Towing with 2016 Toyota Tundra Without Factory Tow Package
Question:
Hello eTrailer, I have a 2016 Toyota Tundra without Tow package. I do have all needed connections and plug for brake controller. However, I know its a BAD idea to tow in overdrive. My truck has something called sport mode which gives me the ability to shift gears manually bypassing overdrive. Do you have any tips on shifting when in manual with load, say up or down hill or just cruising the interstate? I want to do my best to protect my transmission. Thanks in advance!
asked by: Brandon
Expert Reply:
Since your 2016 Tundra does not have the tow package or the "Tow/Haul" switch you can use the S Mode to manually select the shift range. When you select S mode the shift range is set automatically according to speed for both 6-speed and 5-speed transmissions. Selecting a lower shift range will give greater acceleration force and engine braking force than a higher shift range, but the engine RPMs will also increase.
This feature is covered in the online manual on pages 184-187 and I sent you a link to that online manual. I suggest you first see how the automatic setting works but in general I recommend a lower range for climbing hills and a higher range for flat stretches of highway. Once you're pulling the trailer you'll know where you need to be.
The best protection for a transmission that tows is a supplementary fluid cooler that will keep the operating temperature reasonable. Derale Class IV cooler # D13504 fits both 4.6L and 5.7L V8 engines and it will take a lot of the towing stress off the transmission. This includes the Derale Insta-dapt radiator adapter fits most Toyota Tundras with 5/16" transmission lines. You can see more on this item in the video.
If you don't yet have a trailer brake controller the Prodigy P3 # 90195 that you referenced is a great choice and you can use wiring adapter # 3031-P to install it.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Full-Size Truck
- SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 12T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Vehicle Air Mattress
- Q&A: Installing Tekonsha Brake Controller on a 2016 Toyota Tacoma Without Factory Tow Package
- Shop: Vehicle Seat Covers
- Shop: Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Shop: K-Source Snap & Zap Custom Towing Mirrors - Snap On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Video: K-Source Snap & Zap Towing Mirrors Installation - 2017 Toyota Sequoia
- Q&A: How to Access Vehicle Brake Light Signal for Trailer Brake Controller Installation
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is Difference Between Redarc Tow Pro Liberty and Elite
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: etbc7
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller Review
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
on Trailer Brake Controller
