Towing issues 3.1D, 1997

[isuzu]

Hi to all

Let me first say a love the Bighorns so not trying to complain about them.

Recently bought a 97 Bighorn XS Plaisor 3.1D (UBS69GW) with 220k on the clock. Needed this as a cheap option to tow my daughters float but have not been to happy with the towing ability of this vehicle.
I have owned a 99 model a few years ago and cant recall it having the same issues. Having been towing a double empty tandem horse float and it really sucks on hills, goes fine on the flat. Also find the float tends to jerk the vehicle arond abit a lower speeds.
Wondered if there were things i could do to improve performance and economy (doing about 7km per litre).

Any advice appreciated.

[Isuzumu]

A couple of questios first:- how much does the float weight load and is the vehicle auto or manual?
Now 7kpl is not to bad I would only get that on a very good day towing our 1.7 tonne van with our 3.1 manual MU that has close to 400 NMs.

[isuzu]

The float i think is about 900kg unloaded. Add another 500kg per horse. Have only towed it empty and with one horse so far. Vehicle is auto. Thks Mike

[Isuzumu]

We also have a 1996 auto 3.1 Wizard, and it has had a 3 inch mandrel bent exhaust fitted. Probably makes an extra 10 KWs, but I find towing with the auto a pain so to stop it hunting for a gear I leave it in normal drive and it does not like coming out of second gear unless you take the foot of the pedal and let it go into third by it's self.
To get more power you need to add a intercooler so you can adjust the pump for more fuel and put the boost up a little.

[geeves]

The 99 would of had the 4jx1 engine which has lots more power. Have a check to make sure you get full throttle. You would be surprised how many cars go to the garage for poor performance to have the floor mat adjusted