Tundra / truck gear box gearing question ...

[nickclifford]

hey folks,
got a strange question here ... I need to back up my trailer onto a new parking pad I've cut out on my lot, it's about a 20-degree slope maybe .. kinda tricky given how low these trailers are but here's my question ... are truck or specifically Tundra gearboxes beefy enough & geared to push backwards 5,000 lbs and with a significant strain, being that it's being pushed uphill?

the reason I'm asking is that previously I owned a Lexus RX330 and would reverse my popup onto my driveway, about a 25degree slope and clearly the gearbox didn't like it ..!

Alternatively, guess i could invest in a front hitch and try pushing it up ..

I can get a local tow company to do but would cost $200!!

thx

[nickclifford]

[nickclifford]

And btw. Can't regularly tow up and then back into parking place due to space constants. I have to back right in.

[nickclifford]

Here's a better picture showing what I'm working with.

[CRH]

Should be no problem.

[65CV]

Had to back uphill out of a one lane road in Vermont after discovering that the bridge washed out. Not sure of the slope, but it was steep enough that I had to go into 4 wheel drive to back up the steepest part. Tundra was just fine. (5.7L with tow package)

[YippieKiYa]

If you have 4wd putting it in low will make the incline a breeze and reduce the lugging on transmission.

[Mollysdad]

I can't imagine it being a problem.
The Tundra is not being asked to lift 5000 pounds, just roll it.

[YippieKiYa]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The Tundra is not being asked to lift 5000 pounds, just roll it.

Totally agree.

[wavelength]

The Tundra will handle in fine. I have a 2007 4x4 and I have backed loads heavier than that up hills. I would be concerned with bottoming out the trailer on the steep incline

[coveredwagon]

I live on a tiny, winding hillside street in Los Angeles. I regularly back my 25' Airstream into my driveway. It's not easy, because of the curves but my 2008 Sequoia handles it just fine. The transmission is heavy duty.

[pteck]

No problemo. It will put some load and heat into the torque converter for sure. But that's what it's designed for. And is no worse for wear than taking off from a light at full skunk.

It won't change your situation, but having low range is a huge benefit for situations like this. Much more fine speed control without lurching. I use it often to get situated and park in various spots.

[Ronman]

4:10 gears and in reverse should be a piece of cake!

[nickclifford]

Great advice here, thanks .. my Lexus probably just had a regular sedan gearbox and really couldn't handle the weight of backing my pop-up camper up a steep driveway. It would smell of burning rubber or whatever ! So my bigger issue is just making sure I don't bottom out, will have to use wood under the trailer wheels probably.

[ronderful]

The transmission is capable. But one note. If spend alot of time attempting to back it in, multiple attempts etc. the trans will get hot. This is because the radiator is supposed to be pointed in to the wind. If the warning pops up just let the truck idle in park until it goes off. Been there, done that.

[wvstreamer]

Is it 4x4? Use low range. Tundra gearing is quite good but using low range saves some wear and tear.

[ITSNO60]

Yes low range will be the best, much easier on the tranny and easier to negotiate the hill and turn at a steady crawl. I use low range whenever backing uphill with my Ford. I have the ESOF solenoid unplugged so I can have 2WD low range right from the cab for paved spots. Been meaning to hook up a switch. Not sure if you can do that with the Tundra.

[ronderful]

that's brilliant. I miss the range lever on a transfer case

[YippieKiYa]

Originally Posted by ITSNO60

Yes low range will be the best, much easier on the tranny and easier to negotiate the hill and turn at a steady crawl. I use low range whenever backing uphill with my Ford. I have the ESOF solenoid unplugged so I can have 2WD low range right from the cab for paved spots. Been meaning to hook up a switch. Not sure if you can do that with the Tundra.

I loved having a switch on my Super Duty, and I’m sure you can work with the electrical diagram and isolate the front hub actuators from the transfer case actuator. Makes your 4wd TV so much more flexible and smoother when doing slow speed maneuvers into tight spots or up/down hills. Also reduces transmission heat build-up because you aren’t loading it as hard.

I’m in the process of sorting this out on a new Suburban for the same reasons. I miss the days of having a lever in the cab, and never minded manual hubs. Power locks and keyfobs with remote start on the other hand....

[guskmg]

When you say 20 degree incline, what does the start of the grade look like? When you start the trailer up the grade you will have trouble keeping the frame skids from digging in unless the transition from level the to slope is very gradual. If the surface is hard, you are going to cause the rear quarter panel(s) to buckle on the bottom edge(s) from the frame pushing upwards. Best have a spotter to advise you on your progress as the upward movement is not noticeable in the mirrors or a camera.
guskmg