Towing - Tacoma 5A or 6M??

BajaFishin · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 10:58 PM

Towing - Tacoma 5A or 6M??

Hi All,
This is my first post, but I've been here since yr 2000. I am looking to get the Tacoma in about 2 weeks. I have own a Toyota pickup from every generation since the mid 80's (except the new one, 05 and up). I used to own a 1st gen Tundra but I trade it (That was the biggest mistake I made; I should of keep it.). Anyway, I need a vehicle to tow and as for daily driving. I've being thinking about the new Tundra (DC 5.7)... Hard... and A lot... I like it very much, but I think the gas will break me, I drive 70 miles each day for work, not only that, I know it would be hard to find a parking in Downtown San Diego for a 5/8 ton truck. I need something that is much easier to maneuver and capable to tow a 4000 lb boat. After doing more research and reading, I am confident that Tacoma is more than capable of towing my boat. The trip is to the launch ramp is 12 miles each way; I will be towing it once or twice a month.
Question - I read it somewhere or someone told me that I should get an automatic for towing and not stick shift.
Well, Tacoma offers a DC V6 4.0 6 speed manual, I'm a big fan of stick shift (more control), what about for towing??

Thanks in Advance for your reply.

Baja

HeavyRooster · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 11:24 PM

I towed a 5000lb travel trailer with my 05 Taco. Pulls fine on level ground, but had to downshift and run lots of RPM to pull hills = 10 MPG. Thats why I now drive an 08 CM!

hobbes013 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 11:43 PM

I've got a '05 DC manual, and tow a boat that comes in at about 5000 lbs. The tacoma does great. I've towed it 300 mi. round trips several times without a problem. I prefer manuals over autos, but I haven't towed with a Tacoma auto so I can't compare.

demoncleaner · #4 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 09:33 AM

Most likely owners will tell you to get what they have... As a 6spd driver, I prefer it for control, whether driving empty or towing. See, couldn't help myself.

I'd test drive both and see which best meets your needs for everything, not just for towing, cause both auto and stick can pull a 4000 lb boat ok.

Good luck.

bamma · #5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 10:05 AM

I have the auto and it tows great. However, if you tow a lot I would get a manual. Manuals don't get as hot when towing. Even though the tacoma trd has an aux trans cooler, it can still get very hot which can lead to premature wear. Also remember, the 5A should be put in 4th gear when towing while the 6m can be used in any gear.

I prefer manuals in general, and all my previous tacomas were manual, but when I test drove the new tacoma I decided it was geared too low and didn't like the way the rpm's went up when I pressed in the clutch.

Make sure you test drive both and just get what you like. They should both be fine for towing.

Marazzito · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 12:35 PM

I tow w a 6,000 lb trailer with my manual and it tows well. At high altitude it will spend most of its time in 3rd on the grades. But will hold speed well. I towed once with a auto Tacoma and it was a very similer tow. However, it was a non TRD prerunner, so more power to the wheels because there is no loss in the transfer case and smaller tires will help to.

Bakemono · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 07:20 PM

Either transmission will handle towing equally well. Towing is typically harder on an automatic because heat is the arch nemesis of an automatic tranny and towing builds up a lot of heat.
At the end of the day though, its really more of a matter of which tranny you prefer.

BajaFishin · #8 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 12:37 AM

Thank you so much for all your replies, now, it has confirmed that manual for towing just fine. I will try to get a manual Tacoma, I am thinking to pull the trigger in about 2 week or so. I will report back.
Btw how many miles I have to wait (breaking time) to be ready and safe to tow the boat?

Thanks again.

Baja

bamma · #9 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 12:06 PM

IIRC, the owners manual says 1000 miles. Make sure you test drive a manual first to make sure you can tolerate the way it shifts

zachb · #10 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 01:57 PM

I agree, you should test drive and feel the difference. I had always had manuals and loved them. However, once I drove the 6-speed I didn't care for the way it was geared (quite a change from my '99 Tacoma).

So far I've put about 23,000 and I love the 5-speed auto. However, I can understand that some people would like the 6-speed manual, especially if you're towing up large hills often with a big boat.

Bottom line: Test drive both, and see what you like. Make sure you go on the Freeway to feel the difference.

Bakemono · #11 (**permalink**) 01-26-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BajaFishin

Btw how many miles I have to wait (breaking time) to be ready and safe to tow the boat?

Thanks again.

Baja

Id wait at least 1,000 miles.

Bakemono · #12 (**permalink**) 01-26-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachb

I agree, you should test drive and feel the difference. I had always had manuals and loved them. However, once I drove the 6-speed I didn't care for the way it was geared (quite a change from my '99 Tacoma).

So far I've put about 23,000 and I love the 5-speed auto. However, I can understand that some people would like the 6-speed manual, especially if you're towing up large hills often with a big boat.

Bottom line: Test drive both, and see what you like. Make sure you go on the Freeway to feel the difference.

Most people also report than the 5-speed automatic gets better gas milage than the 6-speed manual.