15% Fuel Economy Increase Due to Shifting

Hi there TW, long time lurker, first time poster!

I bought a 4 cyl (4x4) Tacoma for fuel economy but have been a litle disappointed with the 16-17 mpg I have been getting in the winter. I read the fuel economy forums and saw it mentioned that shifting at around 2000 rpm yields increased economy. So I tried it and got 19.3 mpg on my last tank, for a ~15% increase.

I'm not sure if this is because I tend to avoid the higher engine losses at high rpm, or if shifting so low just forces one to accelerate slowly. In any case the results are encouraging and I'm hoping to get into the low 20's once summer rolls around.

So if you have a manual Tacoma, give it a try. My only concern is lugging at low rpm... is this something I should be worried about?

 

you'll get much better in the summer. i usually get 20-21 in the summer with my 3.4 v6 but around winter time i get 13-15. especially with the cold weather up in canada you'll notice a huge change

 

Off topic (sorry), but where in Ontario are you?

 

I've got the same configuation truck as you, shifting at 2000 in the summer, 70% freeway driving I get 23.5-24.5 mpg on a continual basis, minnesota winter, and being a wuss and warming my truck up in the morning I'm getting about 19

 

Buy a prius if you are worried about fuel.

 

I am in London.

 

I wouldn't worry about fuel if I had infinite funds. But since I don't, why not save a few bucks while still having a capable truck?

But thanks for your input.

 

Those numbers must be due to winter. I've the 4 cyl. 4x4 auto and it averages about 20-21 in winter. It's probably a bit warmer here in Oregon, too. Do you guys use "winter gas" over there? That could also contribute to the problem, from what I've read on these boards.

 

A little off topic .... as mine in an AT 4 cylinder ...... not exceeding 2000 rpms works wonders. Driving smart works wonders, as well as letting the transmission do its job.

Around town a little over 21 ..... hovering just below 30 on the highway.

 

you only get 16-17mpg with a 4 cylinder??? I consistantly go 21-22 with the 4.0l v-6...its 6 speed and I try to max the revs out at 3000 when shifting...high geAR 100kph=about 2100rpm

 

Yeah suuuure. A consistent 21-22 with a manual 6cyl 4x4 that is rated 17 mpg by EPA. You might do a LOT of suburban driving (30-50 mph), or miscalculating your mpg. Anyway, it's not like it's a normal mpg number to get, even with my 4 cyl I would only get that during summer

 

From 1st to 2nd at 1500 and the rest at 2000 rpm on the 6-cyl. 6-speed. Really good gas mileage [except when in 4WD, naturally.]

 

Really? 1st and 2nd must be closer on the 6 speed. On my 5 speed I tend to shift at 2500 from 1st to 2nd, otherwise rpms drop too much.

 

Anyone have any recommendations on shift point for the V6 6sp? Still shoot for 2000?

 

My dad lugs the crap out of his 06 tacoma 4cyl 4x4 and it clogged both of his cats, dealer cost.... $700

 

i shift at 10, 20, 35, 50, 60 MPH
which if i am correct that's about 2000, 2000, 2250, 2500, 2500 RPM

 

Actually yes. If I'm rolling just a little bit, I can start up in 2nd no problem. No bogging down, no issues at all. I'm not that technical but I can definitely tell the gears on the 6-speed are a lot closer than my previous vehicle which was a 5-speed. Just my $0.02.