Who's using a throttle controller? Worth it?

Has anyone actually tried tow haul mode while running different modes on any throttle controller? I know the tranny shift points will be changed, but is there any difference with throttle? I will find out this weekend when I hook my hikeit up but just curious as to anyone else's experience.

 

I have. It is additive, you get the tow/haul shift points with the throttle response based on the mode you are in.

Tow/Haul with Sport Plus mode is sponsored by the number "11" and the letter "O"; with the right street tires I bet it would be insane.

 

Seconded. I was shocked when I first got my ‘07 (bought it used) because the pedal was so sensitive. If I wasn’t careful it would lurch and create a bit of a situation for passengers and especially the dog. The acceleration is phenomenal also. The truck has the duel TRD exhaust and I thought maybe it was that and/or it was chipped, but have since learned that it’s just the way the 07s are. It’s a fast truck. The TRD exhaust is great BTW—didn’t think I would enjoy the sound as much as I do.

 

So Black Wolf, to clarify, you also recommend the HikeIt for the 07-13s to smooth it out a bit—but you don’t lose any acceleration?

 

You won't lose acceleration. In Sport mode level 9 and HikeIt mode you will literally blast off. Cruise mode is more relaxed and ECO/4X4 mode is quite subdued. Auto IQ mode is quite nifty. It learns your driving habits and adjusts accordingly. Each mode has 9 levels of sensitivity settings that you can experiment with to your liking.

 

I did a fair amount of driving today and used cruising level 6 and really liked it. I am continuing to try different settings but might be sticking with this for a while. I did put the black face on and use some Velcro to attach it just in front of my right knee and tucked the wiring under the side of the center console. Accessible but out of the way.

 

So, I decided to try my own little experiment to see how it compares to the above video. I put my OBD scanner on and the Torque lite app(free version). Used the throttle position manifold display and checked prior to installing hikeit. With key on and engine off, it read 18.8%. Pushed pedal to the floor and it read 82.7%. Installed the hikeit and checked again, same exact readings. Differences being how fast the percentages increased with depressing the pedal in the various modes. This was as expected as we all know. I was thinking this would increase the throttle position from 82.7 to 100%. Maybe someone with more experience/knowledge could chime in. Maybe its the wrong display or maybe I need the paid version. Anyone?

 

What was it with Sport level 9 and HikeiT Jump to pass mode? It's possible it won't go to 100% which is redline territory. Maybe.

 

I'm going down to my property near Ft Garland Memorial Day weekend. 210 miles one way. I'll try Cruise set at 6 with cruise control on. I'm thinking I should get decent mpg's on the way down. I usually average around 16 driving down with cruise set at 75 on the I-25 portion. Curious to see if there is a difference. Going to use Auto IQ on the way back. I've being using Auto IQ all week. Liking the results of that so far.

 

Same 82.7% in every mode. The link to the video you posted shows he has the same percentage when he tests, but then he states you need a throttle controller to achieve 100%. He just must be wrong in his assumptions. I have yet to go for a ride, tomorrow for sure. Can't wait!!!

 

I agree. I'm never near redline anyways. At least not deliberately! In Sport mode 9 for example you can redline easy anyways. Quickly. Ha!

 

Limited to 86% throttle opening in the factory calibration. Throttle controller can’t change it, and probably shouldn’t. HP tuners is like here is a pointy stick, go run around with it, but don’t change the 86%. The OBD readers can be off some vs. Techstream from my experience.

 

I agree. I think it was very wise to limit it to 86%. I do wonder about the folks here that run with SC's and hit the track. Do they use tuners to open up the throttle a bit more or unwise?

 

Came across this. I know absolutely nothing about this and haven't seen any member here post anything about this. Apparently another option...........with a simple variable output control potentiometer...Hmmmm. I'm guessing this simply bypasses the ECU programmed throttle sensitivity and the variable potentiometer adjusts the throttle sensitivity from nil to ludicrous in one fell swoop on the fly. Makes sense if your drag race your Tunny.....food for thought.
https://www.knfilters.com/toyota/tundra/5.7l-v8-gas/2014/

 

Trying this....

 

Take a hike

 

Well, spent some time today driving with the Hikeit X9. Im not really sure what to think at this point. Its crazy how much improvement in throttle response can be achieved with various modes. But I almost feel like I'm beating the crap out of the truck. Sport mode even at level 1 is so touchy and downshifts so quick and revs up to redline hitting the transmission hard, that i just wonder if there could be problems down the road. Only gets worse as you go up through the levels or hit hikeit mode. Don't get me wrong, its a blast, but at the same time I almost feel guilty running her so hard. Has me thinking that just stock is pretty much perfect. Best of both worlds, gentle takeoffs with smooth acceleration, or hit the tow haul button and get screaming. I found myself putting it in eco mode quite a bit today when pulling in and out of the garage, in parking lots, drive thru's, and traffic just because it was so sensitive. I have 30 days to decide so I will play some more, but I'm sitting on the fence now as to whether I feel its necessary. Quite a few of us recently got these, whats everyone else thinking at this point?

 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/y4usE2RePqo

 

I have no use for any of the throttle controllers. Added failure point made from lesser quality parts than oem, and a few other reasons lol. No thanks.

 

@sportrider My experience with PC is kind of the same. I started out driving in Sport mode -4 and now I'm in ECO mode +4. I'll see how it goes after getting my blower installed, until then I'm keeping it until it shits the bed.

 

I agree that hike it and sport are too aggressive and I agree, probably not great on the drivetrain to treat it like a drag car. I have been using cruise mode at level 6 and found I like the response without feeling like it is jumpy. Still smooth off the line unless I stomp on it. I like the idea of eco mode when off roading, in sand or other similar situations where too much throttle might be a bad thing but have not had a chance to use in those situations yet.

 

What does "added failure point made from lesser quality parts than OEM" actually mean?

 

Adding a throttle controller to your truck?

 

How exactly is improving really lame throttle mapping in the newer Tundra's an added failure point? Have you even driven one, before and after?

 

I have lol. The throttle controller is the added fail point.

 

Electronics are beautiful things, and it seems like everyone wants more and more of them. Never had a problem with my PC other then when I was adjusting it while driving. If you don't like it return it, but calling it a fail point is pretty irresponsible and will prevent people here from trying it and getting the best results they possibly can from their Tundra.

 

You are correct, I’m irresponsible. Replied to someone, not you. You asked what the added failure point is and I replied.

 

That is interesting as I thought you were looking at it holistically as a subsystem in a very reliable system (Tundra). In aggregate it is not wrong in categorizing as a failure point IMO. It probably is less reliable than the stock sub-components.

Maybe you were calling it a POS and I'm too dumb to be offended but I didn't think your original comment was wrong. The product is obviously not working for some people on these forums. If my device breaks I probably wont replace it with another PC but I may try another throttle controller.