2008 Tacoma getting 10 MPG towing??

Hey folk's, I've got a bit of a problem I think. I went on my hunting trip towing my 6x12 utility trailer with my quad and a couple other things in it(2000lbs??). I have done this trip last year and got about 17MPG. I ran this trip and only managed to get 10MPG(19gal/187mi) . I ran about 70MPH on the hi-way and it was a little windy that day. The only difference from last year till now is I put on BFG AT KO's on (265/70/R17), I burn Mid-high grade fuel when I tow also. My truck empty with factory tires managed 23 MPG and when I put on my BF's only went to 20-21MPG no big deal, but when I hooked up to the trailer there goes any economy. I've changed the air filter which didn't look that dirty and cleaned injectors with additive, unhooked battery to reset ECM, is there anything else I'm missing?? BTW there is no codes or engine light on. Tune up done at 30k(plugs,fluids) Don't know why such poor economy. Any thoughts?? Thanks

 

My '07 DC 4X4 OR Auto stock last year got 10.5 average towing an enclosed utility trailer from Dallas, TX to Louisville, KY. The trailer loaded weighed in just under 6,400 lbs. I drove 70-75 the whole trip, 850 miles (had to keep it out of overdrive the whole time). Your load seems light, are you sure you have the weight correct? The trailer I was towing was a 8' X 12' and just the trailer weighs 1950 lbs.

 

I usually get about 200/210 to the tank towing a polaris rzr and carson open trailer.

 

Maybe try a tank of 91 octane next time? I know my truck picks up 2 mpg just going from 87 to 91 unloaded. If the engine is pinging under load pulling the trailer, you won't hear it but the computer will pull the timing back. Less timing, less mpg. Just a thought, I don't tow anything with mine so no personal experience to offer.

 

I think I'm pretty close My trailer is about a 1000lbs and my Brute Force with some gear should total in around another 1000lbs. I'll maybe run the truck over some scales and see the actual weight.

Well at least I'm not alone with the poor mileage Cool UTV BTW

I burned High test fuel on the trip up, and tried Mid grade on the way home. High test got a little better mileage, but not much. High test fuel around here is $4.42 a gallon ($1.17L) Thanks for the input so far guys, at least I know I'm not alone. Maybe I'll need the Taco's big brother if I choose to do more towing.

 

If your trailer weight is correct, it sounds like you may have something going on. If you were driving into a strong headwind, that can make a significant difference. With that light of a load, I would have expected 12-14 mpgs depending on the type of roads and driving conditions. It sounds like you checked/replaced the simple things that can kill fuel economy also so I'm not really sure what the issue is...

 

is this an open air, or enclosed trailer?

 

09' V6, 4x4, Ext Cab with a 2,500lb V-nose trailer in tow. Best mileage (~13 mpg) when speed is kept less than 66 mph. Greater than 66 and it drops off like a brick. At 70mph my mpg is alreday down to 10 mpg. If you want mpg's, then you got to go slower.

 

I get about the same mileage towing my 8x10 enclosed snowmobile trailer w/ a 06 V6 DC 4x4. Truck has 50k & is stock except for thule rack & tires.

That is on a majority of hilly & twisty secondary highway roads.
It tows nice, just likes the gas.

My 6x10 open landscape trailer I do alittle better fwiw.

 

When I tow my boat, 6k plus, I'm usually getting around 8-10 mpg. My 18ft tandem axel trailer w/ 2 quads I usually get 12-13. 10mpg seems really low for such a small weight.

 

Usually, I have a quad on my bed and I also tow a small trailer (4x8) with another quad on it.

Last time, I did 17 MPG on highway (70 mph).

'06 V6 SR5 4x4

 

i get about 15 to 17ish. V6 auto 4-door LB TRD sport. this is from orange county to Glamis. I tow a haulmark enclosed 6X12. with two Banshee quads, gear gas and food.

I always tow with 91.. and not towing 89... 37K on the truck

 

This is an open air trailer I pull. I think maybe I'll slower down a bit, also the wind that day was pretty much head on and gusty at times. I'm heading north again for my deer hunt this weekend and I'll let you guys know how I make out when I get back. By the looks of it I'm not alone in the poor fuel mileage department. I love my truck and for 85% of my needs the Taco does it, but I still may look at it's bigger brother next year. Can't get any worse fuel mileage. Thanks to all who posted.

 

That is not a bad number when u consider wind and speed. I don't think there is anything wrong with your truck especially if you checked the normal stuff. if there were something wrong u would have more indicators. Was the tire pressure correct on both the truck and the trailer? If anything that might big another big factor. Wind can drop miles drastically. I can easily lose 7-10mpg when traveling with a head wind with no other factors changing when I drive my prius!. I have even seen 10+mpg drop when we hit 50+mph winds. That was not a good day to drive.