How much do lighter wheels affect MPG?

There are two many variables to do anything other than estimate, but 28 pounds is only .7% of the total weight your truck, so it seems like an easy call to me.

The effects of the rotational inertia of the wheels and tires are often exaggerated.

 

Oh, no I was talking about the momentum thing in response to you. There's a lot more to it with rotational weights. The rest before thst was for OP and me just being me and going overboard on simple calculations.

 

As a brilliant Nobel laureate physicist these calculations are trivial. Fortunately I’m just an imbecile.

 

Guys, all the physics is on the article I linked. No need to argue about it.

 

all the physics doesn't really matter. What matters is the mpg difference if you worried about saving money on gas. I did that calculation in #13. But people getting all fancy with other stuff.

I can see if you NEED tires, get lighter ones but don't change perfectly good tires to start saving now. That will cost more.

 

I know on the bicycles it makes a fairly big difference. Slower down hill and faster up hill on the lighter wheels. But average cyclist like myself is putting out 1/4 to maybe 1/2 hp, ...well maybe a little over a 1/3. My bike and me weight about 185lbs with the lighter wheels. Many of the riders I pass on the uphill will pass back by me on the down hill. Sometimes it depends if your course is more of a climb or a decent or maybe it's an "out and back" where it will all equal out. So, like I said, it all depends.

 

Heavy weight riders will pass you on the downhills regardless of wheel weight.

Did the comparison you suggested have equal weight riders/bikes?

Also, the wheel aerodynamics impact downhill speeds significantly as speed increases on a bike.

From my experience on pedal bikes, wheel and tire weight are crucial (acceleration and climbing) along with wheel aerodynamics (high speed downhills) and tire rolling resistance especially with a 1/3 hp motor. Then don't forget about drafting and ceramic hub bearings!

For a 4-banger, I've went lightweight on wheels and tires (lugs if possible). Results in improved mpg, acceleration, braking and reducing un-sprung weight for improved suspension performance.

 

I put on a set of the Pro Comp 69 series 16x8. Have tried to find the exact weight but was unsuccessful. However, they are noticeably lighter and I haven’t experienced any difference in MPG other than personal changes in driving styles from time to time. Although from reading in various places, there is a significant upside to lighter wheels on most any vehicle as it is easier on struts, shocks, control arms, axles, etc. Just much easier on the hub area in general. There could/should/would be a significant savings there.

 

Wait a couple weeks til gas is $30 a gallon

 

not far off,,,,,,

 

If you want us to give you fairly-plausible answers that can provide you ammunition to tell your wife why you need wheels, i'm sure enough of us on here can help with that.

Now, will they make a difference? No. Driving style makes the most difference. Read up on hyper miling. You really need to be dedicated.

You can change tires to a purely street tire for better MPG... like a michelin LTX. As light and narrow as possible.

 

I don't have a 3rd gen but a 2nd and a 4 banger. I couldnt stand my steel wheels with rust lines and needed new tires as my old ones were way too heavy, LT's( wanted to maximize mpg). I switched to 1998 4 runner 16" alloy's and toyo open country it was the most weight saving combo I could find. Im not sure Im seeing much of a difference but it looks cool. Yea rotational acceleration, mass= energy
But then you have kinetic energy also. I would get the wheels and say you got them to save weight for mpg but really you got them cause they looked cool OP

 

Depends on you're drive cycle. Lots of city it can be significant, lots of highway and might be meh.

 

I race triathlon, so no drafting. I don't know if drafting is actually a "good ideal" for every day drivers out on the byways?

 

Rotational momentum is the issue, not weight

 

I believe that is what I was saying, or anyway I way trying to say. Good use of words!

 

sell it and buy a Prius

 

I get the math of it. I respect the math of it. But lighter tires and rims are not just about MPG's. Easier load on the rest of the truck. Science + math = longer lasting truck

That said... I have added 140 pounds of weight with my RIMS and SHOES

 

That's the thing. I drive much more in town than on the highway.

 

Wheel weight can certainly contribute to a difference in MPG but keep in mind so will offset. Poke the tires out further and believe it or not you get more drag too. For 20 years I commuted 100 miles a day. A lot of the time in a modified Toyota 4x4. Yes lighter wheels will keep rotating mass down as will lighter tires. I won't run 10 plies on a Toyota for that reason. But lose a few pounds of wheel weight and push the tires 2 inches further out... It'll probably be a wash. I actually liked those wheels you are thinking about. Almost bought a set for my last rig a 5th gen 4Runner. Wound up going with Method NV's instead.