Need suggestions for an upgrade.

I have a 2002 Tacoma xcab v6 166k miles all stock right now. I have about 8k for upgrading. We live in the rocky mountains, and tow our camper about every weekend and now that we are retired we want to travel extensively. What mods should I do. Considering a s/c, exhaust, intake. Don't know if I should put a s/c on with that many miles on it. Need help and suggestions thanks Jerry

 

Get a compression check. If all the cylinders are good I wouldn't worry about milage. If your keeping it stock I would add some airbags to level out the rear. Intakes are junk. If it's an auto look into a valve body upgrade from level ten or ipt and a transmission cooler. From the looks of the trailer you might be pushing max tow capacity, 5000 lbs.

 

Well for one, obviously suspension on all corners & if you're going to be dragging a trailer around with you I think I'd re gear over doing the S/C

 

Have you thought about upgrading to a V8 Tundra?

 

Thanks guys. The RV is only 3200# and with all our "stuff" and water aboard we come in at 3600#. I have a Manuel trans. I was considering airbags, is that a good option also would 4.88 be best for the gears. Tires are 265/70R 16s. Why don't I get a tundra, they will have to pry my dead hands off my Tacoma.

 

I know how you feel, love mine, too.

What makes you think you have to do anything more? Its sounds like towing the trailer with the truck is working OK so far. There is not much you can do to increase the horsepower except maybe good smog-compliant headers. The Toyota engineers have done a pretty good job, AFAIK.

Preventive maintenance would be a good idea :
- change fluids
- check valve clearances
- change belts and hoses (if its been a while)
- general tune-up

How about a CB radio? Good for caravaning and monitering big-rig conversations.

No experience with air-bags, but Timbren has a similar product to prevent bottoming out of the springs.
http://www.etrailer.com/tv-Mdemo-Rear-Timbren-SES-install.aspx

I assume the trailer has its own brakes, so check those out.