Banks Pedal Monster review...it's a win!

For those that have had this unit for a while, and I guess other throttle response controllers, what's the take on MPGs?

I'm curious if you're burning more fuel. Quicker to coasting speed I can see but first off the line in stop and go seems like negative.

 

Nope...not burning more fuel.

 

Glad I found this thread as it seems like nothing but positive feedback. I actually purchased the pedal monster last week and I don't even have my truck yet as it is still in transit from across the country. There was a good deal directly from Banks and it arrived the very next day! It's going on straight away but I'll drive the truck in OEM mode for a week or two so I can appreciate the improvement, LOL.

 

You will definitely notice a difference.

 

Installed my banks pedal monster today on my 22 Limited and very impressed so far. Didn’t realize there are 10 settings for each of the main categories.

I’m interested in an idash or two, are there any options for mounting them in our trucks? I’m debating between idash supergauge (just monitoring) and data monster (also records). The DM is quite a lot more expensive and I’m not sure if I need it. Pls LMK your suggestions for where to buy these gauges, thanks!

Is the entire screen of an idash taken up with the pedal monster information? I’d like to have PMonster AND turbo Information, can it also display the gear number currently being driven? Hoping there are good options for mounting these gauges, I hate suction cup mounts and looking for something more OEM; thanks!

 

@ToyFan is our Banks rep here. As far as the gauge and what it displays, @Ginsterkev has one and could answer some of your questions.

 

Thanks @Tundra234 ! @ToyFan good to meet you, I like my Pedal Monster on my 22 Tundra so far. I’m interested in an idash or two: definitely a data monster for the first one to enable data recording.

Do you suggest trying only one idash at first, generally is this sufficient for most users? Or do you think two dashes is optimal (if so, do both need to be data monsters for logging, or just one data monster and one super gauge?).

What are the idash model number(s) you recommend for the third Gen tundra, with an already installed pedal monster. What other cables are necessary/any discounts for us forum members? Thx!

Re mounting, can any of the stealth pods work with our trucks? Would much rather have a seamless looking install than a vacuum window suction cup. @Ginsterkev good to meet you also! I’m hoping to learn from you re your idash setup and how you have it mounted etc. cheers!

 

Found these idash screen options for Third Gen Tundras https://docs.bankspower.com/bids/files/PID_2022_Toyota_Tundra_Limited_3_DOT_4L_V_162_E.html

 

Good to meet you as well I first used the suction cup one from banks but ultimately found a 3d printed vent gauge on Amazon that is awesome looks factory I still have the suction cup one if you want it !

 

Yeah it does display a lot and is very user friendly you can change all the colors and backgrounds and have multiple screens displaying a whole host of different things . I did want to see trans temp on there but was not able to find it but I have it through my pioneer head unit wich is fine .. since I'm super charged I like seeing the aat and iat I belive manifold pressure is on there as well ... cat temps were important to me seeing as I have cat plates bolted on so that's awesome to ... it's def worth the money and there customer service is awesome I am currently waiting on a new gauge to be sent out as the one I have suddenly went out, but they were kind enough to send this one and ask me to just sent the old one back so they can test it ...

 

Jay from Banks here. We are about to release our new iDash Stealth Pod for Tacoma, with the Tundra unit only a few weeks away. It's a game-changer. The new pod keeps the iDash up and out of the way, yet perfectly within your sightline. Pictured below is a 3D-printed test unit for 3rd Gen Tundras.

 

Hi Jay! Fantastic to hear from you! This is wonderful news that you are releasing an idash stealth pod for Tundra! Will you be releasing a dual pod as well?

Latest update, I just recently ordered a data monster and companion idash for a dual setup. I also ordered the RAM dual stealthpod in the hopes I could make it work in the Tundra. Now that I know you’re making a Toyota version I’d like to adjust that order, replacing the other stealth pods with the Tundra version before it ships if we can do that.

Really hoping you’ll also make a dual pod for the Tundra! If not, I can change the order to a single data monster and stealth pod. Super happy you’re on the forum BTW. The pedal monster (edited: I have the Banks PM, not commander) is a game changer. I have been running my truck on tow+ for a year as I really dislike the Normal and Sport modes.

The pedal monster on Sport mode has totally transformed my normal drive mode, and gives a wealth of small adjustment possibilities that provide the torque I’ve been seeking. Much appreciated Jay and very enthusiastically to be discovering these options for our trucks! - Taiko

 

Change your post to pedal monster. The Commander is from a different company. Some might get confused from your post.

 

Yes, I'm happy to adjust your order. At this time, we are just releasing the single iDash Stealth Pod. Depending on demand, we may offer a dual pod later this year.

Also, I'm curious, are you currently using a Banks PedalMonster throttle controller, or Pedal Commander, our competitor? I realize the product names are confusingly similar. If you're using a Pedal Commander, I strongly recommend you look into the Banks PedalMonster for several key reasons. First, Pedal Commanders are known for causing check engine lights because they draw down the fragile +5v accelerator pedal reference circuit. Second, Pedal Commander has no idea what gear you're in. Therefore, it adds sensitivity in both forward and reverse. The Banks PedalMonster is connected via OBD and knows your year, make, model, transmission type, speed, and gear. When you shift into reverse, PedalMonster seamlessly returns you to stock throttle response. As if that wasn't enough, Pedal Commander does not have any failsafe circuitry. If it fails, it can fail at full throttle. This is called unintended acceleration and is incredibly dangerous. If PedalMonster fails, it fails to stock throttle thanks to its normally closed relays.

Finally, you can control the Banks PedalMonster while you drive, right from the iDash!

Please email me with your contact info so that I can adjust your order. jtilles at bankspower dot com.

 

Hi again Jay, also thanks @Tundra234. I’m using a Banks Pedal Monster, just installed two days ago. I mis-spoke/wrote mistaking the “monster” for “commander”. I edited my post to reflect. My positive experience with the Monster is why I ordered the idashes. Jay I will send you an email. Thanks!!

 

I'm hoping to install my pedal monster later today. Benn sitting in my center console for a week, but life has been in the way. Looking forward to waking her response a bit.

 

Throttle controller is changing your throttle curve by making the ECU think you've depressed the pedal more than you actually physically depressed it; in essence it makes the curve ramp up more steeply. It isn't changing fueling or anything like that.

The throttle controllers with an "ECO" mode claim up to +20% fuel savings but I've not seen that bear out in any tests. Pretty good mode for off roading where you need to finesse the pedal, skeptical on any significant fuel savings.

 

Regarding throttle controllers that offer "Eco" mode that deadens the pedal response... There's a specific reason that Banks did not incorporate an "Eco" mode into the PedalMonster. It's a huge liability. Here's why. If you set your throttle controller to a mode where it withholds throttle input and fails or changes modes while in "Eco" mode, it can fail a more aggressive mode or even full throttle. This is referred to as "unintended acceleration" and as you'll recall, Toyota spent millions of dollars settling cases where vehicles lurched forward with little or no input from the driver. Banks chose not to include such a mode. Just food for thought.

 

Good to know. Thanks for sharing this.

I knew about an issue with changing modes while depressing the pedal. Sounds like there are several other ways to throw a fault or introduce an issue.

I would speculate the Bluetooth draw is also an issue with the PC specifically but I haven't seen documented proof of it.

My main reason for liking the "ECO" modes is the more aggressive modes always feel like the transmission is slamming into gear in the more aggressive modes.

I ran with a PC for a little while. Hated the stock feel. Installed PC, tried "City" and liked it, switched to "Sport" and "Sport +". Ran Sport + -4 for a while. Went back down to "City" -4 and still noticed the slamming before switching to "ECO".

I ended up switching to the new Hike It model.

"ECO" feels like it breaks the pedal into 3 stages before really getting into the last stage, the more aggressive modes all seem to jump straight into the last stage. I don't know if that makes sense. It may be a PC specific issue.

 

I'm going to blow your mind. Then, after blowing your mind, I'll as you to make the switch from HikeIt to Banks PedalMonster. The reason that you didn't like the Pedal Commander is likely because the throttle sensitivity curves aren't curves at all. In fact, they're straight lines with dog legs. You and the truck's ECM can feel these dog legs. It's why so many Toyotas get shift-happy with the Pedal Commander. See the graphics below. You'll see a similar chart on Pedal Commander's website. But this isn't the mind-blower. PedalMonster is the only OBD-II-connected throttle controller available. By being connected to OBD, PedalMonster can be powered by +12v, not the low-overhead +5v pedal reference circuit as we discussed in an earlier thread. But here's where it gets good. OBD provides DATA! PedalMonster knows your year, make, model, transmission type, speed and gear. PedalCommander and Hikit could be connected to a riding lawnmower. They are clueless with no data. Not only does PedalMonster return you to stock pedal response in reverse (a patented feature) but you can adjust your low-speed trim! You can set how much added sensitivity you want below 10 mph. In other words, you can set it so PedalMonster doesn't add any sensitivity below 10 mph. Then, as you exceed 10 mph, it smoothly rolls in its added sensitivity until it reaches your preset level. This allows you to leave it in an aggressive setting, but not have that aggressive setting when leaving a stop sign, or traveling slowly on show, ice, sand, etc. This is the game changer. Get the sensitivity when you want it, and not when you don't. It's not EcoMode. It's better.

 

Cool. Again I appreciate your write up, insights and explanations of what is going on.

What options does one have if they are running a SG3 on the OBD? I think the OP disabled the OBD feature. TIA

 

In my opinion, you should replace the ScanGauge with an iDash. The iDash+PedalMonster combo gives you all the data that you're looking for and allows you to control and monitor the PedalMonster while you're driving.

 

Is iDash autoscan or do you have to enter codes for the various PIDs?

 

When you first turn on the iDash, you navigate to Menu > Settings > Vehicle Selection > Toyota. It reboots with the proper list of PIDs and that's it. You're done.

 

Last question. Are you planning on a dual iDash set up for the A-Pillar?

 

I think that the single pillar mount (they call them stealthpods) is what is in development for the third Gen Tundra right now. I’m excited to hopefully get one of these for my first idash, the “data monster” version that also logs data. I really hope and suggest that Banks also make a dual pillar mounted stealth pod. And why not a triple version! I see that these are available for other vehicles (scroll down on the link below https://bankspower.com/collections/gauge-mounts

 

Yes, it is for the 3rd gen.

None of those in the link you provided are for Tundra Gen 2.5 nor Gen 3, only the universal suction cup single/dual pods or the underdash brackets. Feasible to mod one of those as an interim solution.

Craven Speed make the Flex Pod for over the steering wheel (what I am currently running for Boost/AFR) and Ortiz custom makes an A-Pillar version but deletes the driver side handle. Flex pod has some fitment issues with certain 52 mm gauges.

 

@Saltyhero13, I’m quite aware that the links I provided for the mounts are not for our tundras. None are yet made specifically for our trucks in my understanding (other than the standard suction cup mounts).

I also mentioned that a third Gen option is currently in development for 2022+, earlier in the thread Jay provided a photo of a 3D printed option for the third Gen that is still a prototype.

I appreciate the information you shared re your Craven Speed and Ortiz Customs, are these specifically for our trucks or did you just make these work? Do you have links or pics for how you are running these?

How do you like the Craven for your boost gauge over your steering wheel? I don’t want to give up my driver’s side handle for the Ortiz, are these made specifically for the third Gen Tundra (what year is your truck)?

I’m (very) new to the Banks ecosystem but I like the PM (a lot) after only 3 days of use, and am looking forward to an integrated solution (not suction cup mount) for an idash datamonster as soon as a good 3rd Gen option is ready.

I’ll provide pics and my review of the stealthpod for 22+ Tundra as soon as I receive it. I’ll also mention that the level of support I’ve already received from Jay ranks among the best I’ve yet experienced.

 

Ortiz 2 gauge pillar pod and a customer 3d printed vent gauge I found on Amazon for the tacomas, fits perfect in the tundra with no mods, works great for the idash