First Trip with 2024 Limited Towing Camper and Backup Assist Function

[MRHAMR]

Finally got my 2024 Limited out with our Taxa Cricket trailer for a trip to the Olympic Peninsula to check things out in prep for a longer trip later this year and wanted to share a few things.

First, towed a ~2200 lb. camper using a 13" ball mount (long enough to allow dropping tailgate without hitting tongue jack), 2 5/8" ball with anti-rattle clamp, and no sway control. Programming the OEM brake controller was easy and intuitive. I ended up using a gain of 1.5 for my rig. The manual actuation "pinch" switch on the dash is the handiest manual control for a brake control I've even seen and is a huge improvement over having to turn a knob like my old Redarc controller. Tow was smooth and comfortable at speeds up to 70 MPH, and the trailer was only noticeable on large frost humps and speed bumps. I was skeptical of the 4 cylinder engine for my new tow rig, but trusted Toyota and my faith has paid off. the 4G tows better than my 3G TRD OR 6 cylinder ever did. You can hear the engine load a but on uphills, but it never lugged down even on some pretty steep grades. Averaged about 17 MPG, but this was mostly secondary roads and not a lot of highway speeds, so the MPG may not be representative of what we'll see on longer highway trips. I still plan to mount a 2.5 gal jerry can on the fender of my trailer as insurance.

It's nice that the OEM towing package recognizes the trailer and automatically turns off backup proximity and backing collision avoidance systems. The only glitch was when backing up to the trailer the brakes automatically came on a couple of times if my wife was too close to the trailer. The pedestrian detection is a little too sensitive. The 360 camera views also provide a nice view of the hitch from the MMI. Only thing missing is a backup camera on the trailer, which I'll probably need to add 3rd party since the OEM trailer camera system is still MIA.

I've been cautiously optimistic about the Backup Assist and been anxious to try it. Programming it was easy from the dash display and involved just making some slow turns in a large parking lot. After that, when backing, pressing the Backup Assist button on the center console actives the system with 2 modes. First, it provides an arrow on the MMI backup camera view to show which way the trailer will swing with the current steering position. I found this nearly useless. The second mode, activated from the MMI via a button on the touchscreen provides something akin to Lane Centering, to automatically turn the wheel to steer the trailer straight back at its current angle. This was really helpful. I have to back my trailer up a steep 100' driveway and around a corner into my garage. Auto steering Let me get the trailer close to straight up the drive then let the system steer the trailer. As the trailer get a little off to one side or the other, I manually override it a smidge by turning the wheel, then hands off and let it continue. I normally over-steer a bit backing and end up "crabbing" my way up the driveway. No Longer! The Backup Assist in Auto is awesome!

Between the quieter more comfortable ride and the OEM trailer towing features, I (and importantly my wife) absolutely love the Limited as a tow vehicle. Glad we upgraded.

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[reu2]

I received the OEM trailer camera with my Taco Limited. I didn’t even need it, but it was included on the sticker.
Are they just not available at the dealers yet?

 

[MRHAMR]

I contacted my dealer and they first told me it didn’t exist yet, then told me it was only available as a factory install due to the extensive electrical mods required (e.g. antennae on each side of the cab roof). I’m not confident that they know.

 

[Delta1Seven]

Great write up! I haven't towed anything yet, hoping I find the use soon!

 

[MRHAMR]

I received the OEM trailer camera with my Taco Limited. I didn’t even need it, but it was included on the sticker.
Are they just not available at the dealers yet?

I’m really interested. Do you have antennae on each side of the cab roof? Did they provide an actual camera? Can you post a photo of the unit?

There’s an existing thread, which I don’t know how to link from here, covering these mysterious Toyota OEM trailer mount backup cameras, so if you actually have one that works, there are probably quite a few of us who would love more details so we can pursue getting one ourselves.

 

[reu2]

Is it the thread titled "Three Antennas on 25’ OR Premium"?

Here is everything that comes in the box;

And here you can see the three shells, I mean Shark Fins... Eh, fine. antennas.

Toyota has a video on setting it up. Doesn't include the Fin install though;

 

[MRHAMR]

I’m envious. My Limited didn’t come with the antennae, so it may be a major mod but I’m gonna follow up and see what it would take to have it installed.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Bcphoto3]

Would be interested to see if your camera would work with a TH since it already has the digital rear view mirror

 

[MRHAMR]

Would be interested to see if your camera would work with a TH since it already has the digital rear view mirror

I think the key component is the antennas. If we don’t have them, I doubt the truck can connect to the camera, even if the MMI is compatible. That’s where my Limited falls, but I’m hoping to find out.

 

[guitarist alec]

I got me a wife for that ... install much easier

 

[MRHAMR]

I got me a wife for that ... install much easier

But the maintenance costs

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