Does a Tundra Need a Transmission Cooler? We Put It On the World's Toughest Towing Test to Find Out!

[@the_jarmel]

😍 TFL INDEPENDENT AND HONEST REVIEWS

[@ViniciusLBueno]

How can TFL be better? ❤️

[@FerrisBuellerYT]

Ok Roman, don't manufacturers fly you out of Colorado, put you up in a hotel, and pay for your meals to attend press events in obvious exchange for a review? Surely you could understand how a viewer could find it hard to accept being 100% "independent". Many other channels are treated the same, and from my view, I don't even care, but this strange pitch in the middle of the video only comes off like you think your viewers are idiots.

[@allforwheelsgarage]

WHY TFL?????? SERIOUSLY why do you make a review and only talk about the transmission temperature between the two. As viewers I'm sure a lot can agree with me that we would like to see the engine coolant temperatures as well. I mentioned this because I notice it in a lot of your videos you guys do not cover this. Who cares if you had to hit the brakes seven times versus nine times or whatever. People want to know the real stats like temperatures across the board. It would also be nice to know stuff like the RPMs. Having a simple second camera recording the instrument gauge cluster would be nice or Data logger hooked up to get a full stream of what the vehicle is doing and how it is performing when you do these types of tests. Just suggestions do what you want but for the love of God don't call it an honest review if you're not putting all the information out there to help people make an informed decision on what to buy.

[@250zxSkeeter]

Anytime transmission Temps are elevated it starts to break down the fluid. Imagine what that would have been on a hot day. Toyota can claim testing but reality is pulling loads requires extra cooling or just expect tranny failure...

[@mr.fiction5564]

@@stevesls6 they don’t have a brand that they favor though. Every brand they review has good and bad and they don’t ignore obvious problems with any vehicle they review. So how are they not reliable? If people actually watch these videos and these videos alone for purchasing advice that’s their fault

[@socalpaul487]

It should be a comparison between a 2019-2021 Tundra and a 2018 or prior Tundra. Do it during the summer.

[@Jaimeleon20]

SoCalPaul I’ll loan out my 2018 for a video 😉👍🏻

[@godgirlsguitars]

I agree, but Colorado has only two season's. Winter and July.

[@thatcanadiancarguy1499]

@@mhassouneh 2018 and prior had the cooler, 19+ is when it was removed.

[@SkeetMcRibb]

This is the best idea so far

[@eto2352]

@@mhassouneh only reason is to save money and squeeze more profit.

[@benson098123]

Temp test in fall ? try that again in July / August please. Big difference in temps, that's got to reduce life of the fluid and transmission over time.

[@alb12345672]

I agree. I installed a big Hayden cooler on an older explorer. I drive in the mountains with a small 500lb load. In the summer, you can fry an egg on that cooler! Now, it would be just luke warm.

[@tothepoint7258]

Don't buy it. Let someone else enjoy the long life of the vehicle. Worry more about your fuel pump.

[@peggyyfpuckettgqe2515]

240 is to hot for a auto transmission despite what Toyota says. If it was summer time imagine the temp!

[@DocHolliday3841]

It nearly overheated in Colorado WINTER weather, Imagine in the summer? Or where I live in Arizona where the summers are 115°+ I'd say the transmission cooler is necessary.

[@jamesvaldez4093]

You are correct. I have a 2020 and live here in AZ. Yesterday I took mine for a cruise and it was 76 degrees. Went through a mountain pass near globe and the pan temperature was 242 and the convertor temp was 256. That was unloaded and cruise set at speed limit. I will say it cooled down quickly but also heated up quickly.

[@DocHolliday3841]

@@jamesvaldez4093 I'm in Phoenix & often visit the higher elevations & I know that towing increases heat, plus in the summer its intensified. I'll stick w/ my Ram with trans cooler.

[@henoch44]

Are you kidding? What winter weather? That's almost colorado summer.

[@CaliRob281]

and 250 is max temp, once the fluid hits that I change the fluid. Never like seeing Trans temps above 230 regardless of its breaking points.

[@CaliRob281]

I have an 01 Sequoia, it's the opposite, mine has a very nice plate cooler that bypasses what americans use (oil to water cooler (faster warmup)), this is straight external.

[@nismo370z4]

The Toyota got pretty warm considering the weather and the fact that your test is under 10 minutes of driving time. What would the result be in warmer weather and a 100 miles of towing ??

[@gibluap]

BAD!

[@juanlucasargueso301]

Spot on. The real test would be flat interstate speed on a hot day with headwind.

[@RolandKalisch]

This was only 4 degrees below Toyota's safe limit. Too close. I'd bet that Ford, Ram and Gm have a similar safe limit but come nowhere near it. This is a very bad decision by Toyota.

[@pryme2013]

Lmao the KZbin professionals are at it again. You ppl have obviously never driven up through the Eisenhower tunnel where they are. It's frickin steep as hell and towing that heavy trailer up it is way more grueling on the transmission than flat ground, regardless of outside ambient temps.

[@gibluap]

@@pryme2013 I do agree with what you're saying. But I do know of a man who lives in Montana and the area he lives in is "flat lands" he owned the Tundra with the cooler and one without. Towing the same amount of weight that he did weekly on his new tundra and it overheated on him and he had to stop on the side of the road

[@Kittycat822]

Unfortunately they removed the coolers in 2019 and 2020 and still listed it on the sticker as having one. I have a 2020 and that is just flat wrong. I plan on filing a complaint with the California Consumer Protection Agency.

[@Outdoor-Adventures]

man, I sure love to hear from you if you're filing a complaint or not?

[@PaulSter]

Settle down and trust the engineers. It's not an external cooler that you're used to seeing, but it's a heat exchanger on the trans.

[@adrianhosein7698]

Ok Karen lol

[@apstech4618]

@@adrianhosein7698 best reply yet! Trust no one. History repeats itself. Toyota Engineers are sheep and will do whatever their corporate handlers tell them to to cut MFG costs.

[@thomasdean5651]

@@PaulSter im sure its not the engineers, but the bean counters. While toyota does know how to make a fine vehicle, they are notorious for dropping features and items to save a few dollars. My 2013 tundra SR5, has numerous features that my 2014 SR5(yes, i own two) doesnt have because toyota decided to eliminate them altogether, or put them on higher models like the Limited or Platinum.

[@eugeneenslow8563]

Imo, tundra's temp got way too close to max in only 8 minutes. I would most certainly want an external cooling system.

[@wildbill23c]

It would be the first thing I'd add to a new Tundra. My 08 Had the factory tranny cooler never got about 220 degrees even in the middle of summer towing 6-8k up and down hills all day long.

[@JonBecker81]

Yep. And if you’re getting the oil that hot on a semi regular basis you can kiss the life of the oil goodbye and maybe the life of the transmission.

[@MrJcjet]

Max temp for the Aisin is actually about 301*F. So they didn't really get close. Toyota simply said that under 250 is no problem for that transmission and fluid that it has.

[@lamoona4269]

@@MrJcjet yea the transmission can definitely handle it. The problem is in the transmission fluid, they will degrade running that high. And ofc when the fluid degrades faster than normal it will effect the life of the transmission.

[@MrJcjet]

@@lamoona4269 Modern synthetic fluids can handle a lot higher temps. Where the mineral oils start breaking down at 250F, synthetics are often good to 400-500 and some up to more like 700F before they start to break down. There's not a lot of published data I'm aware of on Toyota WS fluid - but it's a modern synthetic fluid and should be able to handle those temps. They're designed for standard running temp of 210F IIRC. So it's a different situation from a traditional mineral oil fluid in something like a 4l80E that is supposed to run at 170 or 180F. No one would have a problem with a 4l80E running at 210F or 220F up a long hill. Time will tell if it's a problem. But it might be a long time.

[@tewksburydriver8624]

Toyota, do right by your customers and recall the trucks and install the cooler. For a company that prides itself on vehicle longevity it baffles me that they would do this. Love the Tundra, but this is not right.

[@volvo09]

I honestly don't see an issue with it. If you daily drive a vehicle it's going to be totally fine. Don't forget how tough this test is... If you tow HEAVY often then install your own aftermarket cooler. If the trans can't accept one, then consider that during vehicle purchase. Even if it can't accept one, just keep your fluid fresh, Oils perform much better nowadays and can take much more heat.

[@tewksburydriver8624]

@@volvo09 ... while I agree with most of what you said, they should have left the cooler alone. Not having it just doesn’t make sense

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I think these guys should have done a better wrap-up summary and maybe compared how these vehicles drove/felt. But I did take special notice of the part of the video @6:36 where the Toyota chief engineer wrote that the vehicle's transmission is designed to operate safely below 250 degrees. Heavy trailer, up steady grade at altitude and it operated "within specifications." Right? Am I missing something here?

[@jabroni6199]

@@volvo09 you started off by saying you don’t see the issue with it, the entirety of the rest of your reply illustrates the issue with it. This test was nit that tough at all. It was cool out and only lasted under 10 minutes. Hardly extreme.

[@dedalliance1]

@@jabroni6199 Exactly. I'd like to see them take this truck out with an 8k pound trailer like a camper or even the horse trailer on a dirt mountain road going 10 mph up actual steep grades for 30 minutes to an hour and see how well she does. Going highway speeds up a mountain on a cool day actually helps keep the transmission cooler because of the airflow. I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Long Bed SLE 4x4 6.0l gas with the 4.10 rear end and I tow my 34' 2005 Montana Fifth wheel that's around 13k pounds and 12 1/2' fee tall. I've gone up this exact pass and passes over in Montana and I don't think the transmission ever went over 210-215 while on the highway, granted my truck is too heavy and slow to maintain 60 mph. But after a couple 5-10 minutes of driving it on dirt roads with the camper finding places to go camping I've seen it as high as 225 before I stopped and let it cool down, because you get a lot more abuse running a small gear (1st or 2nd) with a lot of torque that creates heat to get up and down steep dirt roads at low speeds. One trick though, at least with my truck is if you put it in 4 low, then shift manually to 3rd gear you lock the torque converter and that helps reduce the heat (I'm not a mechanic so I don't know exactly why, but it works) but you can't go over 10 mph else you start over working the engine and drivetrain. So yeah, I'd like to see some testing of 30 minutes of low speed on a dirt mountain road or a twisting paved road in the mountains where there's a lot of slowing down around bends and then accelerating again.

[@abrown1993]

Hmm shouldn’t we try two different tundras one with an one without the coolers ? 🤔 just a thought. 😁

[@PulseTheDubdog]

Also do it on one of the hottest days of the year.

[@jakewilliams4140]

Every Tundra model up to this year did. So it’s a fair comparison in a way

[@MySparkle888]

How would this truck handle a 100* day with the same load.

[@spartanchirho]

Read the title.

[@MooseDitty17]

Realistically a trans cooler should be a part of a towing package... Why pay for it if you don't plan on using it?

[@MrNismopro]

A simple fundamental fact... heat kills transmissions. So keep your transmissions as cool as possible.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Good test. I’m not sure I agree with the conclusion. Owners are worried about long-term damage caused by towing at these temps over the course of ownership. The synthetic transmission fluid should be fine, it’s the internal parts that are the concern. Oh and a lot of us don’t do affiliate marketing.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Hi Tim!

[@SimplyCarReviews]

Interesting that American manufacturers do have transmission coolers and still have a higher fail rate in short and long term reliability when it comes to transmission....or just in general.

[@TFLtruck]

Thanks for the comment Tim. We did this story because of the work you did. Thanks for being first on this!

[@geoffmooregm]

@@SimplyCarReviews But Toyota has only had the cooler missing for a couple years now. So they haven's seen the failures. I am not saying they will for sure. However, I have a Sequoia (same drivetrain) I tow with the vehicle nearly maxed out on GVW but not on trailer weight. It has the thermostatically controlled cooler and gauge on the dash. It stays at a steady temp all the time. Around town or fully loaded it doesn't matter. That's what you want for long term reliability and piece of mind. I am almost at 100,000 km and have only done oil's, filter's and 1 set of brakes at 86,000kms.

[@SimplyCarReviews]

@@geoffmooregm I understand but other manufacturers include it and it still fails even in year 1. Before we jump to conclusions we should wait several years/miles to see if there are failures. I don't usually see Toyota transmissions failing even their CVT transmissions are 10x better than Nissan and the rest of the competition and I am not just saying this because I am a "bandwagon" fan of Toyota. I also own a Wrangler Rubicon and a Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi sport 4x4 which I love.

[@wade7959]

In conclusion, yes the Tundra was better with the cooler. Toyota just decided they could save money because most of their customers don't tow regularly...it was a bean-counter decision.

[@raleigh2747]

Exactly

[@tomstarcevich1147]

I drove a 2016 Toyota tundra 4x4 from chicago to earfalls Ontario with a 18 ft boat and fully loaded bed 15 hrs in the fall with no problems round trip was over 1600 miles good truck👍🎣🐟

[@zmccllc2096]

I got an OBD2 scanner to test for myself. With nothing in my truck at all but a full tank of gas, my transmission hit 240. Just normal, calm highway and off ramp driving. Ambient of about 80°F. This is crazy. My dealer quoted me $1,200 to install a cooler. Shame on you Toyota.

[@paulreints2279]

Aisin transmissions don't need oil coolers in Tundras. I have a 2010 and a 2019, one with and one without the cooler. Zero heat issues. A well-built machine doesn't generate as much heat as a poorly engineered machine due to balance, alloys and overall friction resistance. Just because a transmission gets hotter during a load phase doesn't mean overheating is occurring. Toyota uses Aisin because they knew they build units for larger machines and overbuilt this transmission since 2007.

[@jesusgomez14163]

My 2020 cm, hit 249 in last month here in Atlanta stop and go traffic pulling my 1200 lbs aluminum trailer.... And that dosen't seam normal at all, also cringes me that my window sticker says I have a cooler when clearly nothing there... Had I known this I'd gone different route!

[@jesusgomez14163]

@@KoolCordell educate yourself before stating that

[@jesusgomez14163]

@Air Force Juan apparently Toyota doesn't know that

[@jesusgomez14163]

@Air Force Juan 2020 tundra crewmax

[@geoffmooregm]

@@jesusgomez14163 I believe they still run engine coolant through a heat exchanger on the transmission. The old unit use to have a thermostat housing that would open and send coolant to the cooler behind the grill that would keep the trans temp nice and cool.

[@jesusgomez14163]

@@geoffmooregm that's a fluid warmer

[@krashnpa]

The transmission may be engineered to handle those temps, but that doesn't help if the transmission fluid is not.

[@bigk3024]

Toyota knows their stuff. The transmission has 4 clutches and 4 brakes in it. For 2007 when introduced Toyota Aisen transmission was way ahead of its it's time.

[@krashnpa]

@@bigk3024 like I said, none of that matters if the fluid heats up to the point it is breaking down. Doesn't matter is it's an Aisin, GM, Ford, Chrysler...

[@craigquann]

Synthetic transmission fluid is good to about 270°F. If I remember correctly.

[@krashnpa]

@@craigquann I think I saw 275°for mobil 1 at some point, but I don't know they recommend it. We ended up adding a cooler to my bud's 2020 even though his sticker said it had one for the trans.

[@craigquann]

@@krashnpa yea. I did alot of reading for oil reviews etc, and my personal sierra WT has a in radiator cooler for my trans (4.3l v6) while the 5.3/6.2 v8's have an additional external trans cooler. So I was curious about the difference and what the temperature tolerance was. Even during heavy and slow off roading in summer heat on extreme grades and heavy mud/soft soil. I've never exceed ~100°c/210°F. And thats well within the 270-275°F for the fluid. Though I've never did any heavy towing with it. But apparently they have a thermostat that doesn't open until close to 220°F but again, not certain.

[@jeffs2809]

Might be interesting to see how it does on a slower, windy road where it’s shifting more and in & out of lockup.

[@marathonbaker]

38 gallon fuel option has been available for the last couple of years

[@michaelrennie5985]

Hasn’t the tundra had that size tank for 4 or 5 years

[@NissanPRO4X]

38 gallon tank was standard in my 2016 crewmax.

[@The_Opinion_of_Matt]

As far as I know it has always been available. Toyota hasn't sent them a Tundra in a while, maybe they just forgot.

[@robertchapman4488]

That's what they have to do when the average 13 and 14 miles per gallon in that thing

[@AnontheGOAT]

@@robertchapman4488 yup lol. Fords actually is the real winner. Best in class fuel economy and massive tank equals winning combo. I average 530 miles in mostly city driving in my F-150 w/3.5 eco and 3.55 rear end. Bet that number goes to 700 if I do all highway.

[@paulherring4230]

Need to tow for 8 hours and take a sample and send it to a laboratory

[@wonderbread4280]

DNA will show Akio Toyoda and Michael Sweers

[@stevenwright6573]

Aahh...everything seems to be getting back to normal. It's Saturday morning I'm sitting up in bed drinking my coffee and watching Andre and Ken run something up the Ike with snow on the ground. My usual Saturday routine. Keep it up fellas I appreciate you guys.

[@walkingman9171]

Another disappointment in Toyota, 250 degrees is way to hot for longevity, most definitely needs a cooler. And its not even hot outside, jeez.

[@KhmerBoy82297]

Lets be real now, when do you ever see a tundra transmission fail or toyota in general? Coming from a GM technician I see 6 speeds and 8 speeds fail all the time. Curious how the new 10 speeds will do in the long run.

[@OpenAirAdventureFirewood]

@@KhmerBoy82297 good point

[@highpro1394]

You havent seen any fail because this changed just happened in 2019. Vehicles dont have enough miles on them yet to see if there will be problems. The seals in any transmission degrade at those temps.

[@walkingman9171]

@@highpro1394 Exactly

[@KhmerBoy82297]

@@highpro1394 you are correct that they did away the cooler in 2019. with the dependability that toyotas give with there vehicles i doubt anyone would ever have any issues and if they do they would do what they need to do to satisfy there consumer. We'll just have to wait to see how the trans holds up in the future!

[@Radicalwillie]

Glad to see this issue getting so much attention before the 2022 Tundra hits the market. Hopefully they'll rethink the need for a Trans cooler and put one in. If not, I'll be looking at other trucks.

[@RedWingsninetyone]

They removed it on the Tacoma too in mid 2020. No, you aren't towing as much, but I would think it would be even more important in a smaller truck.

[@MrCurt54661]

They basically never have transmission failures, maybe the domestics should look at what they're doing. Who cares if the trans runs warmer if it never breaks down.

[@RedWingsninetyone]

@@MrCurt54661 there's only a certain range of temps in which oil and transmission fluid are optimal. Above that they begin to break down. That's when the damage starts. The Tundra also had a transmission cooler until recently and, as shown, it isn't doing great without it.

[@eto2352]

@@MrCurt54661 Maybe Toyota trucks haven't had trans failures because they have always had trans coolers from the factory.

[@Jordan-ql8pv]

@@RedWingsninetyone Bingo

[@lcee6592]

Since Toyota has no external transmission cooler at all, how many quarts of fluid does it hold? How many quarts does the Chevy hold? The temperature difference was quite a bit.

[@rickloc4309]

Silverado 8 speed holds 11.4 Silverado 10 speed holds 12.0 Tundra without cooler holds 11.7 Tundra with cooler holds 12.3 quarts:

[@lcee6592]

@@rickloc4309 great information on this. Thanks for posting it! So there’s not much difference in fluid capacities which would explain the much higher temps for the Toyota. If there are any provisions to add a cooler, I would do it in heartbeat!

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

You should have a transmission cooler to be on the safe side because that was a short tow trip you did. All your heavy-duty trucks have them you should have them in your light duty too.

[@taurs45acp]

I agree. Better to be safe then sorry. Coolers are cheap compared to a new transmission.

[@tameraortiz7485]

We have a 2008 Tundra SR5 5.7 v8 with almost 300,000 miles and always pull about 5,000-6,000 lbs easily all over the U.S and haven't had any issues with the transmission or overheating. We installed an aftermarket cold air intake on it and I don't know if that helps but it sounds just like that TRDPro. I love the sound and it's so smooth. Such a beast! 🙌💪

[@morley3810]

Yeah...the Tundra needs a cooler. 246 is fine occasionally, but over time and repeat occurances that’s going to bake the fluid.

[@k9leadstheway531]

Considering they are sealed transmissions and lifetime fluid... I would say you right. Towing like this would be a bad idea if done frequently

[@FishFind3000]

I thought if the temp gets over 220 that the fluid is now cooking and breaking down, loosing its property’s.

[@ColeSpolaric]

@@k9leadstheway531 you can still change the fluid in a "sealed"transmission. It's just not as easy.

[@bendino9016]

maybe we see the end of tundra reliability?

[@TruckerMike089]

@@k9leadstheway531 wait a minute, that's a sealed transmission? What are they thinking?

[@khakiswag]

In Ford trucks the computer won’t engage the cooling fan for transmission temperature until temp reaches 242. The new fully synthetic fluids lubricate and protect better with heat. Toyota may have found that the fluid wasn’t getting hot enough or being overcooled with the auxiliary cooler.

[@daniels2761]

The transmission has a thermostat to prevent "overcooling". If I remember right, Ford has an ATF radiator loop, as well as an auxiliary oil cooler on towing package pickups. The fan would likely already be running for engine coolant, so it is likely a failsafe.

[@wildbill23c]

@@daniels2761 Yes the Tundra has a thermostat in the transmission cooling system to bypass the tranny cooler in cold weather and when the truck is cold. That's how my 08 Tundra was setup. Never saw any transmission temps over 220 degrees even in the middle of 100 degree summer weather towing 6-8k. The transmission cooler is the key to a long transmission life. Toyota has been cutting corners on their vehicles in recent years and of course stuff lasts long enough to get it out of warranty so the owner is stuck with the ridiculous repair bills.

[@maverick042121]

Had that 8 miles been 10 miles how would it have done? Above 250?

[@googleuser1456]

Also it was cold outside, what if it's 93°

[@mannygonz8363]

Former chevy Silverado owner here, no more Ford and ram fan. And proudly 2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 owner appreciating the simplicity and reliability of it...I don't care about the new technology and gadgets from the other manufacturers. My 2 cents

[@JJJ5.7]

244 max temp in cool weather. Transmission likely would have exceeded 250 in summer. Not sure why toyota removed cooler other than cost.

[@FishFind3000]

They know that nobody that buys a Toyota actually uses it for work.

[@repairvehicle]

It has transmission cooler next to the transmission, liquid to liquid. Ford has removed transmission cooler too on 2019 f150.

[@repairvehicle]

@T Rex , 2014-up on 4.6 it was removed. 2019-up 5.7 it was removed. I just installed mine.

[@hochhaul]

Cost is the only reason they did it. Despite the damage the excessive heat will have on the transmission, Toyota knows the signs of that degradation and damage won't be an issue until after the 60k mile warranty. Like usual, Toyota and their devout fans will blame the owner -- both will either blame the owner for not properly maintain their Toyota or they will blame the owner for overloading their truck.

[@dmproske]

This is a FAIL considering the cold outside ambient temps. Try a realistic test; which is summertime temps 100 or above in any of the long uphill passes in the desert pulling a camper.

[@kineticinstallationspecial5775]

At 11,000 feet the air density is less than 70% of sea level. I've driven this pass many times and its fairly steep and long with only 1 sweeping turn near the top that has a shallower grade than the rest of the hill. It's a tougher test than it looks but obviously during the summer it's much harder on the vehicle. I'm sure the tundra would have cooked the fluid and went into limp mode if it had any sense at all.

[@74beeper97]

Interesting test! I still think the Toyota need a trans cooler though. The trans may be designed to handle it, but temps like that shorten the life of the oil.....

[@matt9c1]

My guess is everything is fine....until the end of the warranty then it's a big middle finger from Toyota.

[@hochhaul]

The fluid, seals, frictions, internal solenoids -- all those components are negatively affected by this huge temperature extreme. 246F is an insane temp that ages everything and causes excessive degradation.

[@fongvang935]

do a 2-3 hr towing test imo. that test is so short itll hardly prove anything.

[@BigTony1710]

I love my 09 tundra. Big v8 with tow package so 4.30 gears and transmission oil cooler. Not the most power, doesn’t get the best MPG but it’s a rock of a truck.

[@07GTStallion]

Loved this video! I had a 2011 F150 5.0 that I pulled a 9k toy hauler (truck was rated for 9500lb) with through the hot summers and steep hills of northern AZ and transmission temps would occasionally see 265! Stressed me out! Temps are so important when towing so glad to see you guys cover this subject! Truck made the trip several times over a couple years and it never gave in but I always felt like every trip was gonna be the trip that something broke.

[@OzarksWildman]

Looking at the body lines on the bed, the Toyota looks like the frame is flexing pulling that load.

[@upshifter5316]

They all look like that when they tow. Toyota says the frame flex is a “feature” for off reading, not a bug. And you know Toyota is serious about Tundra’s off road capabilities since the don’t offer Any lockers or terrain management systems like their other trucks. 😉 I swear some of them look like they don’t go back into place after the tow, and look like a clapped out 80s cement crew work truck.

[@upshifter5316]

You got me there

[@meatball1080]

Is it just my eyes or does it look like the tundra's frame is bending at 2:54.

[@Nikephorus]

I noticed that too... it looked like the frame was bending between the bed and cab.

[@GrinDiesel1969]

The Bed looks tweaked for sure, but I think it is an optical illusion with the sunlight. If you take a screenshot and zoom in you can see the Frame is parallel with the ground. What looks really suspect to me is the Gap at the base of the Cab and the Bed, Definitely looks to be increased from weight of trailer. Still though the shadows and light and Bed Design right there are not helping really see what is going on...

[@pilotrafal]

I saw that too and was going to point it out. Same at 5:19 and 13:28.

[@ethanhoang1070]

Just came to the comments to see if anyone else noticed... This plus the trans cooler delete has me looking at other trucks

[@BigRedtheGinger]

It's bending pretty bad. I remember watching a review of the Tundra, and when the reviewers tested it, it dam near looked like the truck was twerking. Seems to be a poorly made/engineered truck.

[@SkeetMcRibb]

The number 1 killer of transmissions is heat, let’s remove the cooler.

[@davidcox2197]

Dumb move for a major company.

[@davidbarbour9929]

Best comment on here. Its common sense.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

you are not engineers... if its designed to run within those temperature parameters then its fine and without additional cooler lines its more reliable as with no extra fittings and joints it wont have leaks...... Id have way more trust in Toyota's engineers than any fool at GM

[@SkeetMcRibb]

@@SantanKGhey1234 If I told you wolverines make good house pets it doesn't mean I'm right. I'll keep my transmission cool and you can roast yours, I don't care

[@SantanKGhey1234]

@@SkeetMcRibb your IQ is low but hey, thats 👌 ok

[@kerryrwac]

I would like to have seen the OBD temperature display used on the Tundra, used on the Chevy. It would be interesting to see if there was any discrepancy between it and the gauge in the instrument cluster.

[@thomasluggiero3413]

Reads off the same canbus value

[@bamtiller6214]

Besides the issue of the transmission cooler being removed, what about the issue of the window sticker showing the truck has one? (I still have the sticker as well as many other owners)Toyota needs to clear this up before a law firm has to.

[@AWordFromMrJones]

I'm a proud Tundra owner here. This was a great test gentlemen and provides a great visual proof that Toyota Tundra's years 2019-2021 which do not have a stock transmission cooler can still tow heavy weight. However, the video did also prove that without a transmission cooler, owners may see an increase in the transmission temperature and it would be RECOMMEND to install a 3rd part transmission cooler to keep the transmission temps cool. Now...... For the Tundra owners whom do have a Tundra within 2019-2021, I would highly recommend you follow this process to keep your temps low: 1) Turn on tow/haul. 2) Shift the transmission to S4 on big inclines and this will keep the temps lower than 230-240. As previously stated, it's highly recommended that you purchase an transmission cooler. The cost of a cooler is far cheaper than a transmission.

[@groth3395]

I don''t know that the driver pushed the "tow button"....if he did I missed it...but that would be an absolute must when towing.

[@ryanmartinage]

Heat kills. If you're working it over time and want longevity, put a cooler on it.

[@ryanmartinage]

@James M it’s just simple facts that running fluid up near its max without a good method of dissipating the heat will wear transmission components prematurely. I’d say especially if you tow often. Not sure how McDonald’s factors into that.

[@drizler]

You’re absolutely CORRECT. Since longevity is directly proportionate to operating temperature their explanation of it being fine that hot is pure bullshit. Sure it’ll be fine for a long while but someone later is going to suffer the consequences if a prior owner towed a fair amount.

[@aaron5222]

Would be interesting to see this when snow isn't on the ground.

[@cesarfarfan8868]

In a AZ summer.

[@SKEEZOTHEREALSKEEZO]

Yeah. I live in NY and have been monitoring my trans temps and plan to install the trans cooler probably in march

[@erikgonzalez2278]

But near loaded and what 8% grade.

[@riamexotics7409]

I have a tundra and believe me they need a transmission cooler!! I’d like to see them do this test in 90 plus degree weather and tow for an hour....

[@gray_ios8924]

Toyota is confident with its reliability, towing with 250 transmission temp is normal to them but yes I agree to see this test again on the summer with 90 degree weather

[@gibluap]

Shifting, speed, time that it took to complete for each truck is negligible, irrelevant, Too close to call. The temperature of the transmission though, that bothers me, I own a 2021 Tundra. I hardly haul or tow anything so it's not a big issue for me but still alarming.

[@raleigh2747]

Change the fluid more often and you will be fine. It would be on a long hot tow trip i would worry a little.

[@googleuser1456]

This test is kind of useless in the winter. What if it's 93° outside?

[@calholli]

exactly what I said

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

100%

[@wesshepard]

I agree

[@x135792468]

Not really useless. If its hotter outside and you happen to be going up the IKE gauntlet fully loaded you will most likely need a transmission cooler. And either way pretty much what this shows is that if you're towing heavy constantly then a transmission cooler will help but is not neccesarily needed. Thankthankedthetankingtankeringentimetank

[@FishFind3000]

@@x135792468 well unless you live in Antarctica this test tell us nothing but that the test needs to be redone.

[@taurs45acp]

My last truck was a 2010 Tundra DC long bed. I bought it because I live in Tucson AZ and traveled in the heat of the summer and was towing. I purchased it because it had the cooler. I just traded it for a Ford F250 just because I needed more payload. I am disappointed in Toyota. The Tundra I owned was the best 1/2 ton I've ever owned. My buddy has a 2011 Ford F150 3.5L ecoboost. When he tows his trailer in the heat of the summer it will over heat if he exceeds 60mph. Towing in cooler weather it does great! I know the engineers say it doesn't need it but I will take all of the help I can get. Especially in the heat of the Arizona summers. Temperatures exceed 110 degrees in the summer in Arizona. Also the transmission does NOT have a dip stick. It's a sealed transmission so you cannot check the fluid level or even check the color of the fluid

[@TheRamGuy]

What i thought was crazy how the Toyota coolant temp was only 197 during the pull up that hill. I know in my old Ram 1500 my coolant Temps would hit north of 240 when pulling hard

[@pauliewalnuts240]

What video did you watch? The tundra hit 246 degrees.

[@Intentsrig]

@@pauliewalnuts240 Hes talking about engine coolant temp not transmission

[@TheRamGuy]

@@Intentsrig thanks Brian. I was like what is he talking about i said coolant temp

[@TheRamGuy]

@@mkaestn I know 197 is normal and wasn't claiming it was too high or anything. I was surprised how low it stayed considering the stress the truck was under

[@ttank94]

@@TheRamGuy Probably because it wasn't helping cool the transmission haha

[@DBravo29er]

I'll make 2 points. 1) what did Toyota change in the design of this transmission versus the older trucks (with the same transmission part number) that negates the need for an external cooler? 2) If you ask ANY transmission fluid manufacturer, they will tell you that 246F is too high for your tow (short duration, cool temperature, higher speed). Full stop and without exception. Including Idemitsu, who made Toyota's OEM WS fluid for many years and may still do.

[@calholli]

This test should have been done in the middle of the summer. Of coarse its going to do good in 20 degree weather.

[@TFLtruck]

Ambient temperature was around 60 F degrees that day.

[@bigf1502]

I wouldn’t say 246 degrees is good?

[@davidcox2197]

@@TFLtruck Try az heat at 115 F, or Calif 108F summertime and see where the trans temps go, 280+

[@taurs45acp]

@@TFLtruck Please redo this test in the summer time when temps are exceeding 100 degrees

[@henoch44]

@@taurs45acp Where they were, summer temps go maybe 75F tops.

[@CarolinaNative]

@The Fast Lane Truck. After doing this test and talking with the Toyota Engineer would you guys personally own a Tundra 2019 and up without a transmission cooler? If it was your own money and you were planning to own it outside of warranty period?

[@kenhughes9437]

I would ever own any Toyota for any reason. Buy from an American company

[@J2Engineering]

@@kenhughes9437 in this day and age of supply chain and manufacturing, you must mean “buy from a company founded in America” which doesn’t necessarily align with whether a company is American in its global footprint and production operations.

[@cornmac1796]

@@kenhughes9437 ya buy American with all foreign parts. No such thing as all American built vehicles anymore

[@warhmonger]

@@kenhughes9437 Tundra has more American parts than any of the small 3.

[@hochhaul]

@@warhmonger Not these days... the only thing Toyota sources from the US for their trucks is the old 5.7. The domestic parts content of the Tundra has dropped 20% over the last decade and the Tacoma is a Mexican import these days.

[@thomassophiea]

Funny that the comments are worried about the Toyota… check back on the same 2 trucks in 10 years. :)

[@SuperJackster98]

The tundra will come with a separate trans cooler as an option if not it will be included in the radiator as a cooler if that isn’t offered then it runs coolant lines to the transmission to cool it so it will always have a cooler obviously nothing is better than a separate cooler but this does have a cooler by using coolant lines to the transmission

[@davidcox2197]

2019 up, NO IT DOESN'T

[@RandalColling]

I ALMOST purchased a Tundra in 2018 but the poor fuel mileage, no locker diff and 1360lb payload really dont cut it for work. I opted for a 2018 GMC with a 5.3L Now we have 24,000 trouble free miles, 22mpg and 1864# payload are hard to beat. Also on the GMC diff you have a Dana locker rear end. Without a 4x4 a rear end locker is a MUST.

[@alexmartin1430]

All f150s pretty much have the diff locker

[@RandalColling]

@@alexmartin1430 And F150's have a great payload capacity. I didn't want all that turbo stuff. I like the 5.0L

[@alexmartin1430]

@@RandalColling I agree. I've thought about trading up lately I have a 17 f150. I'm not brand loyal I just usually go with the best bang for my buck. These new half tons are putting down numbers heavy duty trucks did 10 years ago. Crazy

[@darrell2879]

I had a 2017 Crewmax for 7 years. I almost did not buy because of the non-locker. Glad I went with it. They use the brakes to control the tires from needless spinning. System worked great in mud or snow the whole time I had the truck. I only moved up to 3/4 ton Ford because I pull 10,000 - 11,000 lbs about 50% of the time.. BTW I make sure I got the electric locker on the F250.

[@goomgoom5504]

While the axle is Dana the actual G80 locking differential is made by Eaton

[@jacobjames2984]

This is the best place to go for great info on what to buy when you're in the market for a truck! Great work men!

[@brianj123458]

Yes it needs a transmission cooler

[@stephensmith745]

Just had 5.29 Nitro Gears installed on my 2019 Tundra. It has a 2.5” lift and running 35” tires. With this setup I’m able to run the tire size I want, my transmission temp has stayed around 200 degrees pulling my 6500 pound camper in varying conditions, and in everyday driving it stays in overdrive gears a lot longer.

[@6.2Slomaro]

Did you get the speedo calibrated?

[@stephensmith745]

@@6.2Slomaro Speedometer reads 4 mph slow, haven’t gotten around to purchasing the calibrator yet.

[@6.2Slomaro]

@@stephensmith745 that’s interesting. What’s your mpg difference from stock gear to 5.29?

[@stephensmith745]

@@6.2Slomaro Highway and city mixed it’s pretty steady at 15 MPG which isn’t bad turning 35s.

[@6.2Slomaro]

@@stephensmith745 that’s pretty good. So what was the mpg with stock gears?

[@OkieProductions]

I think the trans temp would be the last of my problems compared to that tundra frame sag. Any more weight and it would have a dump bed feature.

[@SuperSnallygaster]

I saw that too.

[@workct4102]

That's only the frame flexing....can't be that big of a deal

[@RobertBrown-uy6gh]

Love my 2015 Tundra! I have had the transmission high temp warning go off backing 9,000lbs up a steep driveway. Was on the converter for a couple minutes so wasn’t surprised.

[@OpenAirAdventureFirewood]

A trans cooler would definitely help keep temperature under control especially if climbing with a load at slow speed, I've experienced a temperature increase in one of my trucks but only climbing with a load at low speed, the factory trans cooler just couldn't keep up without the airflow.

[@2a_TX_Duramax]

Try that with the tundra in 100+ degree temps. Come on down here to Texas and try it in mid summer. We have had several people hauling travel trailers at 7 and 8k lbs have thier transmissions over heat. Infact in mid summer here in Texas my 2020 tundra transmission hits almost 240 degrees under normal driving conditions unloaded with no trailer. It definitely needs an external cooler

[@northerntoyota7584]

I'm sure they'll issue a recall and add a trans cooler. In the summer and longer tows/hills it'll definitely overheat. Glad I mostly tow snowmobiles in the winter with my 2020 tundra.....

[@davidcox2197]

Don't hold your breath for a recall, its a way they could save money by not developing a radiator style cooler for a truck that wont' be produced 2022. They buyer that tows suffers, no one else.

[@gatto190]

I use a ScanGauge to monitor the trans temp on my 2010 Sequoia 5.7 (same engine and trans, but with a cooler). I have towed up some pretty steep grades for miles at a time through Virginia, N.C., PA., and NY. I usually hover around 200* on the flats and I've seen upwards of 215* on the climbs. The factory cooler definitely keeps it... cooler.

[@jayboflavin04]

Great video guys! Thanks for addressing this one. I have a 19 tundra 5.7L V8. Was disappointed when I learned they eliminated the trans-cooler. I do tow a travel trailer plan on upgrading to approximately a 5k travel trailer. Thanks for pushing this truck to near max capacity and towing in the mountains. Guess time will tell if running the tundra with no trans cooler will effect long term reliability of the tundra 6 speed aisin trans.

[@TheDiego695]

You can add one super easy to install.

[@jayboflavin04]

@@TheDiego695 I imagine you can get a used one at the junkyard from a 18 and have all the fac-tree mounting holes line up.

[@thomasdean5651]

Just bought a used 2019 to tow with because it has the 38gal fuel tank. Doing my homework now to get a cooler installed. Think there is quite an aftermarket. No need to go to the junkyard!

[@tedfox2683]

I purchased a 2008 Toyota tundra limited 4WD 5.7 and towed a 10000 pound bumper pull RV throughout the summer. Never did have a problem. I just rolled over 200,000 and no problems whatsoever. I just drive it like hell and do the minor maintenance. Best truck ever had.

[@MrCurt54661]

In all my years of being a Toyota technician I've only ever seen 2 failed tundra transmissions and both times were from extreme abuse, not from hard use. I can't say the same for the domestics, when I worked at a gm dealer there was always at least one transmission torn down in ther shop.

[@benson098123]

Did the older trucks have a transmission cooler? love Toyotas but that's pretty high temps. if i understood correctly there's not even a regular style cooler in the radiator on the Toyota?

[@MrCurt54661]

@@benson098123 there is a cooler on the side of the transmission, not a tradition radiator style of cooler on the 07 and newer models. I wasn't sure if you were referring to the first generation of tundras though some of them had the radiator style of cooler if they had a tow package.

[@billferguson3378]

There is NO transmission cooler on the 2019 and newer Toyota Tundras. Not in the radiator OR an auxiliary cooler in front of the radiator. There is only a warmer on the side of the transmission. I own a 2019 Tundra and couldn’t believe that it didn’t at least have a cooler in the radiator until I crawled all over it after first hearing about this issue last year. My transmission temperature was at 240 this past summer while pulling my 4500 lbs boat with approximately 800 lbs of gear in the bed through the hills of eastern Kentucky with the tow/haul mode on and in drive. On the way home, I used the tow/haul mode AND S4 and the transmission temperature maxed out at 222. Still pretty warm IMO!

[@rogeratienza1951]

I bet those GM transmissions were 4L60E transmissions. I went through 5 in my 97 Suburban before I retired it in 2009 with 250000+ miles on it. Never again will I get a GM vehicle

[@rockie307]

Gm sells about as many trucks in one month as Toyota does in a year so Statistically gm should have about 8 to 12 times as many breakdowns as toyota if they were equal in reliability. Ford is the king of trucks and should have more breakdowns than any truck especially considering every job site is full of fords idling all day and getting abused.

[@Seasniffer1969]

If I planned on towing a load like this for this long, I'd definitely have an upgraded trans cooler regardless of brand truck. Cheap investment for sure.

[@jetdriver]

I’d like to see this tested on the climb that overheated the Ford. Given how hot it got I suspect more weight and/or a hotter day will overheat the trans. Toyota can say whatever they want but this is cost cutting plain and simple and foolish cost cutting at that.

[@brianlucabaugh8583]

is it me , but what is wrong with the toyota bed at 2:53 , frame sagging ?

[@MidMoTundra]

It has a heat exchanger (cooler) on the transmission similar to what Ford is using with the 10 speed F150s and 2017+ Super Duty’s. I would be interested to see a 2018+ F-150 tested to capture the transmission temperature of a truck that uses a heat exchanger like the 2019+ Tundras have. The Ford forums have plenty of F150 owners acknowledging higher transmission temps of trucks with the 10 speed vs trucks with the 6 speed (had front mounted auxiliary transmission cooler). Ford only includes an auxiliary transmission cooler on the NA V6/6 speed and Raptor. From Fords website: Auxiliary transmission oil cooler (Included on 3.3L V6 PFDI engine (99B) and Raptor only)

[@jasonlakomiak179]

What was the trailer weight used for this test? Also, as a F150 Max Tow owner who had a transmission line to the cooler burst, I can see the advantages to not having an auxiliary trans cooler.

[@brjha]

lets be honest, how many tundras do we see towing heavy like this compared to the big 3? plus anything over 7k pounds, I am going with a 3/4 ton.

[@antonfloor344]

That’s a good one. But if you do a lot of towing (get a diesel) this is good test. They won’t tell you this at the car shop.

[@2birddogsandawolfdog945]

My '16 tundra tows a dump trailer everyday. They can handle 10k lbs easy. It basically is a 3/4 ton. Just use a weight distribution hitch. Power levels are right there with Ford's Godzilla

[@rjgmedia6298]

the 1/2, 3/4 designation is worthless these days. the Tundra is rated at 3/4ton of weight, I occasionally carry over a ton of weight easily. (and the designation has to do with weight, not towing)

[@320dak]

I have a tundra and tow heavy like this in the 115 degree AZ heat up mountains! Plus, I see other Tundras towing heavy like this also!

[@kimojon9665]

I tow 9,000 LB. with a new RAM 1500 air suspension. Tows like a DREAM. I had a Ford 3/4 ton diesel and had nothing but problems with the emissions systems. In the shop all the time. If you know how to tow and have a good setup, you can tow all day long with half ton truck and save a lot of money. I went up Devil's Canyon, which is the equivalent of the Ike Gauntlet, and the trans temp got to 224. This was on a 112 degree at the time. I was super impressed. I've now gone up that same mountain with the same travel trailer five times. RAM 1500 is an exceptional truck for towing.

[@alannunnery3446]

I have a 19 tundra trd pro and pulled our small camper from Tn. to Co. In fact, into Silverton and my transmission warning temp came on several times both out there and back...Camper weighs like 1800 lbs

[@9663mu]

Curious if the trail boss MPG would have been a little better if the camper/tent thing was not there

[@highpro1394]

Do yourself a favor. Get a transmission flush and replace the fluid with Amsoil ATF fluid. Install a Hayden external transmission cooler also!!!

[@FishFind3000]

Shouldn’t have to. The truck should be good from the factory.

[@walkingman9171]

The cooler is all you really need.

[@highpro1394]

Amsoil ATF can withstand much higher temps than toyota’s transmission fluid

[@markh5329]

I got 19 mpg at 65 mph towing a snowmobile in winter in my Tundra reliability is more important anyway

[@troypowders4312]

I’ll stick to my external trans cooler. I never see temps over 180. And that’s with a maxed trailer

[@Rob-lv7wo]

My 2015 GMC 1500 with the 6 speed has a 180 transmission thermostat. When plowing it get up to 225 and I can feel it pull power. So this summer I pulled the stat out and the transmission temps dropped to 140 while cruising and 160 in traffic. Ill find out soon enough how it performs this winter. I'm sure GM did this for fuel mileage since older 6 speeds don't have a thermostat.

[@larryframbes1741]

It looks like you guys started climb without tow/haul mode selected on trd pro

[@steveyork8069]

Larry Frambes They really push the trail boss as great truck I’ve noticed some inydescrepencys in some other videos.

[@hpkntnw]

The thing that that gets me about the tundra is if you just want to check your fluid and make sure it’s not burnt up you can’t the transmission is a sealed unit. At least with ford and not sure about Chevy you can check the fluid with the little dipstick under the truck.

[@tundras4ever552]

Tow package should include a transmission cooler!!! Not the best place to cut costs on a truck ...

[@davidcox2197]

Toyota needs to give us the option, aux cooler or not. They better on the 2022. Or lose considerable sales

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Loving my 2015 tundra. Always towing and never a problem. 84,000 on her.

[@Otownbassin]

Thank you Mr Truck for calling out Chevy on the small fuel tank. Please make a tank over 30 gallons.

[@ashes2ashes863]

I would agree that the fuel tank on thecChevy should be bigger but one thing that I was surprised no one really brought up is the fact that the Toyota also realistically only gets like 12 or 13 miles to the gallon. Even on a bad day theo Chevy's probably going to get between 18 and 20 so that 24 gallon tank is still going to go a lot further than a Toyota 30 gallon tank will regardless of what people's feelings say. In addition you you have plenty of other options in the GM wheelhouse for truck that's really made for pulling all day. The model you picked up certainly is not. It can, but it's really built around fuel economy more so than constant Towing. Unfortunately with Toyota they have no option because they only make one basic truck so you get what you get.

[@Otownbassin]

@@ashes2ashes863 I have a normal crew cab 4x4 Silverado with a 5.3l. 24 gallons gets me like 650km to a tank. A tank that lasts 1000km would be ideal.

[@ashes2ashes863]

@@Otownbassin id agree. I think car fuel tanks should be bigger too. I think most companies aim for between 400 to 500 miles on the higher side. That seems to be where they end up. As someone who drives a lot, a bigger tank is something id appreciate. On the flip side though, mother in law would fill her tank and take 6 months to use it all, and it would go bad.

[@hochhaul]

@@Otownbassin My brother's 2019 Silverado RST 5.3 will get 25+ MPG on a tank. If I recall correctly, he has the 8sp with 3.23's. His all-time best average was 27 mpg average on 89 octane fuel during an 800 mile trip to North Dakota. My old 2013 Tundra would be lucky to do 18 mpg under the exact same conditions.

[@Otownbassin]

@@hochhaul My 2019 Silverado has 5.3 and might do 21mpg going 70mph

[@user-that1Ron]

A couple things, for starters, this test should have been done in the summer and maybe on a combination of roads including the Ike of course. Second, this test should have been between the 2021 Tundra, a 2018 or 17 Tundra (the last year for the auxiliary trans cooler) and possibly even with an older Tundra (2012 or older with the original design auxiliary trans cooler). Comparing between the brands for this specific test doesn’t really prove much to me. My opinion, yes the Tundra needs that auxiliary cooler. My 2017 Tundra drags around a 30’ Grand Design camper and the hottest I’ve seen the trans temps get is 213°F in the summer. It pulls good for a half ton truck.

[@McCannon21]

Dissapointed by Toyota and impressed by Chevrolet, never imagined this could happen watching a towing test.

[@HarjeetSingh-ev8vk]

Dudes I just towed a 9000 pound trailer coast to coast (~3500 miles), with my 2017 tundra, and had absolutely no issues. All through the drive, the only place where I felt that I have a trailer behind me, is when pulling up the steep portions of rockies. This baby can pull a lot more than what Toyota advertises.

[@robertyoung8289]

240 is to hot for a auto transmission despite what Toyota says. If it was summer time imagine the temp!

[@wiscowalleye7954]

Bought a 2020 tundra used with 45k miles on it. The previous owner took great care of the truck but towed with it. Well the transmission blew after I had it for 2 weeks. It was replaced under warranty. Definitely an issue. If you tow add a cooler or change your fluid every 30k miles.

[@turdferguson2839]

Wow, can't believe the Chevy with the "weak" 5.3 out towed the so called powerful 5.7 Toyota. Run this test in July in Arizona when it's 110 and watch that tundra get loaded onto the back of a tow truck.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

100%

[@wesshepard]

Yeah

[@x135792468]

Why can't u believe it? The 5.7 is old but reliable. The 5.3 is a clapped out LS

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

@@x135792468 clapped out? Ok Toyota fan boy

[@carloscampos3684]

I have the 5.3 on my at4 with 10 speed. I love it moves quick for a truck.

[@markive9907]

Yes ! My buddies tundra got so hot just pulling a small trailer with a Atv going up 9 k on a hunting trip ,it actually stopped working until it cooled down ! 2014 Tundra .

[@Michael_ryan91]

Id like to see the tundra go up twice in a row.

[@matthordyk3966]

Im sure that toyota has done testing on this, but I find the removal of this part silly. I know that around 2014 they switched to a cooler in the top third of the a/c condensor rad. (My 2017 has this). In my opinion, the coolant crossover(warmer) is the problem. These trucks would never break 200 degrees F if they didn't start at 190-200 from the coolant warming. The warmer is for efficiency only, to get temps up quickly. I have removed the crossover on one of my tundras and its helps like crazy (toyota actually makes and lists the delete part in their parts department. I also have a additional B&M cooler (like 200 bucks). With this combination, the truck rarely breaks 160 degrees even with heavy towing uphill. Heat in transmissions come from fluid shedding, so use your convertor lockup gears for long uphills and you wont have any heat build.

[@bentleyfatheree1616]

Yes it does need a cooler. Tow heavy loads in the summer and the fluid will eventually break down.

[@scottpomygalski6078]

Thank you for a really good comparison and review! One way to look at this is that the Chevy had a trans cooler and did only 30 degrees cooler than the Tundra with no cooler at all. What would the temp be in the Chevy without a cooler. Also, what really is the optimum trans temp? Cooler temp or not, the Chevy had MINIMAL real world fuel mileage advantage and as many brake applications with more gears. Advantage? don't know... All i gotta say id I have a 17 Tunda and necessary or not, like the fact I have a coola.

[@SIGINT007]

The “dirty” towing secret with Tundras is to put the trans in S4. Don’t tow in Drive. However the tow package had a trans cooler until a couple years ago and it stays much cooler than these new trucks.

[@robertcampbell3828]

What about pulling in summer months when temperatures are much higher?

[@rbhe357]

246° over 8 miles in October! Try 80 miles in July/August where outside temps are much warmer. I don't care what Toyota says, that's too hot. The rigs built for pulling warn of prolonged temps over 230°

[@henoch44]

it was 60F, it might get 75F in august on that pass, it could also snow sometimes.

[@rbhe357]

@@henoch44 I'm talking about areas where temps are much warmer. If it got that hot in ideal conditions you can imagine if ambient temperatures were 30-40 degrees warmer, or you had to pull hard for more than 10 minutes.

[@averyalexander2303]

Yeah I'd say that Tundra needs a trans cooler. I don't care what anyone says, regularly running it at 250 degrees WILL degrade the fluid and the transmission's plastic and rubber parts such as seals and sensors significantly quicker than running at a more reasonable temp like 180-200 will. The number one killer of transmissions is excessive heat. Yes modern synthetic fluids handle heat a lot better than older fluids, but that kind of heat will still degrade the fluid as well as the transmission over time.

[@ripfletching]

Oh my goodness you could see that Toyota flexing in the frame the butt end was hanging down even with a weight distribution hitch going up to Eich gauntlet crazy Toyota needs to up the frame it looks weak

[@jza80king]

The TRD pro models have a little softer suspension specifically for off roading. The rear sagging is due to this not the frame which is plenty strong.

[@nathanmcdonald610]

It reminds me of that Ford promotional video from around 2010ish where they drove all the trucks over a pitted frame rigidity test road and the Toyota Tundra's bed look like it was attempting to disconnect itself from the frame as it wobbled around.

[@Jaimeleon20]

ripfletching That’s the TRD pro model, it’s flexes the MOST out of any tundra. Compare it to another tundra, SR5 or 1794 or platinum, the suspension is plenty strong enough and barley drops with 8k lbs. how do I know ? BCS I have one and saw it just level out

[@jza80king]

@@Jaimeleon20 glad to see someone else understands truck frames and the TRD pro vs 1794 and other trim models.

[@jza80king]

Please understand how frames are built. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX_IfYSjepamZq8