ive had them in for 5 yrs now and zero issues.

 

Note that the 'S' mode does not mean sport. It is for sequential. Putting into S automatically downshifts into 4th. You may shift up to 5th if you wish.

Sequential mode just limits your highest gear. Useful when going downhill to allow engine braking to reduce speed.

 

I've been hauling a crap-ton of stuff (we're moving) in a 6'w x 12'l x 6.5'h enclosed trailer with a 4xxx pound trailer GVWR and properly loaded, the trailer is level and there's very little squat. Too little or too much tongue weight will cause you to have control issues (no pun intended).

The truck has a 5000 pound towing capacity, which usually equates to a 500 pound hitch weight rating. Trailers with this low of a GVWR normally do not come with trailer brakes.

My 2019 ORP stops this reasonably well with just the OEM brake pads and rotors. That said, I time my travels to when there is much less traffic and I run 55-65mph on Interstates and 45-55mph on state highways.

I always run in S4, no cruise control, and let the vehicle decelerate on up hills and regain speed on down hills. Make sure your entire load is securely tied down, all tires are properly inflated, and all lug nuts are properly torqued and you should be fine.