Transmission/Towing Confusion

New to Tundras
Just obtained a 2015 2 WD SR5 with 39,000 miles on it. 4.6
Perhaps a bit green as I bought it about options and what I was getting.
I was looking for a towing vehicle but the trailer I tow isn't all that heavy, hence sensed that the 4.6 was adequate.
I was satisfied to see that the VIN disclosed that this Tundra had a towing package (verified by hitch receiver and factory wiring plugs).
However, in looking at various Youtube videos about installing a brake controller:
a. I don't see a "Tow/Haul" mode on my transmission anywhere, nor a button to push anywhere. Does this mean that this Tundra doesn't have a Towing Package?
b. Confused about location of brake controller plug. Where is it?
c. Does Toyota in their towing package put a "charging line" in the 7 way plug?
Thanks for your help.

 

Hiya and welcome from SoCalif!!! Lots of folks on here tow, im sure they can help you out!

 

Hitch receiver and factory plugs could be dealer or port add ons. Also check with Toyota the 2015 with 4.6 might have a different "tow package" that only includes hitch and light hook up. All 5.7s come with the full tow package. Unless towing a TT you will not need brake controller.

 

You need to follow this thread. I've also put some input on it as well. I've installed a brake controller on my Tundra and it's easy. Make sure to purchase the harness I put a link for becaue you'll need it. The choice of brake controller is up to you.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/201...ine-trailer-brake-install.25884/#post-1086750

 

Thank you for the welcomes to the group.
And thank you for the threads and advice. I should be able to get this done with this information.
I do need the brake controller as the trailer (loaded) weighs about 3300 lb. The trailer comes equipped with the electric brakes.
The transmission variance still puzzles me a bit. Should I put it in Sport mode and tow in 5th gear? The VIN indicates that it is an overdrive transmission. Again there is no "tow/haul" mode or switch that I can find anywhere.

 

I'm curious, do you have a transmission cooler that you can see in the front cooling package?

 

Just put transmission in manual mode and keep it in 4th or 5th depending on your terrain. You'll just have to manual shift it which shouldn't be a big deal.

 

Our manual mode is NOT a real manual mode.

It will shift automatically still, our "manual mode" only allows us to tell the trans the highest gear we want it to go to.

 

If your 2015 is like my 2017, 4.6L do not come with tow package or "tow/haul" button. It will not have the auxiliary transmission oil warmer/cooler at the transmission. The 4 pin/7 pin connectors and receiver hitch come standard, and does not mean you have the tow package like on a Chebby.

So you are nearly there, install an aftermarket trailer brake controller and you should be good to go. The 4.6L is not as good a tow vehicle as the 5.7L, but will tow like any other 1/2 ton truck. I've towed more than 3300 with a 1/4 ton 4Runner, so your Tundra should have no problem with that. The additional shifting (4.6L) won't annoy too much if you don't haul at the limit and infrequently.

Edit: Your owner manual will tell you not use cruise control while towing, probably more for safety reasons. Some heed the advice, others don't. With heavy tow loads, and especially with the 4.6L, you may want to avoid the overdrive gears (5th and 6th) in hilly terrain.

Welcome from the Texas Hill Country.

 

Welcome from CO.

 

I understand that and know that. I stated this to keep it from going into overdrive

 

Does your truck have a column shifter? If so your tow/haul button is on the end of the shifter, hard to see. Do you have a trans temp gauge in the dash. If not you do not have the tow package.