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Old 05-19-2014, 07:14 AM   #1
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Tundra Towing

Question for Tundra Owner: any overheating issues with the engine or tranny when descending long grades? Will be going through Mont Eagle on our way to Disney in a few weeks. I know I'll be using my gearing and not brakes to control my speed. Trailer weighs around 5500#. Thanks!
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Old 05-19-2014, 07:46 AM   #2
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I've pulled TT and fifth wheels through smokies, Ozarks and Rockies. Never overheated. Engine size is important. I have 5.7 L. Use tow/haul mode, especially downhill. The gears will assist in maintaining speed down hills. Read about it in owners manual. Understanding how tow/haul works will help you take advantage of it.

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Old 05-19-2014, 08:01 AM   #3
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Will the computer do it, or do I use the 'S' on my shifter and manually set the top gear?
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Old 05-19-2014, 08:05 AM   #4
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None yet. And I've been towing with the Tundra for the last 5-6 years. And I live in Colorado. And we have a few hills out here, if you hadn't heard.

It's been through several passes and no overheating issues from either, ever.

I use the S mode when heading downhill and usually end up in "3" to control speed.
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Old 05-19-2014, 08:12 AM   #5
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I use tow/haul all the time when towing, but my trailer is heavier than yours. When going down long grades, start slow and manually shift the tranny into the lower gears. Pump brakes as needed. I've towed with mine all over hills and mountains. No over heating of engine or tranny. Only weak point I know of is the brake rotors. My OEM rotors warped from the heat of towing. I replaced with high performance EBC brake rotors and pads. Now, no problems.

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Old 05-19-2014, 08:25 AM   #6
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Both of you are pulling heavier trailers than me for sure. I figured from experimenting it would be around 4th. Gonna be a great trip!
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Old 05-19-2014, 08:56 AM   #7
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Love my Tundra..
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Old 05-19-2014, 09:41 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RPAspey View Post
I use tow/haul all the time when towing, No over heating of engine or tranny. Only weak point I know of is the brake rotors. My OEM rotors warped from the heat of towing. I replaced with high performance EBC brake rotors and pads. Now, no problems.
X2. Add rust on the brake pad retaining pins too. I bought cheaper rotors & it has only been 2,000 miles so it is too soon to tell if I made a bad purchase.
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Old 05-19-2014, 09:56 AM   #9
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I see more and more Tundras at the CGs these days. They must be doing allright. I towed my brother's heavily loaded 26' TT from BC to NS 2 years ago. It pulled like a dream, at about 110 km/h. Average fuel consumption was 26 l/100km. Not a single issue and all temps remained constant.
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Old 05-19-2014, 10:08 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnIII View Post
Will the computer do it, or do I use the 'S' on my shifter and manually set the top gear?
John. If you have 5.7L and tow package, heres how I do it. Select Tow/Haul on dash panel switch. When starting down hill I hold brakes for a few seconds at the speed I want to maintain and when I let off brakes the gears hold me really close to that speed. On steep declines you'll still slowly gain speed. That's when you hold brakes long enough to slow back to speed you want to maintain. It'll hold there again. Saves riding the brakes.

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Old 05-19-2014, 11:06 AM   #11
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Ok, looks like nothing to worry about. Yea, I have the 5.7.
I bought the truck back on Mach '12 new. Up to this moment, It has been a true Toyota. Does everything I ask without any fuss. Day in and day out. I admit I hardly feel the 261BHXL behind me. Not one issue.Click image for larger version

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Old 05-19-2014, 11:19 AM   #12
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And I've been seeing more Tundras at campgrounds. Saw four others this weekend while we were out.
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Old 05-19-2014, 11:37 AM   #13
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Love my Tundra..
X2
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Old 05-19-2014, 12:14 PM   #14
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So beasty!!!
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Old 05-19-2014, 03:27 PM   #15
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Thanks dcheatwood, that is some great info. I haven't towed mine in the mountains yet, but will be soon.
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Old 05-19-2014, 03:36 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by billt01 View Post
Love my Tundra..
x3
I use tow haul whenever I am towing.
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Old 05-19-2014, 05:42 PM   #17
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Tundra Towing

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnIII View Post
And I've been seeing more Tundras at campgrounds. Saw four others this weekend while we were out.

Not to stray off topic... But they must certainly be doing something right. My brother, a life-long F150 guy bought a Tundra last year. My father-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law, life long chevy guys, all just bought Tundras. I was a Nissan SUV guy and purchased a Tundra two weeks ago. My best friend called me today and apologized profusely... He just traded in his Titan for a new Tundra... Exact same as mine, paint color and all. That's 6 new Tundras in the past year in my small circle alone. 3 of us use for campers... The other 3 for work trucks.

I'd love to hear more about using the "S" mode on steep grades (down or up)... I've played around with it a little, but I'm not real truck savvy yet.
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Old 05-19-2014, 06:28 PM   #18
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I use "s" when descending hills if I feel it's starting to run away. I have one campground that 2nd isn't enough engine braking and 1st is too much.

The computer will control downshifts when cruise is on after you are 5-7 mph over where you set it.
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Old 05-19-2014, 06:31 PM   #19
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I have a trip coming up that has an 8% grade for 3-miles... Just wondering how to handle it.
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Old 05-19-2014, 06:32 PM   #20
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I have been towing with two different Tundras, started in 05. Pulled lots of heavy loads, in the summer, over mountains. Always used Tow/Haul mode and I never had an issue.

Nice truck by the way!!!!
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