“Sport” gears

I believe some folks on here reported getting the best fuel economy when they use S mode to keep the engine around 2000 rpm.

 

brake pads are cheap, transmissions and engines are not...i would only use in an emergency

 

I tow 7500 (+-) on a fairly frequent basis, hills, flats, etc...PA, WV, NY, VA...plenty of grades and some flat (when going to the shore / MD, DE..etc)...

When the Trailer is connected...ALWAYS in Tow/Haul....and MOSTLY in S4. It will shift normally from a stop up to 4th gear...and I keep it 65 or so on the Highway...70 Maybe...and am around 3000 RPM...I usually keep the RPM up there and not really worry about the speed..mostly watch RPM - 3000 RPM is a happy place - especially if there are some inclines

occasionally, on a LONG STEEP hills...I may find a lower gear to keep it above 3000 if I need the additional grunt to climb. like S2 for a long 10% grade for several miles...from a dead stop. and just keep pulling the trailer up that hill...doesn't give a crap. Temps are normal...and the truck just pulls.

I may drop in to S3 when coming down a hill...or S2 if coming back down that 10% grade...and try and limit the speed using the motor / engine braking, vs smoking my brakes...depends. Occasionally when rolling through VA/WV and the speed is 45 and plenty of rolling hills...45 and 3000 RPM - S3...great gear, transmission doesnt shift from 4-3-4-3 all the time...just leave it there (3) for the local towns, and when the speed limit goes back up - increase speed, move to S4 and keep the RPM up...and motor on.

but for the most part - s4 - Tow haul...and not really give a crap about what i'm towing...she just grins an bares it. 99% of the time, just leave it in the S4 and Tow haul...unless there is a specific need for a lower gear for a longer period of time (dont want to shift in and out of gears to create heat) - S4 and tow haul. If I lived in a FLAT state...maybe s5...to save some gas...but with ANY hills around, best to leave it in S4

temp on the tranny is cool, the motor is cool...and just a very pleasing towing experience...yes, I know its there...but the Tundra really doesn't care - the Tq converter is locked, temps cool. plenty of power...A/C blasting, music playing.

life if Grand.

Much better towing experience than my older Silverado...same concept if Tq converter locking and needing 3000+ Rpm for hills...just the Tundra does it WAY better...the 4.30 rear, more HP, and 6 speeds - has a lot to do with it...