I'm running a Troyer custom "Max Perf." tune on my 01 4.6L w/ 33's and wide-open exhaust (2 cats, no mufflers) and just got an 800lb. waverunner. Do I need to detune for short (1 hour or less) trips? I know I SHOULD, but the truck doesn't even blink with it back there. I'm sure my cats would be alright, but I don't want to burn up an exhaust valve. Thanks.

 

I'd detune just for safety of your engine life

 

Are you hauling it (in the bed), or towing it (on a trailer)? I believe Mike says you can HAUL a full load (up to payload limit) with a performance tune, but you can't TOW with one.

 

Trailer.

 

There should be an open season on PWC. Give it up and get a real boat.

 

I have a 2000 F150 w/ a 4.6 and I am Troyer tuned. I pull a 07 Honda Aquatrax which weighs about the same and I ALWAYS change my tune from my 93 Perf. to my 87 tow. I too only haul for about an hour to the lake but i dont want to take a chance. Bad thing is i waste perfectly good 93 on the 87 tune. But better safe that sorry.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. I always towed my 3,000lb boat with my F-150 with the Edge on my custom level 3 tune. Took it on many road trips like that, and it saw a few WOT runs...

 

Well, the general "rule" is very simple - with our performance tunes you can still load the vehicle up to it's factory rated *on board* rating, either in the cabin or in the bed. But if you are towing, then change to a towing-compatible tune.

This is due to the potential affect of things like the EGT's to your exhaust valves, the top piston ring, oil viscosity, and on and on. Some people will argue that 800 lb, or 1500 lb, or 2500 lb doesn't matter, that you can tow "lighter weights" on "performance" tunes. Horse-hockey.* Maybe* you can get away with it at 1000 lb - and maybe you can't. You sure as heck can't tow 3000 lb on a performance tune safely, and doing that and saying it's ok isn't something you want to emulate - their only "evidence" is the fact that their engine hasn't actually blown up yet - and I hope it never does, but irregardless, it's NOT appropriate or safe.

The only way to be sure is to do what you did - which was to *ask* - and then do it properly based on the answer - which is, if you are towing, then please use a towing tune.

Last - and I will hate myself for saying this - if we were dealing with only 800 lb being pulled over basically flat ground for a short distance (say, 10-20 miles), then you might indeed be OK - that is certainly within the realm of possibility. But I am NEVER going to tell anyone that is in fact OK to go ahead and do as their tuner, because as soon as I do, then 800 lb to one person becomes 1500 lb to someone else, or 2300 lb to yet someone else, and on and on - we people can be funny sometimes - give us an inch and we'll take a mile, you know the old routine.

So to each their own, you guys own your vehicles, after all - but my advice is, if you tow, then use a towing tune - please.

 

I didn't ask your opinion on PWC's...I have two "real" boats and they aren't nearly as fun as a wave runner so I sold one and wouldn't mind selling the other. All fishing is done off our dock.

F150driver, I LOVE the AquaTrax...we tried to get an 06 F12, but it was beat to hell. Would have preferred the turbo model, but premium is scarce where we're at and not an option. The R12X must be a fun SOB.

Hey Mike!!! Truth be told I towed that damn PWC in pretty hilly Ozark terrain at about 80 mph keeping the rpm's around 3K. Foolish I know, but I hadn't planned on taking an additional 1 hour detour in the process. :o She survived, if not I'll add a built 4.6 to the gears and full-body Line-X list. All PWC towing done now will be with the Honda Rancher 400 4x4.

 

Hi Jackal,

Good to "see" you again, & have fun!