Dyno Tune for Towing Caravan

[jabiru18]

KUN26R 2012 Sr5 Manual
Caravan Weight 1.7t (Single axle)

I am thinking of getting a dyno tune + 3' exhaust to give the ute extra power\torque when towing the Van - $3000 total.

Anyone done this? Is it worth doing a tune vs upgrading the vehicle?

On the highway I usually sit on about 90-100KM/h which the ute handles fine. When we come to long inclines the ute feels it, hills also push the limit. On the occasion when we have to overtake a nomad sitting on 70-80Km/h I would like a bit more power to get past quicker.

I would like to have that bit more power for these situations.

We love the ute, its fully setup so I would prefer to hold onto it.

[Rob_Wood]

Ask the question of a reputable Dyno-Tune mob. Not sure where you are, I know of a couple in SE Qld. if that's any good to you?

[Gipsy]

Jabiru, well worth the effort but I think the price a bit high. My 3" exhaust cost about $600 plus $100 to fit. Your 2012 will tow 1.7t with ease, just use your gears and don't lug the engine, use 4th gear and change down early... Saves fuel and spools the turbo to make the best power. Dyno tunes should be around $2k max. BTW my van weighs 2.5t max loaded.

[jabiru18]

Thanks Lads, appreciate the advice Gypsy, I will shop around.

It does tow well, I would just like a bit more power.

Do I need to upgrade to heavy duty clutch?

[Gipsy]

Possible upgrade the clutch but taste and try, you'll soon know if it needs one. Where are you Jabiru? My rig made it up the very steep hill at Toowoomba and other testing ascents. I regularly overtake semi's on the big climbs. Just use the gears, that's why they're there... Keep the revs between 2.5 to 3.5k rpm and you'll be sweet.

[packeteer]

I'm tuned and regularly tow my 2+ tonne van, a good tune will help a lot. Just make sure you get an EGT gauge, upgraded clutch or auto cooler and watch the temps.
I've had my tune for 90k now, it doubled the torque which is epic, but it's not great for towing as it will overheat. I'm going to get it redone when I get my injectors replaced at 200k

[hylux]

My vans about 1.8t and it tows OK with standard engine and exhaust does slow on the big hills but once in its sweet spot in third 3500rpm it pulls pretty constant around 80kmh. As mentioned getting hot can be an issue. First thing that happens the air cond shuts down so I back off until it comes back on.The temp gauge doesnt move much. I have an ARB bar and worked out if I take the top plate off under the bar makes a huge difference to cooling. On the open road can site on 110 all day.
What can go wrong by not keeping revs up and heat is usually cracked No4 piston. Would I chip it? No. If your toeing a van your on holidays so going a bit slower up a few hills who cares. To chip it at $3k only to increase risk for blown $10k+ motor ? If I wasn't towing chop would be fine to do.
Also as mentioned STD clutch not good. After I put a heavy duty in made huge difference. Also injectors are really important. Like Packateer I just changed mine at 200k not because of any issues just for piece of mind as faulty injector while towing can blow pistons as well.