1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site
    Quick Links: Trailer harness splitter Adding a transmission cooler Adding 4-Pin to a Base 2011 SR5 One-time tow across desert SW without AT cooler - BAD? Question about 7 blade mod Trailer wire harness pigtail part number?

7mpg?!

Discussion in 'Towing' started by kalaniwavo, Dec 31, 2011.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:13 PM
    #1
    kalaniwavo

    #1
    kalaniwavo [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2010
    Member:
    #34410
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    NORCAL
    Vehicle:
    11Tacoma
    camper shell
    Just took our travel trailer on its maiden voyage and was blown away at how horrible the mileage was. I expected bad, maybe somewhere between 9 to 11 but I got 7mpg?!

    I'm towing with a 2011 Taco DC LB 4x4 with a Leer camper shell. Our travel trailer is 19ft and 4500lbs loaded. Trip was on flat ground, no wind and stayed around 60 and never went above 65. Aired all the tires up to 37psi before we left and stayed in 4rth gear (automatic)

    I read alot of posts on here before we bought our trailer and it seemed, even the guys that were towing 24ft++ trailers, were getting somewhere above 9mpg. Am I missing something? Was planning on towing the truck up the Sierras and doing some camping in the mountains at Tahoe this year but I'm having second thoughts now.

    What do you guys think!?
     
    kalaniwavo, Dec 31, 2011
    #1
  2. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:14 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    #2
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Tow in 5th, unless the tranny trys to hunt.
     
    chris4x4, Dec 31, 2011
    #2
  3. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:14 PM
    #3
    kalaniwavo

    #3
    kalaniwavo [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2010
    Member:
    #34410
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    NORCAL
    Vehicle:
    11Tacoma
    camper shell
    Happy New Year by the way!!!
     
    kalaniwavo, Dec 31, 2011
    #3
  4. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:19 PM
    #4
    jandrews

    #4
    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    Member:
    #18122
    Messages:
    16,174
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '09 FourDubDee TRD OR
    A-TRUCK, Fat Kid in the Bed, Custom Pinstriping, Ported and Polished Muffler Bearing, Hi-Performance Bed Mat
    Heaviest trim level truck. Camper shell. 4500lb trailer. Highway speeds one ratio down from top gear.

    Where's the surprise?
     
    jandrews, Dec 31, 2011
    #4
  5. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:25 PM
    #5
    kalaniwavo

    #5
    kalaniwavo [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2010
    Member:
    #34410
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    NORCAL
    Vehicle:
    11Tacoma
    camper shell
    Just because I don't think I've ever heard anyone admit to actually getting 7mpg. I have freinds with full size trucks and Class A gasoine RV's that get better gas mileage. I figured at worst I would be getting the same mpg as them, but not any worse
     
    kalaniwavo, Dec 31, 2011
    #5
  6. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:26 PM
    #6
    chris4x4

    #6
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    I'd bet you would have been closer to 10 if you were in 5th.
     
    chris4x4, Dec 31, 2011
    #6
  7. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:27 PM
    #7
    jandrews

    #7
    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    Member:
    #18122
    Messages:
    16,174
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '09 FourDubDee TRD OR
    A-TRUCK, Fat Kid in the Bed, Custom Pinstriping, Ported and Polished Muffler Bearing, Hi-Performance Bed Mat

    Agree with this.
     
    jandrews, Dec 31, 2011
    #7
  8. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:33 PM
    #8
    OZ-T

    #8
    OZ-T You are going backwards

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2009
    Member:
    #27584
    Messages:
    50,424
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Peter North
    British Columbia
    Vehicle:
    Mag Grey 09 Trd Sport DCLB 4x4
    OME 885x , OME shocks and Dakars , Wheelers SuperBumps front and rear , 275/70/17 Hankook ATm , OEM bed mat , Weathertech digifit floor liners , Weathertech in-channel vents , headache rack , Leer 100RCC commercial canopy , TRD bedside decals removed , Devil Horns by Andres , HomerTaco Satoshi
    Does the TC lock in 4th ?
     
    OZ-T, Dec 31, 2011
    #8
  9. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:35 PM
    #9
    chris4x4

    #9
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Yes.
     
    chris4x4, Dec 31, 2011
    #9
  10. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:39 PM
    #10
    OZ-T

    #10
    OZ-T You are going backwards

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2009
    Member:
    #27584
    Messages:
    50,424
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Peter North
    British Columbia
    Vehicle:
    Mag Grey 09 Trd Sport DCLB 4x4
    OME 885x , OME shocks and Dakars , Wheelers SuperBumps front and rear , 275/70/17 Hankook ATm , OEM bed mat , Weathertech digifit floor liners , Weathertech in-channel vents , headache rack , Leer 100RCC commercial canopy , TRD bedside decals removed , Devil Horns by Andres , HomerTaco Satoshi
    So just D and 4th , no ?
     
    OZ-T, Dec 31, 2011
    #10
  11. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:42 PM
    #11
    chris4x4

    #11
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    I know it locks in both 4th and 5th, but I was reading in Popular Mechanics, and they statted that it can also achieve "partial lock" in 3rd. Most TC's lock either On or Off, where as the one on the Tacoma can have varying degrees of lock.....However, aside from that article, I havent found anything else to back that up. Everytime I have the opertunity to test this in my truck, I forget.
     
    chris4x4, Dec 31, 2011
    #11
  12. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:46 PM
    #12
    OZ-T

    #12
    OZ-T You are going backwards

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2009
    Member:
    #27584
    Messages:
    50,424
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Peter North
    British Columbia
    Vehicle:
    Mag Grey 09 Trd Sport DCLB 4x4
    OME 885x , OME shocks and Dakars , Wheelers SuperBumps front and rear , 275/70/17 Hankook ATm , OEM bed mat , Weathertech digifit floor liners , Weathertech in-channel vents , headache rack , Leer 100RCC commercial canopy , TRD bedside decals removed , Devil Horns by Andres , HomerTaco Satoshi
    Thanks 16
     
    OZ-T, Dec 31, 2011
    #12
  13. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:47 PM
    #13
    jandrews

    #13
    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    Member:
    #18122
    Messages:
    16,174
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '09 FourDubDee TRD OR
    A-TRUCK, Fat Kid in the Bed, Custom Pinstriping, Ported and Polished Muffler Bearing, Hi-Performance Bed Mat
    First I was like :confused:

    But then I was like :cookiemonster:
     
    jandrews, Dec 31, 2011
    #13
  14. Dec 31, 2011 at 6:54 PM
    #14
    chugchug

    #14
    chugchug Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2009
    Member:
    #25761
    Messages:
    157
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    Frederick MD
    Vehicle:
    2012 Toyota Tundra
    Dont feel bad I had an 2005 v6 dbl cab 4x4 short bed and was pulling my hybrid camper witch loaded 5900lbs. Dont get me wrong the fricken truck pulled and on flat ground and you didnt even know it was there accept in mpg. But it didnt like hills tho. So went and bought it,s bigger brother 2012 tundra dblcab 4x4.
     
    chugchug, Dec 31, 2011
    #14
  15. Dec 31, 2011 at 7:14 PM
    #15
    chris4x4

    #15
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    :homer:
     
    chris4x4, Dec 31, 2011
    #15
  16. Dec 31, 2011 at 7:54 PM
    #16
    kalaniwavo

    #16
    kalaniwavo [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2010
    Member:
    #34410
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    NORCAL
    Vehicle:
    11Tacoma
    camper shell
    so you guys think it would be ok towing in D as long as its the tranny isn't hunting? I know everyone has their own opinions but I thought the general consensus was never tow in D. I'll have to do some experimenting...


    About how much do shells weigh anyway? We got the shell to camp in the back but have a newborn now (reason we upgraded to trailer) so no need for it anymore. Might help the mpg a little (realistically maybe 1/8mpg) =)

    Thanks for the responses! I'll keep tweaking and see what I come up with. There is def a learning curve with rv's and went pretty well for our first weekend until we packed up camp drove off and 20miles down the road I remembered I left my full cup of coffee in the microwave! made a mess but was good for a good laugh!
     
    kalaniwavo, Dec 31, 2011
    #16
  17. Dec 31, 2011 at 7:57 PM
    #17
    chris4x4

    #17
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,524
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Not towing in Over Drive or the 5th gear in our Tacoma, is a thing started back in the 70's, as the OD gears were a very weak planetary gear set. Now, there is no issue towing in "D", and letting the tranny do its thing.
     
    chris4x4, Dec 31, 2011
    #17
  18. Dec 31, 2011 at 8:01 PM
    #18
    G scott04

    #18
    G scott04 ...

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2011
    Member:
    #49443
    Messages:
    4,877
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Garrett
    Mesa
    Vehicle:
    04 PreRunner
    Im not really even sure when i "need" to use overdrive, or when it would be useful, the tranny downshifts whenever it needs to
     
    G scott04, Dec 31, 2011
    #18
  19. Dec 31, 2011 at 8:02 PM
    #19
    4Wheelin4Banger

    #19
    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2011
    Member:
    #58306
    Messages:
    7,295
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randy
    Ferntucky, NV Halfway between Reno & Falabama
    Vehicle:
    2011 4x4 Access Cab Supercharged Silver State Edition 245WHP
    3" OME lift 885s & Dakars riding on 33" KM2s
    If you do come up & want to hit a trail with some fellow TWers give us some advance notice and we can probably set up a run. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/south-west/167767-reno-sparks-trail-run.html
     
    4Wheelin4Banger, Dec 31, 2011
    #19
  20. Dec 31, 2011 at 8:12 PM
    #20
    fletch aka

    #20
    fletch aka www.BeLikeBrit.org

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2009
    Member:
    #12223
    Messages:
    7,080
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Left Coast
    Vehicle:
    09 Magnetic Gray TRD OffRoad
    TRD cat back exhaust, TRD Cold Air Intake, differential breather mod' Hellwig rear sway bar, 16x8 TRD Ivan Stewart's, Michelin LTX A/T2, DTRL Stealth Mode Mod, custom "Texas Edition" shift knob, Sock's "Classic" bedside decals, MetalMiller custom grill emblem, 20% front tinted windows, tinted taillights, Viper alarm, ScanGauge II, Flyzeye Designs V2W Tacoma Interior LED lighting, de-mud flapped, de-badged, extra D-rings under bed bolts, WeatherTech ED floor mats, G4 Elite Fold a Cover ,Toyota bed mat, tailgate theft deterrent device and absolutely no plasti-dip!
    I have to agree with this ^^
     
    fletch aka, Dec 31, 2011
    #20
Page 1 of 3

Products Discussed in

Mobil 1 104361 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)
$29.67
Softride Quiet Ride Locking Tightening Hitch Pin; Anti-Rattle for Receiver Hitches, Bike Racks, or Boat Trailers; Silence the "clanking" noise that occurs while towing (25219)
$36.99
CIPA 11950 Adjustable Clip-On front Towing Mirror Black & Silver, 15.75"
$12.63
CURT 56584 Replacement Vehicle-Side Custom USCAR 5-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness , Black
$41.78
Power Stop K137-36 Front Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads and Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors For Toyota 4Runner FJ Cruiser Tacoma 6 Lug
$191.98
Valley Tow 30127 T-Connector
$49.00
CURT 55513 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, Select Toyota Tacoma, T100, Hilux , Black
$47.93
Hopkins Towing Solutions 43315 Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Kit
$50.95
Fekuar 6" Slim 650CFM Radiator Cooling Fans Universal Slim Pull Push 12V 80W Direct Replacement Electric Fan with Mount Kit
$22.98
Reese Towpower 21794 Class III Interlock Ball Mount, Black, 8
$22.99
Hopkins 48925 Tail Light Converter with 4 Wire Flat Extension
$23.99
Anti Rattle Hitch Tightener Stabilizer No Sway for 2" and 1.25" Steel Heavy Duty Rust Free
$24.99
GEARWRENCH Heavy-Duty Large Hose Clamp Pliers - 3978D
$24.41
Suspa C16-08316 C1608316 20" Gas Prop, Quantity (2), Force 40 Lbs Per Prop, Force Per Set 80 Lbs, Camper Rear Window, Tonneau Cover Lift Supports, Window Lift Support, Struts, Made in USA
$24.95
BEP 701 Battery Disconnect Switch
$24.00
Hopkins Towing Solutions 47185 Multi-Tow 4 Flat to 7 Blade and 4 Flat Adapter
$24.24
CURT 45112 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Fits 2" Receiver, 5000 lbs, 1" Hole, 10" Drop, Gloss Black Powder Coat
$46.53
Pyle Backup Rear View Car Camera Monitor Screen System Kit - Parking & Reverse Safety Distance Scale Lines, Waterproof, Night Vision, IR LED Lights, 3.5" LCD Video Color Display for Vehicles - PLCM36
$47.11
CIPA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror
$45.08
Smittybilt 3" x 30-feet Tow Strap (Yellow) - CC330
$49.50
Hopkins Towing Solutions Hopkins 40975 Multi-Tow Plug-In Simple Wiring Kit
$36.88
ESP Truck Accessories Brake Controller Mounting kit for 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma Compatible with Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller
$35.90
MaxxHaul 70067 Trailer Hitch - 8-Position Adjustable Ball Mount Tow Hitch - 5000 lbs. GTW Capacity , Black
$35.99
Tow-Pro Brake Controller Harness (TPH-021)
$35.99
Hopkins Towing Solutions 40974 Multi-Tow 7 Blade and 4 Flat Connector (Packaging may vary),3.25 x 3.88 x 6.88,grey
$36.01
Hopkins Towing Solutions 43385 Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Kit
$36.56
Hayden Automotive 678 Universal Rapid-Cool 9.5” x 11” Add-On Transmission Cooler – Not for Direct Replacement of the OE Cooler
$50.55
Draw-Tite 118496 T-One Connector for Toyota T100/Tacoma
$59.12
Pro Taper 1.5" Tie Downs (Black)
$42.39
Reese Towpower 21141 Adjustable Ball Mount , Black
$42.97
Hopkins Towing Solutions 43395 Plug-In Simple Vehicle to Trailer Wiring Kit
$40.27
Draw-Tite Tow Ready 63201 J-Pin Anti-Rattle Pin and Barrel Lockset for 2" Square Receivers
$42.99
Reese Towpower 21512 Multiple-Ball Ball Mount,Black,Medium
$37.03
SHURFLO 94-591-01 Pump Silencing Kit - 36"
$37.79
CURT 56080 7-Foot Vehicle-Side Truck Bed 7-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness Extension , Black
$43.90
Omix-Ada | 11233.01 | License Plate Bracket, Black | OE Reference: 55007403 | Fits 1978-1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ
$40.29
Fastway 88-00-6500 Flip Trailer Tongue Automatic Fold-Up Jack Foot Plate--6" Extension (2" Inner Jack Tube), 2 1/4" , RED
$43.53
MISSLO Over Door Organizer for Closet Pantry Narrow Door, Pack 2, White
$21.99
Camco Tow-N-See Mirror | Features Quick and Simple Installation & Attaches to Existing Side Mirror | Perfect to Add to RV Accessories, Truck Accessories, Car Accessories & More | Convex Style (25668)
$27.99
Reese Towpower 78118 Professional Wiring Adapter, 7-Way Blade to 4- or 5-Way Flat, LED Circuit Tester,Regular
$26.51
Hitch Clamp - Heavy Duty, 2" - Made in The USA - Hitch Tightener, Anti Rattle Device, Receiver clamp
$28.50
Panavise Custom InDash Mount for Toyota Tacoma '05-07
$29.95
To Top