Want to increase GVWR... Need opinions

OP used the incorrect terminology.

 

x2 you can do mods to increase towing capacity but not the actual weight of the truck. GVWR=Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The fact that this took until page 2 to point out...

 

well thats what I was confused about. OP looking at a picture of the boat, that thing looks pretty big. looking it up I found it weighs 3600 empty. Between the weight of the boat, your gear, and the wind resistance I don't think you will get much better mpg then you currently are.

 

Slow down. I get that kind of mileage towing 3,000 lbs at 75 get close to 15 at 55-60

 

Go back to the pharmacy where you belong pill boy.

 

As stated already, all you can do is make your GVWR handle better. To actually increase the GVWR you would need to fully box the frame, add one or two more cross members, gusset the spring mounting points, run thicker axles, find heavier duty wheel bearings, larger hubs and lug bolts/nuts, bigger brakes, and stronger wheels just to start.

 

He provided the correct figures for his incorrect terminology though... which is what makes it weird. Specifically, he supplied 5500 pounds GVWR.

If he was confused and thought this was hauling capacity, there would be no issue at all about towing, since that figure is 2000 pounds more than his boat. If he confused GVWR and GCWR, then it would take a whole lot more than an extra 500 pounds to cover the weight of the boat + truck.

 

I was in fact unclear aboiut what I was setting out to accomplish. I am just trying to prepare the powertrain, as best as I can, for that kind of hauling. My commute to the lake is 180 miles each way and basically, a full tank of gas. Yes, my terminology was not the best so what what I really trying to accomplish is better gas mileage and cooler temps, not that I've seen my temp rise but the tranny keeps downshifting. I almost think it would be better to keep it in fourth.

 

I guess I just want to tow this weight easier

 

If it's hunting for gears, keep it in 4th. The owners manual says as much. If it'll stay in 5th, then leave it in D, but as soon as you get to hills or in town, leave it in 4th.

You won't improve your MPG's unless you can either slow down or keep your foot out of it but regardless, towing 4,000 lbs will take a toll on the your mileage.

A transmission cooler will help keep the transmission cooler temps in check on a hot day or towing a heavy load.

 

Good point. It almost seems worth it to get to the lake an hour earlier though. I do think that bigger brakes would help in the hill country.

 

Well guys, I took the dive and some of your alls advice. Full size mod, Tundra 5.7 Crewmax Limited. I had no idea that these trucks were so freaking awesome. Not even my BMW had some of the features in this bad boy. This truck has all of the power for towing and all of the stopping power too.