Performance upgrade

I'd be happy with just getting a little more snot out of an engine I know is capable of it. Just don't want to fracture my bank account. Yet.

 

I hate to suggest it, but read the section on owners manual about towing

 

I did. One thing I've found in the multitudes of vehicles I've owned...just because the manual says it can, doesn't mean it will or even, should.

 

Did you have it limited to 4th in manual mode? If not, try that with ECT turned on and see what you think. This engine is not a major powerhouse and all of the power it has is up high.

I just towed a 3500 lb trailer 4 hours at 65 mph in 5th gear and 3200 rpm. It got 12.7 mpg but worked well and could maintain speed up some grades and even gain speed on minor grades. 4th and 3rd did the rest. That is why Toyota wants you in 4th, for adequate power and then if it’s not downshifting early enough from there, click it down to 3rd anytime you need it.

 

1900 shouldn't be that difficult? Of course just keep the rpms up with gears.

 

First time I hooked up to 6,000 pounds I almost aborted the trip within the first couple blocks. I had to drive over a little overpass and I didn't think the truck was even going to make it. Then I had to get onto I 15 up in Northern Utah and those folks don't exactly
mossy around on the interstate. I was so worried about getting up to speed I just went hammer down. I quickly realized, hey that's how ya tow with this truck. Drive it like Ya stole it. And as mentioned S4 or S3 all the way except when holding down the speed on the down grades. My biggest fear was this thing is gonna run away on the down grades but I was amazed how easily I could control the down hill speeds by using gears. Now I was over in the truck and RV lanes the whole way and I was giving every bit of braking space that was possible but I made it. If I had to do it again, anything over I'll say 5,000 pounds for 500 or more mile I would rent a bigger truck. But one time trip in a pinch and the Blue Taco did better than I ever expected.

 

A tune would be the best place to start.
https://kdmaxprotuning.com/locations

 

I agree. I would start with a tune and see how that goes. You might be surprised at the difference. Here’s some good information you may be interested in reading.

https://overlandtailor.com/truth-be-told-dyno

 

Some more good dyno info from Banks Power. Great video on dyno tuning.

https://youtu.be/QapIeFYj_8A