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Topic ClosedNew RPodder from WI
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: New RPodder from WI
    Posted: 02 May 2015 at 8:14pm
The first increase to 2400 most likely is when the torque converter is unlocking.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 27 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2015 at 6:39pm
Techntrek,

Picked up my 171 today and the vehicle shifting  was similar as my test drive earlier. I took a video of the Tach and Speedometer while driving home (it is short, can send you if you like). At 63-64mph in D running about 2000rpm on flat road, challenging to remain at 2000 rpm towing the 171. When on a slight incline or the engine needs to work harder to maintain speed, it feels like a slight downshift and the rpm's increase to ~2,400. Then I dropped in 3 manually, rpm's increase to ~2,900. 

The 4Runner engine (4.0L v6) has enough power to accelerate properly, but has a hard time holding a gear at highway speeds, switching between the two. 

Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated! 
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 2015 at 1:24pm
Modern transmissions don't have a separate overdrive gear.  Overdrive just means that one or more of the highest gears gives you a final gearing of less than one.  For your 3rd gear you get 1.000 and for 4th gear 0.705.  What you may be interpreting as a shift into 3rd, 4th may be the transmission torque converter locking up.  That can feel like a shift on some vehicles, or appear to be on the tach because the rpms will drop by several hundred.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 27 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 2015 at 7:22am
According to that document and another one it does seem that the 03 4Runner does not have overdrive. However, during my test drive there was a difference between 3rd, 4th, and what seemed like overdrive. I was driving on mostly flat Central Wisconsin roads in D. At about 60mph it pulled about 2000rpm and was sluggish. With a little more gas or holding steady at an incline, it would kick down a gear and run about 2300rpm or so. When I downshifted into 3 the rpm's would kick up further. Note, I did not take notes on the changes, was more concerned about the Rpod's handling at the time.

I will post back after pick up and see if I was just so happy at the idea of getting an Rpod that I was delirious!

Thanks for the link!
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Apr 2015 at 9:55pm
From everything I can find 4th is overdrive on th V6, see page 10 of this document.  http://www.toyota120.com/GenDocs/2003_4Runner.pdf

Edited by techntrek - 11 Apr 2015 at 9:56pm
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 27 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Apr 2015 at 7:25pm
Hello all,

The dealer installed a Tekonsha (thanks techntrek!) trailer brake controller on my 03' 4Runner (V6). Test-towed the 171 and overall went well. The engine has enough power, but I am disappointed that my model TV does not have an overdrive lock out button option. The 4 speed transmission kept switching between 4 and overdrive, which only leaves me the choice of 3rd gear, when 4th gear would save fuel and seem to work fine. 

Going to purchase next week, and get the WDH. The 171 did have a slight rear end sway at 55-65mph, which I would like to remove. 

Thanks again for all your help and knowledge, makes this process much easier!
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Jules View Drop Down
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Posts: 38 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 2015 at 6:10pm
We just ordered a 172 and hope to pull it with a Toyota Highlander with tow package.  Hope the towing works well for both of us and maybe we will see you in the mountains.  As much as I like Sconnie, I love getting to the mountains. 
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
Location: Mayville, WI
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2015 at 7:54pm
Always good to see another Wisconsin Podder.  We are in Mayville, man hour north of Milwaukee.  Someday we can have a Wisconsin event!
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2015 at 6:52pm
Most here recommend the Tekonsha line, especially the Prodigy.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 27 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 2015 at 10:24pm
Thanks All! Local dealer is installing a brake controller and I am going to test drive this week before I pull the plug.
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