am about to get my tow vehicle remapped. looking for thoughts from those who HAVE done it.
current vehicle 2013 BT50 XTR Dual cab. NO DPF.
Previous van was 2t loaded and achieved approx 13/14l/100klm fuel economy and towed well. New van 2,5t loaded fuel economy dropped [ as expected] to about 17/18l/100klm.
Not towing fuel economy very good just did a 1200k drive on the M1 and achieved 12.5klm/l
looking to get more torque than HP and talking to the reputable tuner this can be done with no pain to fuel economy.
My father in law has a BT50 2016 WITH a DPF had his done at same place and LOVES it, fuel economy improved noticeably and tows a van same weight as me and says its also noticeable.
Wondering what thoughts other on here that have done it are?, have heard all the nay sayers [ who don't tow] talked to my mechanic as well [ who also has had it done] and says its ok.
And am planning to keep the vehicle for some time.
yobarr said
02:30 PM Feb 17, 2022
Are you anywhere near Brisbane? Fella tuned my V8 Landcruiser Ute to give heaps more power,heaps more torque,and I get 5.8km/litre at 6800kg GCM. Cheers
BarneyBDB said
08:51 PM Feb 17, 2022
You do not mention what you were getting before the re map, also units for economy are totally different and V8 v 4 cyl??
yobarr said
10:47 PM Feb 17, 2022
BarneyBDB wrote:
You do not mention what you were getting before the re map, also units for economy are totally different and V8 v 4 cyl??
? Strange comment which I may address tomorrow,but who cares if it is a V8 or a sewing-machine engined 4 cylinderL Surely km/litre is relevant,
regardless of whether the car has 4 cylinders,or 16, Cheers
BarneyBDB said
11:21 PM Feb 17, 2022
Sorry, I missed that Wanderer changed from liters/100k to km/liter. 4 cylinder pulling 2.5 t versus V8 @ 6800 kg, how relevant is your remap?
wanderer 2 said
07:26 AM Feb 18, 2022
BarneyBDB wrote:
Sorry, I missed that Wanderer changed from liters/100k to km/liter. 4 cylinder pulling 2.5 t versus V8 @ 6800 kg, how relevant is your remap?
sorry for the tricky change, BTW my vehicle is 5 cylinders.
wanderer 2 said
07:29 AM Feb 18, 2022
yobarr wrote:
Are you anywhere near Brisbane? Fella tuned my V8 Landcruiser Ute to give heaps more power,heaps more torque,and I get 5.8km/litre at 6800kg GCM. Cheers
No further south NSW. yes am hearing some pretty good numbers from many who have done it, just curious as to the nay sayers what they say.
Gundog said
10:23 AM Feb 18, 2022
I wonder you were getting 13/14l/100k towing a 2T van now towing a 2.5t van and it getting 17/18l/100k, I presume your vehicle has an auto transmission I hope you dont just put it in Drive and off you go, because if that the case then there's your issue.
I tow a 2.6t GTM van with a 3ltr 4 cyl diesel with a manual gearbox and in normal conditions fuel consumption is 14/15l/100k.
How much is it to have the engine re-mapped ?
DUSTYRHODES said
11:35 AM Feb 18, 2022
Do it. But do more homework.
Some people spend a lot of money
for little return, and won't admit it.
I had my 09 D Max done last year here in Adelaide, after much deliberation. Very happy.
wanderer 2 said
12:33 PM Feb 18, 2022
Gundog wrote:
I wonder you were getting 13/14l/100k towing a 2T van now towing a 2.5t van and it getting 17/18l/100k, I presume your vehicle has an auto transmission I hope you dont just put it in Drive and off you go, because if that the case then there's your issue.
I tow a 2.6t GTM van with a 3ltr 4 cyl diesel with a manual gearbox and in normal conditions fuel consumption is 14/15l/100k.
How much is it to have the engine re-mapped ?
Yes its an auto AND YES I drive in D NOT S yes yes have heard it all before the good old debate of D v S mode, I have proved enough to myself it makes NO difference. How did I do it simple recent trip filled up at Barckely homestead NT and drove to tennent Ck in D recorded fuel economy on the way home filled up Tennent Ck drove to Barkley Homestead this time in S fuel economy almost to the same decimal point, and yes weather and wind the same and same speed maintained [ cruise control]. I do put it is S when going uphill or under a load but cruise in D.
I put the difference in economy down to the effort needed to get it going up to speed, I sat on 90kph the whole way to Darwin and back 8000klm round trip, previous van we did almost same route just turned south at the three ways not north to Darwin, same speed same vehicle compared fuel economy same driving methods.
As I said in original post my father in aw has same vehicle but with DPF was NOT impressed with its performance when towing [ or even when not] fuel economy wise, got a re-map and totally changed his mind.
costs seem to be about $1200-$1500 depending on outlet. am hearing the folding stuff gets it cheaper
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:34:09 PM
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:36:03 PM
wanderer 2 said
12:37 PM Feb 18, 2022
DUSTYRHODES wrote:
Do it. But do more homework. Some people spend a lot of money for little return, and won't admit it. I had my 09 D Max done last year here in Adelaide, after much deliberation. Very happy.
Have been pondering for some time, not a quick decision heard all the nays and yays sought pro advise and this forum as well so far nothing has scared me off.
Gundog said
02:42 PM Feb 18, 2022
wanderer 2 wrote:
Gundog wrote:
I wonder you were getting 13/14l/100k towing a 2T van now towing a 2.5t van and it getting 17/18l/100k, I presume your vehicle has an auto transmission I hope you dont just put it in Drive and off you go, because if that the case then there's your issue.
I tow a 2.6t GTM van with a 3ltr 4 cyl diesel with a manual gearbox and in normal conditions fuel consumption is 14/15l/100k.
How much is it to have the engine re-mapped ?
Yes its an auto AND YES I drive in D NOT S yes yes have heard it all before the good old debate of D v S mode, I have proved enough to myself it makes NO difference. How did I do it simple recent trip filled up at Barckely homestead NT and drove to tennent Ck in D recorded fuel economy on the way home filled up Tennent Ck drove to Barkley Homestead this time in S fuel economy almost to the same decimal point, and yes weather and wind the same and same speed maintained [ cruise control]. I do put it is S when going uphill or under a load but cruise in D.
I put the difference in economy down to the effort needed to get it going up to speed, I sat on 90kph the whole way to Darwin and back 8000klm round trip, previous van we did almost same route just turned south at the three ways not north to Darwin, same speed same vehicle compared fuel economy same driving methods.
As I said in original post my father in aw has same vehicle but with DPF was NOT impressed with its performance when towing [ or even when not] fuel economy wise, got a re-map and totally changed his mind.
costs seem to be about $1200-$1500 depending on outlet. am hearing the folding stuff gets it cheaper
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:34:09 PM
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:36:03 PM
I'm not gunna try and alter your driving habits, because thats a waste of time. The proof is in the pudding even Mr Yobarr has great fuel ecom for his cruiser because its a manual, its easy to attain good fuel ecom with a manual.
You may get away with it driving in Drive, but one day it might bite you on the ar$e and cook you gearbox because Drive is not for towing, I'd reckon your owners manual would mention using the correct mode when towing.
wanderer 2 said
04:13 PM Feb 18, 2022
Gundog wrote:
wanderer 2 wrote:
Gundog wrote:
I wonder you were getting 13/14l/100k towing a 2T van now towing a 2.5t van and it getting 17/18l/100k, I presume your vehicle has an auto transmission I hope you dont just put it in Drive and off you go, because if that the case then there's your issue.
I tow a 2.6t GTM van with a 3ltr 4 cyl diesel with a manual gearbox and in normal conditions fuel consumption is 14/15l/100k.
How much is it to have the engine re-mapped ?
Yes its an auto AND YES I drive in D NOT S yes yes have heard it all before the good old debate of D v S mode, I have proved enough to myself it makes NO difference. How did I do it simple recent trip filled up at Barckely homestead NT and drove to tennent Ck in D recorded fuel economy on the way home filled up Tennent Ck drove to Barkley Homestead this time in S fuel economy almost to the same decimal point, and yes weather and wind the same and same speed maintained [ cruise control]. I do put it is S when going uphill or under a load but cruise in D.
I put the difference in economy down to the effort needed to get it going up to speed, I sat on 90kph the whole way to Darwin and back 8000klm round trip, previous van we did almost same route just turned south at the three ways not north to Darwin, same speed same vehicle compared fuel economy same driving methods.
As I said in original post my father in aw has same vehicle but with DPF was NOT impressed with its performance when towing [ or even when not] fuel economy wise, got a re-map and totally changed his mind.
costs seem to be about $1200-$1500 depending on outlet. am hearing the folding stuff gets it cheaper
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:34:09 PM
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:36:03 PM
I'm not gunna try and alter your driving habits, because thats a waste of time. The proof is in the pudding even Mr Yobarr has great fuel ecom for his cruiser because its a manual, its easy to attain good fuel ecom with a manual.
You may get away with it driving in Drive, but one day it might bite you on the ar$e and cook you gearbox because Drive is not for towing, I'd reckon your owners manual would mention using the correct mode when towing.
All I know is what I see and 250k on the clock and serviced every 10k and still goes well, had all the fluids checked before I left [ especially gearbox] and when I got back from 8000klm of towing and all good, I purchased this vehicle for just towing the van, its currently stock standard, I find in D it goes back to 5th on its own when required and when its in S will go into 6th whilst towing so why stay it S?
And way way off topic
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 04:15:19 PM
yobarr said
03:23 PM Feb 19, 2022
BarneyBDB wrote:
You do not mention what you were getting before the re map, also units for economy are totally different and V8 v 4 cyl??
Just found figures for you! Power went up from 160hp at wheels to 197hp at wheels,so around 25% increase,while torque went from 450nm to 650nm,so increase of 45%.Cost a couple of dollars,but improvement is amazing,with maximum torque all the way from 1200rpm up to 3200rpm. Mate attests that he used my car to tow his 1.5 ton camper trailer from Penrith to Orange with only one gear change the whole way.Out in the bush at night,the sound of the little V8,through twin 3" pipes,echoing through the trees,is music to the ears! Nothing like a V8,and at 5.8km/litre ,or 17 litres/100km (16.5 mpg)when running at 6800kg GCM,I'm more than happy! Cheers
yobarr said
03:29 PM Feb 19, 2022
Gundog wrote:
wanderer 2 wrote:
Gundog wrote:
I wonder you were getting 13/14l/100k towing a 2T van now towing a 2.5t van and it getting 17/18l/100k, I presume your vehicle has an auto transmission I hope you dont just put it in Drive and off you go, because if that the case then there's your issue.
I tow a 2.6t GTM van with a 3ltr 4 cyl diesel with a manual gearbox and in normal conditions fuel consumption is 14/15l/100k.
How much is it to have the engine re-mapped ?
Yes its an auto AND YES I drive in D NOT S yes yes have heard it all before the good old debate of D v S mode, I have proved enough to myself it makes NO difference. How did I do it simple recent trip filled up at Barckely homestead NT and drove to tennent Ck in D recorded fuel economy on the way home filled up Tennent Ck drove to Barkley Homestead this time in S fuel economy almost to the same decimal point, and yes weather and wind the same and same speed maintained [ cruise control]. I do put it is S when going uphill or under a load but cruise in D.
I put the difference in economy down to the effort needed to get it going up to speed, I sat on 90kph the whole way to Darwin and back 8000klm round trip, previous van we did almost same route just turned south at the three ways not north to Darwin, same speed same vehicle compared fuel economy same driving methods.
As I said in original post my father in aw has same vehicle but with DPF was NOT impressed with its performance when towing [ or even when not] fuel economy wise, got a re-map and totally changed his mind.
costs seem to be about $1200-$1500 depending on outlet. am hearing the folding stuff gets it cheaper
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:34:09 PM
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:36:03 PM
I'm not gunna try and alter your driving habits, because thats a waste of time. The proof is in the pudding even Mr Yobarr has great fuel ecom for his cruiser because its a manual, its easy to attain good fuel ecom with a manual.
You may get away with it driving in Drive, but one day it might bite you on the ar$e and cook you gearbox because Drive is not for towing, I'd reckon your owners manual would mention using the correct mode when towing.
"Drive is not for towing" .Good point,Graham,and not only will towing in Drive likely "cook the gearbox",it also results in more fuel being used.Sad, inconvenient truth,understood by few.Cheers
BarneyBDB said
11:14 PM Feb 19, 2022
Thanks for the update with the numbers yobarr, could you tell us what your economy was before the remap, pulling the same load?
Magnarc said
09:42 AM Feb 20, 2022
I often wonder why some members ask for opinions on something then when someone points out a few problems that can occur, end up defending the decision that they apparently, have already made.
yobarr said
11:20 AM Feb 20, 2022
BarneyBDB wrote:
Thanks for the update with the numbers yobarr, could you tell us what your economy was before the remap, pulling the same load?
Can't help there,Barney,as I didn't have the van when I had the car tuned.Cheers
BarneyBDB said
03:49 PM Feb 20, 2022
OK, thanks mate. Will probably get my MUX re mapped when I get back to Adelaide after the current trip dragging the van around Victoria.
yobarr said
04:16 PM Feb 20, 2022
BarneyBDB wrote:
OK, thanks mate. Will probably get my MUX re mapped when I get back to Adelaide after the current trip dragging the van around Victoria.
Well worthwhile,Barney.The van you have is about right for your car,and I'm sure you'll be impressed with the improvement you'll get.Cheers
fwdoz said
06:45 PM Feb 20, 2022
Just had our 4WD done.
Our average towing our 2300-2350kg full sized van over the years has been around 12.5-13.5L/100km, including our trip to WA. Our issue was more that we are struggling down low, so asked for a specialised remap to address the towing from a standing start. Result has been no accelerator lag, through the first 2 gears more smoothly & no struggle off the line. Also in 4th we find we have just a tad more free acceleration for when needed.
Fuel results from recent trip:
Going there 16.2L/100km into a headwing prior to the remap. Previous same identical trips 12.5-13.5.
Return after remap 11.1L/100km. Acceleration from a standing start was effortless. On the freeway we were stuck in a long line behind a caravanner doing 75 in the 110 zone. Saw a mini gap in the outside lane, indicated & went past the convoy with ease without any impediment to other vehicles in the fast lane. in fact, we put a gap between us & them in aceelerating from 75kmh until we passed mr slow.
In relation to towing & gear usage, I always use S mode from start, when on the flat I switch to D. Any climbs, straight into S mode.
The Travelling Dillberries said
07:55 PM Feb 20, 2022
What vehicle do you drive Bob and where did you get it re-mapped?
fwdoz said
08:08 PM Feb 20, 2022
2013 Prado VX. Remapped at Creswick 4WD Centre.
There are other remaps available, but I wanted the subtle changes to make driveability better with just the necessary gains to suit our needs.
I should have added in my first post that I also had the 3" exhaust done. That has only minor benefit compared to the remap.
-- Edited by fwdoz on Sunday 20th of February 2022 08:10:15 PM
Hi Vanners,
am about to get my tow vehicle remapped. looking for thoughts from those who HAVE done it.
current vehicle 2013 BT50 XTR Dual cab. NO DPF.
Previous van was 2t loaded and achieved approx 13/14l/100klm fuel economy and towed well. New van 2,5t loaded fuel economy dropped [ as expected] to about 17/18l/100klm.
Not towing fuel economy very good just did a 1200k drive on the M1 and achieved 12.5klm/l
looking to get more torque than HP and talking to the reputable tuner this can be done with no pain to fuel economy.
My father in law has a BT50 2016 WITH a DPF had his done at same place and LOVES it, fuel economy improved noticeably and tows a van same weight as me and says its also noticeable.
Wondering what thoughts other on here that have done it are?, have heard all the nay sayers [ who don't tow] talked to my mechanic as well [ who also has had it done] and says its ok.
And am planning to keep the vehicle for some time.
Are you anywhere near Brisbane? Fella tuned my V8 Landcruiser Ute to give heaps more power,heaps more torque,and I get 5.8km/litre at 6800kg GCM. Cheers
? Strange comment which I may address tomorrow,but who cares if it is a V8 or a sewing-machine engined 4 cylinderL Surely km/litre is relevant,
regardless of whether the car has 4 cylinders,or 16, Cheers
sorry for the tricky change, BTW my vehicle is 5 cylinders.
No further south NSW. yes am hearing some pretty good numbers from many who have done it, just curious as to the nay sayers what they say.
I wonder you were getting 13/14l/100k towing a 2T van now towing a 2.5t van and it getting 17/18l/100k, I presume your vehicle has an auto transmission I hope you dont just put it in Drive and off you go, because if that the case then there's your issue.
I tow a 2.6t GTM van with a 3ltr 4 cyl diesel with a manual gearbox and in normal conditions fuel consumption is 14/15l/100k.
How much is it to have the engine re-mapped ?
Yes its an auto AND YES I drive in D NOT S yes yes have heard it all before the good old debate of D v S mode, I have proved enough to myself it makes NO difference. How did I do it simple recent trip filled up at Barckely homestead NT and drove to tennent Ck in D recorded fuel economy on the way home filled up Tennent Ck drove to Barkley Homestead this time in S fuel economy almost to the same decimal point, and yes weather and wind the same and same speed maintained [ cruise control]. I do put it is S when going uphill or under a load but cruise in D.
I put the difference in economy down to the effort needed to get it going up to speed, I sat on 90kph the whole way to Darwin and back 8000klm round trip, previous van we did almost same route just turned south at the three ways not north to Darwin, same speed same vehicle compared fuel economy same driving methods.
As I said in original post my father in aw has same vehicle but with DPF was NOT impressed with its performance when towing [ or even when not] fuel economy wise, got a re-map and totally changed his mind.
costs seem to be about $1200-$1500 depending on outlet. am hearing the folding stuff gets it cheaper
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:34:09 PM
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 12:36:03 PM
Have been pondering for some time, not a quick decision heard all the nays and yays sought pro advise and this forum as well so far nothing has scared me off.
I'm not gunna try and alter your driving habits, because thats a waste of time. The proof is in the pudding even Mr Yobarr has great fuel ecom for his cruiser because its a manual, its easy to attain good fuel ecom with a manual.
You may get away with it driving in Drive, but one day it might bite you on the ar$e and cook you gearbox because Drive is not for towing, I'd reckon your owners manual would mention using the correct mode when towing.
All I know is what I see and 250k on the clock and serviced every 10k and still goes well, had all the fluids checked before I left [ especially gearbox] and when I got back from 8000klm of towing and all good, I purchased this vehicle for just towing the van, its currently stock standard, I find in D it goes back to 5th on its own when required and when its in S will go into 6th whilst towing so why stay it S?
And way way off topic
-- Edited by wanderer 2 on Friday 18th of February 2022 04:15:19 PM
Just found figures for you! Power went up from 160hp at wheels to 197hp at wheels,so around 25% increase,while torque went from 450nm to 650nm,so increase of 45%.Cost a couple of dollars,but improvement is amazing,with maximum torque all the way from 1200rpm up to 3200rpm. Mate attests that he used my car to tow his 1.5 ton camper trailer from Penrith to Orange with only one gear change the whole way.Out in the bush at night,the sound of the little V8,through twin 3" pipes,echoing through the trees,is music to the ears! Nothing like a V8,and at 5.8km/litre ,or 17 litres/100km (16.5 mpg)when running at 6800kg GCM,I'm more than happy! Cheers
"Drive is not for towing" .Good point,Graham,and not only will towing in Drive likely "cook the gearbox",it also results in more fuel being used.Sad, inconvenient truth,understood by few.Cheers
Can't help there,Barney,as I didn't have the van when I had the car tuned.Cheers
Well worthwhile,Barney.The van you have is about right for your car,and I'm sure you'll be impressed with the improvement you'll get.Cheers
Our average towing our 2300-2350kg full sized van over the years has been around 12.5-13.5L/100km, including our trip to WA. Our issue was more that we are struggling down low, so asked for a specialised remap to address the towing from a standing start. Result has been no accelerator lag, through the first 2 gears more smoothly & no struggle off the line. Also in 4th we find we have just a tad more free acceleration for when needed.
Fuel results from recent trip:
Going there 16.2L/100km into a headwing prior to the remap. Previous same identical trips 12.5-13.5.
Return after remap 11.1L/100km. Acceleration from a standing start was effortless. On the freeway we were stuck in a long line behind a caravanner doing 75 in the 110 zone. Saw a mini gap in the outside lane, indicated & went past the convoy with ease without any impediment to other vehicles in the fast lane. in fact, we put a gap between us & them in aceelerating from 75kmh until we passed mr slow.
In relation to towing & gear usage, I always use S mode from start, when on the flat I switch to D. Any climbs, straight into S mode.
What vehicle do you drive Bob and where did you get it re-mapped?
2013 Prado VX. Remapped at Creswick 4WD Centre.
There are other remaps available, but I wanted the subtle changes to make driveability better with just the necessary gains to suit our needs.
I should have added in my first post that I also had the 3" exhaust done. That has only minor benefit compared to the remap.
-- Edited by fwdoz on Sunday 20th of February 2022 08:10:15 PM