Disappointing gas mileage?

I would change out the diff oil to synthetic; it made a big difference in my truck. It used to feel like I was putting on the brakes every time I released the throttle; now, it ....rolls.

Keep your tire pressures up and put on a high pressure gas shock (like Bilstein) and Pray.

Alloy wheels have made a huge effect, too.

My truck, so far..

 

That 'braking' feeling may be partially due to the fuel cutoff on decel feature, but better drivetrain lubrication definitely makes a difference.

I knew it. Yes the fuel mileage will continue to improve as you get more familiar with the truck. Glad you are getting some good results!

 

Thanks for all the great comments. I hadn't thought about changing the rear end to synthetic and the effect it might have on mileage. I use synthetic in everything we own including all three holes on the Harley. I bought the truck to use as a truck and haul stuff when needed. I particularly wanted the 2.7L for good mileage and to see what all the hype was about. Most folks who drive a Taco with a 2.7L swear by them, I'm beginning to see why.

 

What's his current userID?

OP, ya, the tires are over 7% larger than stock. That's going to reduce your miles traveled and make the calculated MPG appear low.

OTOH, that pretty much corrected your speedometer error... maybe a bit overcorrected, but not enough to worry about.
I'll be going 65 when my speedo is a tick under 70... The 235/75-15 tires will put you at about 67 or so when indicating 65.

On the odometer... the error is only about half the speedo error, so honestly, if you look at reported MPG numbers including those in my Fuelly link, they are inflated by about 2-3%... 25mpg is really only about 24.
Your tires will "deflate" that further to about 23... or... in your case, your actual from 18.1 would be closer to 20.

That's not bad.
It's not awesome, but it's not horrible for an extended cab with only 44k on it and a quarter tank of 6-month old fuel.

Run it down... The low fuel light comes on when you still have 3-4 gallons left... so get that light on and run it another 40 miles or so, then top it off with a quality gas from Chevron/Mobil/Shell/Texaco and I think you'll see some improvements.

 

Who says whipper is back on here.

 

You ever think that theirs millions of threads covering this exact subject. Maybe use the search button next time

 

I figured that's what you were implying with "here in spirit"

No?

 

About time. He's always come across as a snob.

 

I think winter gas is in effect here. I noticed a 2mpg drop last fill up.

 

Did you get your wheel stub fixed ???

 

I've ran out the old fuel completely. The last of the old fuel with mostly new fuel gave me 22.3 MPG. I ran the tank down to almost empty so the tank is now new winter blend fuel. I'm going to check tire pressure and see what this tank yields. I can tell that the truck is running better and sounding better in general with use, Mobil One and better/fresher fuel.
Thanks for all the ideas and comments.
Bill

 

I noticed on my v6 if I keep the rpm below 2k or so it helps. Not sure how much gain you will get from a v4

 

v4..

 

Your mileage will probably improve with time. I bought my '09 last spring and was not impressed with the gas mileage--23 to 25 mpg. As I got accustomed to the truck (or it got accustomed to me) the mileage has improved to above the EPA ratings. FWIW I am using 5W30 oil with no apparent problems. I don't think the oil rating has a huge effect.

 

A 5w-20 oil will typically give you between a half and a full MPG better. And a

$59 0w-20 oil Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil

0w-20 oil for sure a full one MPG increase. Not a earth shattering difference. But if everyone would use 5% less fuel it would help lower pollution, and maybe make a few greenies happier, and off our asses.

I typically buy the least expensive high quality oil. If it is available in a 20 weight, that is what I chose. And I actually have three changes worth of 5w-30 coming up, but will use my fill of 0w-20 this winter. Changing oil this week. If you are just do not feel confident using a 20 weight, I understand, as I used to feel this way. I even use 20w-50 in my motorcycle. It is what the manual calls for.

 

have never noticed the differences in mileage and oil-weight. When i had my astro van it got the same mpgs on 10W-30 as it did on 5W-30. I find myself switching to heavier weight oils on my parents and siblings older vehicles because they dont take care of them properly. Id rather have the protection. I had Toyota put in 5W-30 during my toyota care. Additionally its a lot easier (for me at least) to quickly find 6 qts of synthetic 5W-30.