Just drove 3300 miles to the coast and back in my 3.5 Auto

...and it was awesome.

Denver > Utah > Nevada > California > Oregon > Idaho > Utah > Denver

Truck specs:

• Stock 2019 TRD OR (with tech package) MGM DCSB with 6877 miles (after the trip).
• Softopper with platform bed in the back (simple 2x 2x6 setup with 3/4" plywood and storage underneath).
• Tacoma bed mat
• 30 PSI all around
• Upgraded the stock battery to a 34R Deka from NAPA
• Matching spare wheel/tire (came in handy for the 5k rotation during the trip)
• Cargo included 2 adults (~300 lbs), 2 dogs (~150 lbs) and about ~50 lbs of camping gear, a cooler, food, etc...

The truck performed flawlessly. Love the 3.5, it is so easy to get it to do what you want it to with the Auto transmission paired with manual mode. The transmission worked great - I used ECT in the mountains and went with manual mode when it made sense. Cruise control was great on the flats (didn't want to use it on the mountain roads).

Trip data (manually calculated - used a consistent fill-up method each time):

• Dates: 23Nov19 - 30Nov19
• Total miles: 3300 miles
• MPG average was 18.3
• Lowest MPG: 15.1 on a 207 mile trip from northern Cali toward Eugene, OR during a blizzard on I-5 (lots of stop and go, 4x4, etc..)
• Highest MPG: 23.7 on a 330 mile trip - coincidentally this was after the low MPG fill up. We were still in a blizzard on a 2 lane road (hwy 97 from Weed, CA to Eugene, OR). I was in 4hi for a large part of this trip (~200 miles) cruising between 30-45 mph. Roads were shit and people were all over the place. Luckily not much traffic going the direction we were going and the trusty Taco did fine, even with stock tires.
• Cost of fuel for the trip: ~$600
• Longest day: 805 miles from Denver, CO to Austin, NV

Notes:

• The truck seemed to ride better as the trip progressed and as it broke in.
• 5 tire rotation is handy on a trip when you only have the stock bottle jack/tools
• I wouldn't mind trying 32 PSI on a trip like this. I went with 30 PSI as that is what Toyota recommends.
• Comfort-wise the truck was great for my wife and I (plus our two dogs). We are in-shape and are of average size. I used to have a 1st Gen Tacoma and the 3rd Gen is by far more comfy for long trips.
• Gas is expensive in California.
• Have at least 2 weeks to do a trip like this next time.

 

The MGM ones must be slapped together nicely. They clearly have the most happy owners. Helluva trip you had.

 

Sounds like a great trip! Were both you guys able to sleep in the back with the tailgate up? I have the same softopper/sleeping platform setup, I'm only 5'9 and fit diagonally but cant imagine it possible to squeeze someone else in there with me with it closed

 

We actually didn't use it on this trip. We had it as a "just in case"... we were able to stay with friends/family most of the trip and motel'd it a couple times. The temperatures/weather did not cooperate much on this trip unfortunately.

I'm 5'10" and, like you, I fit in there diagonally just fine. The two of use in there would have been tight with the tailgate up but I think we could have made it work if we had to (for a night).

 

My God man you paid an average of $3.33 for a gallon of gas? Next time go east. Gas is $2.14 a gallon here.

 

Yep, not cheap, but when you're in the middle of nowhere (or in California) you don't have a choice. Our next trip will likely be out to the NE but not any time soon.

 

You rotated your tires DURING your trip? That's some hardcore dedication to the maintenance schedule right there

Kidding of course. I love my truck (including the auto) too.

 

Haha, I did... I happened to have access to a garage when it was due so I went for it.

 

Ahh Tacomaworld, where no matter what you do or say, someone will posit how you could have done it better.

Nice thread by the way.

Thanks

 

Lol did not criticize his trip just gas prices.
In March I am driving a 7K trip from SC to Northern Cal and back. Making a loop of US basically.

 

Better start saving now

 

Yeah, it was a light-hearted comment not exactly directed at you.

You can appreciate the sentiment though, right?

I enjoyed reading OP's first post, and wanted to let him know.

Couldn't resist poking a little fun, and will look forward to your trip report.

 

I would be tickled pink if I was able to pay 3.33 (it's still around 3.88 to 4.00 plus here)

 

awesome trip, I bet your glad you bought a Tacoma because of their reliability and excellent quality

 

great trip, glad you posted that you had _zero issues with the truck . certainly would like to hear more posters with the same experience

 

2019 Tacomas are so well built and reliable probably could make that trip 1000's times without any issues

 

This state has like a 0.494 per gallon on top of the federal 0.184 per gallon.

 

Awesome post!

Why did you make the trip? Did I miss this in the write up?

 

Glad your trip went well. I also found stock tires weren't terrible in the snow - they performed just fine for me too (until I hit ice, lol).