VSC and gas mileage

I am probably opening Pandora’s box or beating a dead horse or that ship has sailed, but after reading different bits of info across the interwebs, it really bugged me that I was only getting about 13 mpg at best in my 2019 TRD Off Road.

Granted some modifications probably don’t help, like the LT285 Nittos, the bedrack, and 3/16th inch steel full skid package that does add a bit of weight.

Read a lot about about the VSC system, and decided to experiment with it today on an errand that took me from my place near Phoenix down to Tucson and back.

On the way down I let the VSC run in the background as that is its default setting. Even on the 10, I was only averaging 14 mpg. For the return trip, I turned the VSC off by, while stopped, holding the VSC button for three seconds. Two icons blink on the dashboard having to do with A-Trac and VSC (as I recall), and indicate the system is off.

We jumped back on the 10 for the return trip home. I kid you not, I was now averaging 18 mpg! My only complaint with running with VSC off is that it shuts down cruise control and the anti-collision system, but these are things I used to drive without anyway.

It brought up a few questions. What benefit is VSC in the deserts of AZ for highway or around town driving? What is it’s benefit off road? I’ll have to experiment with this next weekend. Finally, with such a dramatic improvement in gas mileage, why would VSC default to always on? Shouldn’t it be a feature the driver opts to turn on instead of having to remember to turn off before setting out?

Give it a try for yourself. I’m curious to read what your experiences are with VSC turned off.

 

My theory:

Phoenix to Tucson - Driving uphill and/or into a headwind.

Tucson to Phoenix - Driving downhill and/or with a tailwind.

You need to test your theory by using the same route and weather conditions when using VSC on and VSC off. Eliminate the massive variables...

 

I don't see how VSC would affect anything. All it does is monitor the vehicle and intervene when the sensors detect any slide or swerving. Any normal driving would not activate any VSC or Trac control to intervene.

 

Your MPG increase was not from shutting down the VSC. The drive from Pheonix to Tucson is pretty much uphill the entire way, the return trip is almost entirely downhill.

 

VSC turns back on at 35 mph. Placebo.
Your mpg suffers from your mods. Nothing else

 

This. Heavy truck, more rotating mass, and MT where you are driving it to get up to speed, not like the AT which is always trying to save fuel.

 

My theory is that you drive with lead feet . . .

 

Very good point!

 

All valid points. I completely did not factor in the drop in elevation between Tucson and Phoenix.

 

Not really. I kept to 70-75 mph on the 10, and 65 and less per the speed limit on 87 to Hunt Highway. There’s a cop who hangs out in 87 with whom I don’t wish to interact with (that was in my work truck...learned my lesson)

 

So did you use the cruise on the way up and no cruise on the way down? Cruise is spastic

 

Not if you hold the button for 3+ seconds like OP mentioned. At least not in 2nd gens

 

How much taller are the tires?

 

Your error dude. “Down” to Tucson is actually UP.

elevation of Phoenix = 1,089’
Elevation of Tucson = 2,389’

 

well, how else do you explain it when others can get 30 mpg with a light foot?

 

Good question. The lesser gas mileage was using cruise control. The better mpg was with cruise disabled. So I’m fairly certain a lead foot is not the issue.

 

Yes, I was reminded of this. I forgot that bit of geography. My mapping instructor would hang his head in shame knowing I neglected this detail.

 

AND... as pointed out, the drive to Tucson is uphill from The Valley.

 

I used cruise on the way down (up) and no cruise on the way back up (down).