Tires for MPG?

Question for you guys. I know we didn’t buy these trucks for their fuel economy, so there might not be a lot of data out there, but I wanted to know if anyone has got some personal real-world numbers for tires that have improved fuel economy, either through weight or tread or both. I log 99.999% of my miles on pavement, and my Thought was to get a cheap set of wheels, Mount my stock tires on them for dirt days, then put some easy-rollers on the stock rims for daily drivers.

I suspect this is foolish, but I wanted to play it out with some data. So, can anyone give me their mileage changes on Prius tires?

Oh, and I’ve noticed that all of our base mileage’s vary wildly, so I’d really be interested in the change, and not just your ‘after’ number.

Thsnks!

 

How you drive the truck is very important to MPGs.

I don't know of anyone changing tires for MPGs.

Buy the thinnest with lightest weight.

 

For ultimate MPG, I’d get something like a Michelin LTX MS in P-rating in size 245/75/16. Keeps the stock sizing and weight is lower at 34lbs. That would be my set up, anyway.

By the way, I did not select 245’s because of any Aero advantages. I’ve played around with width in the past and I found no significant difference between narrow and wide as some claim. The size selection was all based on weight.

$304+ Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tires

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Defender+LTX+M/S&partnum=475TR6DLTX

 

Stock tires. If it got more mpgs using other tires they would have used them for the epa tests.

 

Is be curious to see real results with the Mich LTX as well. They are the only tire that I have found that has an LRR rating. At the same time, people are reporting that the Kumho Crugen is just as good for less than half the price. Doubtful you would save enough more mpg with the Michelin to justify it over the Kumhos.

But yeah, all other things equal, a narrow and light P rated tire is going to be best.

 

Mich Defenders, same rolling dia as stock (so size adjust accordingly for any wheel changes)

Reduce unsprung weight, rolling resistance, protect the OE final gear ratio and keep tires properly inflated.

Then install a vacuum gauge and learn how to drive using it as a guide.

 

Switched from the stock Goodyears to Michelin X LT A/S's and am thrilled with the handling and mpg boost. I was averaging about 19 around town and now get over 21. Just came off a highway road trip at 75-80 mph with A/C and pulled down 24.5.

 

I run 6-8 psi over stock recommendation in the summer time. Rolls a lot better on pavement.

 

Ha! I thought the stock tires were easy rollers. I think it has a ton to do with how you drive.

 

find a good looking lighter wheel combined with a Michelin Defender tire....MPG's increase with less weight and a lighter foot...literally have to drive like have no where to be...i remember my grandfather told me once that if you drive 55mph the entire trip "not intersate" ( backroads or not busy roads) you'll arrive 7 minutes after the guy driving 65 and burn less gas than he did..not sure if its true i still drive like an asshole...good luck OP and let us know what you come up with

 

I hear Model T tires are best for MPGS and off-road. I know this is a Dodge in 1920 but still skinnys
https://www.youtube.com/embed/LhnfRU2QnI0

 

First off, thanks to everyone for their replies, and especially for the thread resurrection. I’ll keep digging.

Not to hijack my own thread but.. It’s funny, all this talk about light footedness. In no way do I disagree with the simple physics of ‘less throttle opening = less fuel use per minute = less fuel use overall’, but in my experience with this truck and it’s wonderful ‘learning’ transmission, I don’t think it’s that straightforward.

I don’t have a vacuum gauge, but I do run with that little instant economy bar on display, and I’ve tried using it as a reminder to barely touch the gas (it honestly seems to just be a reverse throttle position sensor), and it helps, but I also find that my best trip mileages come on trips where I just relax and don’t think about it, which in my case absolutely means harder accelerations and slightly higher top speeds.

Then again, I never (ever) clear 21mpg on a trip. Typical good mileage for me is 18. You 24mpg guys are practicing witchcraft

 

Buy a chin spoiler from a non-OR model and install it.

Remove side mirrors.

Tape off radiator like a NASCAR qualifying lap.

 

I actually went looking for a chin spoiler in the NorCal forum, had no takers.

 

Don't be one of these guys.

Many lives ruined in one incident, driving as you describe yourself.

http://www.wfla.com/news/local-news...roller-hit-by-car-on-bayshore-blvd/1194521961

 

I have one available in NorCal, with about 500 miles on it. Santa Rosa.

 

NOT 255/85/16 33 inch tires. DO NOT GO WITH THE COOPER DISCOVERER ST'S!!!

Sorry. Couldn't resist. Carry on.

 

OP as you mentioned this is kind of a silly thread since there are about 100 better choices of vehicle IF gas mileage is something important to you. That said let’s do some quick math for you to put this in perspective of the almighty dollar.

If you drive you truck 12,000 miles a year and get 19.5 MPG you will use about 632 Gallons of gas in 1 year.

Now if you somehow buy magic Prius tires for your Taco and bump that up to 20.5 MPG (1 MPG increase) you will use 585 gallons of gas.

That’s a difference of 47 gallons IF you could get a 1 MPG increase. Average cost of gas is say $2.79/ Gallon or 131 dollars a year savings.

I’d estimate the minimum cost of a set of tires would be $600, and say $400 for Rims (Though lighter will cost MORE) that’s a cost of $1000 for new Prius tires and Rims. PLUS mounting and balancing tax, and new TPMS sensors and programming otherwise you’ll have to switch TPMS every time..... and if you’re going for mileage you will want TPMS... they’re like $100/EACH.

Let’s just call it $1500 for a new wheel set up.

$1500/ $131 = 11.5 year pay back, maybe you could double you MPG reduction.... 5+ year payback, in which time you’ll certainly need new tires again...

Get the idea?

If you’re doing it to try and save money, bolt on a silly sport fairing as mentioned. If you’re doing it to be Green and help the planet, than I commend you, that’s a good thing... just make sure you really figure out the dollars and cents before you do something for the wrong reason.

-YOTA

 

My chin spoiler will only set the OP back $50.

 

Firestone destination LE2 p245/75/16 BSW weigh between 31-35lbs.