Unleash the beast: power modules for towing and the art of defying stereotypes

Ever considered what a Steinbauer Power Module could do for your tow vehicle?

The other day I was driving behind an enigmatic BMW driver who dared to use their indicators before they changed lanes. It was as if they’d stumbled upon the ancient scrolls of turn signal etiquette, singlehandedly defying the stereotype that BMWs are solely reserved for blinker-less manoeuvres and driven by accountants with a blatant disregard for fellow road users. Inspired by their audacity, it made me think: If they’re out there challenging stereotypes, we can too. 

Wake up and smell the diesel

Welcome to 2023, a year where fashion rebels can fearlessly don socks and sandals, unicorns roam freely in your local park, and your grandma outdoes Usain Bolt in a sprint through the aisles of Woolies. In this era of limitless possibilities, it’s high time we dispel the myth that 4X4s are sluggish beasts of burden, especially when it comes to towing. 

I can see where the label came from. I’ve driven hundreds of 4X4s in my time as a Motoring Journo, and the old-school rigs were about as sprightly as a sloth on Stilnox. But, with modern advancements, things have gotten better. Nowadays, they roll off the production line with enough power to handle moderate tasks, but there’s certainly still room for improvement. The majority of 4X4s on offer still struggle to drag a fully loaded caravan up an incline by the time you’ve added larger rubber, fitted bar work, and packed for your big lap. 

“I’VE DRIVEN HUNDREDS OF 4X4S IN MY TIME AS A MOTORING JOURNO, AND THE OLD-SCHOOL RIGS WERE ABOUT AS SPRIGHTLY AS A SLOTH ON STILNOX.”

It’s a crying shame, really. Because the fact is, modern-day motors are capable of delivering a whole lot more power than they do from the factory. They’re just tuned down so people like Greta Thunberg can sleep comfortably at night without being kept awake by the sound of the ice caps dripping. It’s as sacrilegious as asking Mozart to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” with a kazoo. The untapped potential of these engines yearns to be set free, and there are products out there to make it happen. Easily. 

Let’s tow like there’s no tomorrow!

When it comes to breaking down barriers and shattering preconceptions, performance chips from Steinbauer are at the forefront of the industry. As quickly as you can plug your toaster in, you can hook up a Steinbauer Power Module and enjoy a vehicle that pulls like a freight train.

When it comes to towing, having a balanced combination of horsepower and torque is vital for optimal performance. While some 4X4s may excel in one aspect, they often lack in the other. Performance modules bridge this gap by enhancing both power and torque, providing the ideal balance needed for smooth and efficient towing.

I witnessed the benefits firsthand when I co-hosted Season 15 of Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures and drove the Next-Generation Ford Ranger fitted with a Steinbauer Power Module. With its boosted digits, the Ranger effortlessly towed various setups, from smaller camper trailers to larger dual-axle caravans across challenging terrains like Billy Goat Bluff in the Victorian High Country.

“BECAUSE THE RANGER WAS PUTTING OUT MORE POWER AND TORQUE, IT WASN’T WORKING AS HARD, MEANING THE ENHANCED FIGURES DIDN’T COME AT THE COST OF FUEL EFFICIENCY.” 

Thanks to the power module, the stock rear wheel output figures of 150 kW and 715 Nm were transformed into an impressive 174 kW and 887 Nm of calculated dyno-torque at the rear wheels of the Ranger, enabling smooth overtaking and providing confident movement off the line. As a bonus, because the Ranger was putting out more power and torque, it wasn’t working as hard while towing, meaning the enhanced figures didn’t come at the cost of fuel efficiency. 

Unlocking your vehicle’s true potential is often an endeavor that’s fraught with risk; if you don’t choose the right product, something will go bang eventually. It’s important to note that power modules like Steinbauer’s are designed with safety in mind. They work within the manufacturer’s testing limits and have smart tech built in that senses how hard your vehicle is working and acts accordingly—ensuring that your engine and drivetrain components are not put at risk. 

With the combination of increased power and torque, maintained reliability, and enhanced driveability, especially during towing, Steinbauer Power Modules are a compelling choice. Having personally tested these modules for thousands of kilometres across harsh terrain with heavy loads in tow, I can vouch for their worth and dependability. They’re a solid option for those looking to maximise their vehicle’s capabilities while towing their home away from home. More importantly, though, they’re helping dispel vicious 4×4-related misconceptions, one module at a time.