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Discussion in 'New Members' started by mortsman, Oct 29, 2007.

  1. Oct 29, 2007 at 12:13 PM
    #1
    mortsman

    mortsman [OP] Member

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    Lansing, MI
    Vehicle:
    06 Access Cab V6 Automatic 4X4 SR5
    Tow Pkg, AFE dry drop-in, Secondary Filter removed, ECO2 FVP Enhancer, ScanGuage II, Magnaflow exhaust system, Access roll-up bedcover, Pop-N-Lock, Shorty Antenna, TRD skid plate, TMC bug deflector & nerf bars, Delorme PN-20 GPS
    Hi to all,

    I have owned a 2006 Tacoma access cab 4L V6, 4WD with factory towing pkg since Sept. 2006. I use it to tow a 3500# travel trailer and for 2-track exploring.

    Has anyone any suggestions for add-ons that that will enhance fuel efficiency, handling and general performance? So far, my additions have been limited to a front skid plate, tonneau cover, pop lock and a K&N filter.
     
  2. Oct 29, 2007 at 1:20 PM
    #2
    tcBob

    tcBob Gringo Bandito Moderator

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    Welcome to TW! Have you looked into a cold air intake for added performance/fuel efficiency?
     
  3. Oct 30, 2007 at 5:30 AM
    #3
    007Tacoma

    007Tacoma I dub thee malicious!

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  4. Oct 30, 2007 at 1:26 PM
    #4
    mortsman

    mortsman [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    12
    Lansing, MI
    Vehicle:
    06 Access Cab V6 Automatic 4X4 SR5
    Tow Pkg, AFE dry drop-in, Secondary Filter removed, ECO2 FVP Enhancer, ScanGuage II, Magnaflow exhaust system, Access roll-up bedcover, Pop-N-Lock, Shorty Antenna, TRD skid plate, TMC bug deflector & nerf bars, Delorme PN-20 GPS
    Bob & Tacoma,

    Have been experiencing internet connection problems. Thanks for the great tips and quick response. Will reply when IC problem is fixed.
     
  5. Oct 30, 2007 at 1:55 PM
    #5
    mortsman

    mortsman [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
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    12
    Lansing, MI
    Vehicle:
    06 Access Cab V6 Automatic 4X4 SR5
    Tow Pkg, AFE dry drop-in, Secondary Filter removed, ECO2 FVP Enhancer, ScanGuage II, Magnaflow exhaust system, Access roll-up bedcover, Pop-N-Lock, Shorty Antenna, TRD skid plate, TMC bug deflector & nerf bars, Delorme PN-20 GPS
    Bob & Tacoma,

    Thanks for the great welcome and tips.

    I actually bought the K&N Air Intake Kit, but ended up returning it uninstalled. The installation was a little too complicated for my "shade tree" workshop and I was concerned that the intake was located in the exact spot in the engine compartment where the stock intake was located. Where is the "cold air" advantage there? I decided that the cost/benefit ratio was too close and returned the kit for a refund.

    I will try increasing the pressure in the tires above the door post recommendations and hope to try the ECO VPE in the near future.
     
  6. Oct 31, 2007 at 4:39 AM
    #6
    007Tacoma

    007Tacoma I dub thee malicious!

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    If you have the Dunlop tires the max is 41. I keep mine at 39ish at hot temperatures. If you want increased air flow, you may want to try a drop in filter. AFE makes a Dry Foam filter that is considered high flow. I know Maverick491 has one, but he hasn't installed it yet. He is waiting until he is done testing the ECO-2 VPE (made for the 4.0L V6).

    Cheers!
     
  7. Oct 31, 2007 at 9:20 AM
    #7
    mortsman

    mortsman [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Lansing, MI
    Vehicle:
    06 Access Cab V6 Automatic 4X4 SR5
    Tow Pkg, AFE dry drop-in, Secondary Filter removed, ECO2 FVP Enhancer, ScanGuage II, Magnaflow exhaust system, Access roll-up bedcover, Pop-N-Lock, Shorty Antenna, TRD skid plate, TMC bug deflector & nerf bars, Delorme PN-20 GPS
    Mark,

    Will follow up on your advice.

    Appreciate it very much

    Chuck
     
  8. Oct 31, 2007 at 10:15 AM
    #8
    maverick491

    maverick491 Towing Guru

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    07 4x4 Access Cab, TRD off road, 6 cyl, 6 spd
    Activator III brake controller, Extang Fulltilt toneau, Factory bed mat, Extra D-rings in the bed, 2ndary air filter removed, Garmin Ique GPS, Eco-2, AFE Pro Dry-s filter, USASPEC PA12-toy, Pioneer 3-way speakers, SG II on Blendmount, Gulf States Alarm added.
    Ditto the tire pressure, and keeping an eye on the VPE thread. Also consider removing the secondary air-filter. (link to that write up in either 007tacoma's signature or mine)

    Saddly, I don't think that the eco-2 will help you much when pulling your trailer, (the best I can manage with mine in tow is 11.7 MPG all highway with the cruise on.) But it is looking pretty promissing with the truck running solo.

    Welcome to TacomaWorld BTW.

    Regards!
     
  9. Oct 31, 2007 at 11:13 AM
    #9
    death valley fan

    death valley fan National Champions

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    Chris
    Louisiana
    2007 TRD OFF-ROAD
    What tire pressure would you recommend for the TRD Off Road tires.
     
  10. Oct 31, 2007 at 11:20 AM
    #10
    maverick491

    maverick491 Towing Guru

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    07 4x4 Access Cab, TRD off road, 6 cyl, 6 spd
    Activator III brake controller, Extang Fulltilt toneau, Factory bed mat, Extra D-rings in the bed, 2ndary air filter removed, Garmin Ique GPS, Eco-2, AFE Pro Dry-s filter, USASPEC PA12-toy, Pioneer 3-way speakers, SG II on Blendmount, Gulf States Alarm added.
    Door says 32. Tire sidewall says 35. I run mine at 34, but make absolutely certain that you inflate to that pressure late at night or early in the morning, (I leave for work at 3am, so this is never a problem for me) when the tire is going to be it's coldest, if you are going to run that close to the sidewall rating.
     
  11. Oct 31, 2007 at 11:54 AM
    #11
    death valley fan

    death valley fan National Champions

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    Thanks Maverick, I really wasn't that sure if you could go over what was on the door.
     
  12. Oct 31, 2007 at 12:17 PM
    #12
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    What the hell do you do where you have to leave at 3AM!?
     
  13. Oct 31, 2007 at 12:27 PM
    #13
    maverick491

    maverick491 Towing Guru

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    07 4x4 Access Cab, TRD off road, 6 cyl, 6 spd
    Activator III brake controller, Extang Fulltilt toneau, Factory bed mat, Extra D-rings in the bed, 2ndary air filter removed, Garmin Ique GPS, Eco-2, AFE Pro Dry-s filter, USASPEC PA12-toy, Pioneer 3-way speakers, SG II on Blendmount, Gulf States Alarm added.
    You're welcome. It is safe to disregard the door to an extent. The pressure on the door is about overall comfort. The pressure on the tire is the one that needs to be paid attention to as that is what the tire and bead can handle.

    I am a short haul trucker. I want to be out on the road and back home again before everyone else tries to go to their 9-5s and clog up my roads. :fenforcer:
     
  14. Nov 1, 2007 at 8:20 AM
    #14
    mortsman

    mortsman [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Lansing, MI
    Vehicle:
    06 Access Cab V6 Automatic 4X4 SR5
    Tow Pkg, AFE dry drop-in, Secondary Filter removed, ECO2 FVP Enhancer, ScanGuage II, Magnaflow exhaust system, Access roll-up bedcover, Pop-N-Lock, Shorty Antenna, TRD skid plate, TMC bug deflector & nerf bars, Delorme PN-20 GPS
    Hi Adam,

    Nice to hear from you. I have just inflated my Dunlop's to 39# as recommended by Mark. It's interesting - the truck seems to handle better with the increased pressure and I don't feel much difference in the ride quality. Great tip.

    Will tackle removal of the secondary filter soon.

    Thank's for the heads-up on towing mileage with the ECO. I will still be satisfied if I can improve mpg in the non-towing mode, which is where I put on most of my miles anyway.

    I realize that you have the manual transmission in your Taco, but have you had any experience towing with the Toyota auto transmission? I am still playing with 4th gear vs OD with cruise control or no cruise control as the best method. One thing I have found is that you can't tow in OD with the cruise control on - it goes into a crazy "hunting fit".

    Mortsman (Chuck)
     
  15. Nov 1, 2007 at 8:35 AM
    #15
    007Tacoma

    007Tacoma I dub thee malicious!

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    I noticed the same thing. :)
     
  16. Nov 1, 2007 at 10:14 AM
    #16
    maverick491

    maverick491 Towing Guru

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    07 4x4 Access Cab, TRD off road, 6 cyl, 6 spd
    Activator III brake controller, Extang Fulltilt toneau, Factory bed mat, Extra D-rings in the bed, 2ndary air filter removed, Garmin Ique GPS, Eco-2, AFE Pro Dry-s filter, USASPEC PA12-toy, Pioneer 3-way speakers, SG II on Blendmount, Gulf States Alarm added.
    I have never owned not driven a Toyota automatic. (not counting the better half's Corolla, and my mother's Solara, but that is not apples to apples)

    The "hunting fit" you describe is pretty normal for autos in cruise while towing. Letting the trans hunt like that is also the absolute worst thing you can do to an auto short of a 6000 rpm neutral drop. It is that hunting that builds heat in the trans, and causes the fluid to break down.

    Short answer, if the trans hunts then stick to 4th. You can probably even use cruise in 4th if you wanted, or maybe use fifth without the cruise on, so long as you maintain an easy pressure on the gas so that the computer doesn't try to kick it down a gear.

    Yes it does have a trans cooler, but the hunting will still damage things over time.

    Leaving for a camping trip within the hour, so I'll check back in on Sunday when we get home.
     

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