Improving Gas Mileage

Wonder if I go back to 16s instead of 17s (stocksize) and leave my 3 inch lift alone. If that would help mpg

 

most of the 16’s are e rated from what I’ve found. Which would add more weight at your corners.

 

I only have 3600 miles on my truck but I have been averaging 21 miles per gallon in a combined city highway driving scenario. It’s been pretty consistent whether I use premium 91 octane or regular 87 gasoline. My previous three Toyota trucks all seem to average between 18 1/2+\- MPG combined city and highway driving.

I have wondered why Toyota hasn’t offered a turbo or even a diesel model in their truck lines. I know I would’ve at least looked at that diesel option.

 

Thanks

 

im not sure where you live but if conditions are normal I haven’t been on any freeway where people drive under the speed limit. And in most places it’s illegal to drive under the speed of traffic and impede other drivers. Not saying he couldn’t stay in the right lane and probably go 5 under, but I don’t think there would be much of a difference between 75mph and 70mph.

 

Been over 28 years since I could ride and about 10 since I could comfortably drive a stick, accident injuries ruined my left ankle and jacked up the right foot a bit. Still miss those summer evening and night rides.

If your 1st gen was getting better than 18 mpg that is quite impressive to me. I would also guess the 1st gen was a 4 banger.

My daily commute is not highway but is industrial roads averaging 45 -50 MPH.

I went from an '04 Prerunner to my 2017 Limited. Both were/are double cab, v6, 2wd, stock drive train. OK the 2017 has a modified exhaust that yielded 0 change in MPG but looks and sounds a hell of a lot better so more smiles per gallon there. The 2017 is also a bigger and heavier truck than the 04, though the HP and torque are both improved.

The point here is my 17, which I drive with a heavy foot, is averaging right at 20 mpg life to date while the 04 was stuck at 15 mpg with me trying tot driver in a miserly manner. The theory that it would save just under 5 mpg per sticker adjusted to my typical driving thus saving enough $ on gas greater than a truck payment, was one of the factors in the decision to buy the new truck. Now the actual has proven to be just over 5 mpg and gas has dropped in price but it still yields a "free" payment or better a year.

All in, I doubt my 1st gen was capable of 18 mpg unless going downhill likely with a tailwind.

I am happy with my 2017 and it's fuel economy. I would like it to have a bit better mpg while towing, but I also don't tow enough for it is be a real irritant.

If an when Toyota delivers a v6 hybrid I will be interested. Retain the power to do anything I want it to do and reduce the need for refueling sounds like a win to me. After all this is my DD as well as my "stuff" hauler, stump puller, lumber get-er, etc.

 

Come on out to the FL Treasure Coast during the snowbird season, shame we can't hunt them, and see how common driving under the limit both in town and on the highway is.

Typical summer driving is 5-10 over the posted limit and cops are likely to pass you if you do less than 7 over.
In the winter... ....left turns from the right hand turn lane, right turns from the left turn lane, rush hours with ancients barely getting up to the limit, stopping to enter a turning lane, confusing the gas pedal for the brake while parking.........

I suddenly feel I need for a drink or maybe several.

I get a twitch every time I look at another vehicle and can only see blue hair and knuckles over the steering wheel.

 

I understand There is situations where you need to make adjustments but not always. Here in CA it’s mostly 65mph save a few sections of some highways where it is 70mph, even then I can still keep it at 65mph and faster traffic can move unimpeded in the left hand lanes. Speed limits higher than 65mph only encourage even faster more dangerous speeding and less fuel efficiency.

 

V6 and I drove it hard

 

Mine went up about slightly less than 2 mpg even accounting for the decreased diameter after downsizing from 265/70R/17 to the 245/75R/16s. I am at stock height.

 

Mine came stock with 17 inch wheels.

 

Going to shop tomorrow to get checked out under warranty. What all do I have them replace to help mpg

 

If you live in California move.

 

For sure. This place is bad for MPGs and has no freedoms! Can’t wait to move.

 

The People's Republic Of The Left Coast Of California.

 

I drive 20 miles to work and when I turn the truck off my average is usually around 24-26mpg for that trip every day. here's a list of things I like to follow to get that.

1. don't accelerate over 2500 rpm when taking off from a red light/stop sign/turning
2. highest speed with the lowest rpm = best mpg
3. always look ahead when driving, if you see a light turn red left off the gas right away and just coast
4. make sure tire pressure matches the sticker on the door (assuming you have stock tires)
5. remove unnecessary weight (junk in the bed, or in the back seat) remember every pound counts and adds up.
6. make sure you're using correct viscosity oil in your engine
7. have your instant mpg on display when you're driving so you can monitor it while driving. this way you can dial in what works best for your truck based on where you live and how your truck handles it.

that's all I can think of right now

 

Turn off your VSC system.

 

Living in Michigan, I'm happy with anything over 20, especially with 4x4. However, it was definitely nice to put in nearly 14 gallons today for less than $25!

 

I can tell you the stock lighter tires were good for 1/2 mpg on my tacoma after going from 245/75 16's to 265/70 16's.

 

Fixed it for you.