Performance mods for towing

Ive got a 1998 Tacoma 3.4 V6. I've towed a boat in the past (about 2,500 to 3,000 pounds). The truck pulled it ok but struggled to pull up a steeper grade. Im getting a bigger boat which should weight about 1,000 pounds more then the previous boat. I think the truck will be a bit underpowered to pull the new boat. I was thinking about upgrading the exhaust (header and cat back) along with a K&N cold air intake and a transmission cooler. Im looking for feeback on who has done mods like these and if it has made towing any easier. Any other suggestions would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance..

 

Welcome to TW! I think if you want to have any noticable gains from your truck you would have to go with the TRD supercharger, especially if you are getting a heavier boat. The mods you mentioned would only give you minimal gains, and would probably not make much of a difference when towing.

 

Around 4,000# you should have brakes on the trailer for sure. Your only going to get 15-20 HP increase with both the CAI and the exhaust. The transmission cooler for sure, and keep it slow and in 3rd gear to prevent hunting. As stated above SC and premium fuel is your only other option without going real radical, like dropping in a V-8. Re-gearing would also be an option, but would require it in the front also if yours is 4X4.

Read Maverick's thread on towing for many other tips on the subject.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/towing/4031-tacoma-towing-bible.html

Good luck.

 

If your boat weighs 2500 - 3000 lbs. and you go up another 1000 lbs. you may be exceeding the tow capacity of your truck (check your manual). If you're not figuring in the weight of the trailer, fuel, water, coolers, etc. you're playing a potentially dangerous game. If the boat weighs more than the truck (and even if the trailer has good brakes) pulling the load may turn out to be the least of your worries.