Want to increase GVWR... Need opinions

I have an 06 Taco TRD that has a GVWR of 5500lbs but need to get it a little higher. I've read about the turbos and cai and exhaust but what will be the best thing to gain about 500lbs of GVWR? The turbo is a little more than I want to spend and my truck gets about 9 mpg when pulling my boat. Also, is there a good tranny cooler that soemone can recommend?

 

Toyota Tundra iForce 5.7

 

Airbags?

 

I just realized I posted this thread in the wrong location. Airbags huh???

 

what about the TRD S/C if you need more power? a CAI won't do much for you, or possibly a re-gear?

 

my trd sport came with a transmission cooler, maybe grab the toyota one if yours doesn't have one..

 

It may just have one (tranny cooler) I havent checked to be honest. What about headers & exhaust? Will they be effective in getting better MPG?

 

headers maybe if you don't mind the sound, but exhaust....no

 

it doesnt look like mine has the tranny cooler. I only see the condenser in front of the radiator

 

thats the tranny cooler right guys?

 

its pretty big if it is a tranny cooler

 

oh never mind I'm an idiot lol

 

It's all good. I wish it was that big then I wouldnt havee to worry about my tranny heating up. Guess I'm looking for a tranny cooler for starters.

Does anyone else get this ridiculous (9mpg) gas mileage when towing?

 

All trucks get reduced mileage when towing. We are missing a lot of required information though. What size is the boat you're towing is the main thing. What is your main goal. better mpgs, better power, ability to carry more of a load.

Better mpgs/power. Headers, intakes, chips, etc will have a minimal impact. $50-$500 a piece. a turbo or super charger will help with the power which "should" improve your mpgs, but most people can't keep their foot of the pedal. $1-$2000 Gears. You can regear the differential for better low end power and mpgs while towing, $4-600

Better handling with a load. Suspension will help handle the load, but should not be used to increase the weight capacity. You still have weak links not meant to handle the extra weight, wheel/axle bearing, brakes, bushings, etc. $200-3000

 

You can't increase a vehicle's GVWR, you can only make modifications so the truck better handles loads within it's capabilities. If you tow frequently, you definitely should have gotten the factory tow package. It comes with a transmission oil cooler and a supplimental engine oil cooler along with a larger alternator.

Air bags are a good way to beef up the rear suspension and the great thing about them is they are adjustable. The bad side is they limit off road articulation (if you off road at all).

A good weight distributing hitch will help distribute the trailer's weight to the front end also and can make towing feel a little easier.

As far as the MPG, best thing you can do is try to keep your foot out of it but it seems to be pretty common that the Tacoma gets crap mileage while towing.

 

lol, I thought about it but the Tacoma is planty capable. The boat is a 20'6" Tahoe Q6. I think that I'll get the air bags for starters and then the coolers.

 

If you're looking for higher gvwr, you need to go fullsize. It will be a lot cheaper to trade up to a tundra than mod out a tacoma.

With the deals they are offering now on well equipped tundras, I would consider it if hauling is a big concern. In fact, you can get a new 5.7l tundra dc, well equipped, for less than some tacoma trims.

Also, believe it or not, you will get better towing mpg with a 5.7 tundra, even though non towing mpg is worse. You will cruise at lower rpm with the bigger engine when towing. The taco will be taxed and heated when pulling that kind of weight. You will be lucky to get 12 hmpg, more like 10 if its hilly. You can get consistent 13-15 mpg when towing with a 5.7 tundra.

 

How much does it weigh? The V6 with the tow package is rated at 6500lbs.

 

If power had any effect on GVWR, you would think that the 6cyl would have a higher GVWR than 4cyl. This is not the case. In fact, since the 4cyl weighs about 100 pounds less than the 6cyl, it actually has an extra 100 pounds payload capacity before hitting GVWR.

The process of actually increasing GVWR would require certain engineering certificates, and having them registered with your local motor vehicle authority (if yours would be willing to accept them). This is practically not an option. The reality is that you could alter the reasonable weight limit through reinforcing the frame, heavier springs, full floating rear axle, etc., but this wouldnt have any effect on the legal limitations.

 

BTW: what does the truck's GVWR have to do with fuel efficiency or hauling a 3500 pound boat?