2025 Tacoma Limited Towing setup

[petertacoma92]

Hello, this is my first time towing with any car and had a few questions. I’m towing a 4x8 uhaul trailer with my new limited tacoma long distance (TX-IA) with lightweight few boxes and household stuff. I’m not sure what settings (4L, 4H, 2, etc.,) I need to set in order to properly towing the trailer. Appreciate your feedback.

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[Sagebrush]

2-wheel drive, unless you hit snow...

 

[Ron]

There's a tow/haul mode but for a light trailer like that i wouldn't bother - it'll shift more aggressively and use less hybrid.

It doesnt hurt to try but i dont like it with light trailers.

 

[BAQ717]

You won’t even feel the trailer, you’re not driving a Prius that’s easy work for a Taco

 

[FLAirgunner]

There's a tow/haul mode but for a light trailer like that i wouldn't bother - it'll shift more aggressively and use less hybrid.

It doesnt hurt to try but i dont like it with light trailers.

I have a super light 4X8 utility trailer I tow with my Limited. I made a trip to Home Depot the other day to pick up a load of concrete pavers, bags of (damp) mulch and Garden Soil. I have no idea what it all weighed, but figure it was significantly more than empty, although probably not much more than a lightly loaded U-Haul trailer. On the trip to Home Depot (about 15 miles away) I got 21 MPG (all city driving). The truck was in Comfort Mode. On the return trip (exact same route), with he loaded trailer, I decided to try Tow/Haul to see if there was a difference (either better or worse). I was surprised to see my gas mileage actually increased to 22 MPG on the return trip! I did notice the RPMs stayed much closer to 2000 RPM on the return trip, and it held the gears longer. Under normal city driving conditions (in Comfort Mode) the RPMs stay lower (1500 RPM) and it shifts into the next higher gear much faster. I'm thinking that lugging of the engine probably gives worse gas mileage when towing or with a load in the truck. You can always start out in Normal (or what ever Mode you prefer) and then switch to Tow/Haul at the half way point and see if there is a difference. In case you didn't already know, when you turn off your truck, the statics for that trip are displayed on the dash. Just don't open any doors before the display pops up, or it won't. This happens every time you stop and shut it down, so it should be easy to pull into a rest stop or gas station, shut it down, record the displayed MPG and then do the same at your destination.

 

[Dirt]

I almost always pull in 2 wheel drive; now a fairly heavy Can Am ATV in my ATV trailer without using the Tow/Haul mode without a problem. I used to have an RPOD travel trailer and used the Tow/Haul mode with it. The gas mileage will take a hit so watch the gauge closer and throw in a two gallon gas tank if you have room.

 

[Sagebrush]

By the way, you should probably review your manual about using 4 WD and 4 LO. You can damage the system by using it on dry pavement.

 

[Reconsnake]

I would definitely recommend tow/haul mode, when doing any towing. Specifically on older vehicles, you didnt always get full torque converter lockup, resulting in lots of slippage, which in turn created more heat, possibly leading to additional transmission wear. Specifically on your truck:


In the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, engaging Tow/Haul mode optimizes the vehicle's performance when towing heavy loads by adjusting various systems to enhance control and efficiency.

Key Adjustments in Tow/Haul Mode

1. Transmission Shift Points: Tow/Haul mode modifies the transmission's shift logic, allowing the engine to operate at higher RPMs before shifting gears. This adjustment helps maintain power delivery and prevents the engine from lugging under load.
2. Throttle Response: The mode increases throttle sensitivity, providing quicker acceleration when towing. This is particularly beneficial for merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles while carrying a trailer.
3. Engine Braking: Tow/Haul mode enhances engine braking, aiding in slowing down the vehicle and trailer when descending steep inclines. This feature helps maintain control and reduces reliance on the brake system.
4. Trailer Sway Control Activation: Engaging Tow/Haul mode activates the trailer sway control system, which helps stabilize the trailer by applying individual brakes to specific wheels if sway is detected.

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