Removal of air dam dropped my mileage to 16mpg?

Has anyone ever done experiment of removing the front air dam and seeing a difference in mileage? (2017 Tacoma DCSB 4x4 Sport TRD)

I changed my oil and filled the tank this weekend and left off the front air dam to see what happens to my mileage. Since I commute into work during the week, thought this would be good time to see what the difference is. My mileage dropped from usual 19.5 mpg to 16.1 mpg this morning. I figured maybe 1 mpg difference, not 3+. Don't mind too much, just interesting observation, seems higher than I thought it would be. I've got ideas of new bumper in the future.

Just wondering if this sounds right? Bad tank of gas? missing something here? For my long commute I'd of course rather be around 22 mpg like some people have been reporting. How do I get there?
Thanks,
-Joe

 

Aero can have a big effect on fuel economy. How fast do you drive?

 

So, its been one day since you removed it? Why don't you wait a tank or so and check back.

 

Just wait till you lift it, add 500lbs of steel, a plate bumper and bigger tires. Man it gets really good then. You'll be begging for the days of 16mpg

 

I took mine off. On my last tank, I got 428 miles right at the empty line, so about 21mpg. This was an even split of highway and city driving. I keep it at 65mph on the highway, unless I'm doing a lane change.

 

It depends on how you drive and where. Trying to keep the truck under 2k RPM (or close to) is key. I can do 75-80 on the highway and still get 19.5+

 

You have a Tacoma that turns 2,000 RPM at 80 MPH?

 

Right. I'm doing standard freeway miles average speed 70-80. Of course I'll be watching that display average mpg throughout the week. Running full synthetic Mobil 1 OW-20. Recommend how I can squeeze out better mileage please.

 

Toyota didn't put it on there because it looks good.

 

Close to it. Definitely under 2500

 

Is it really that bad. My old ass 4cyl Taco can still pull 21mpg with lift, armor, and 33s and go 75+ if need be. Supercharger helps a bit I suppose

 

There's actually a video out there somewhere with the fella that designed the airdam or was at least involved with designing it and as to why they created it.

 

Put the air dam back on.

 

Airdam wont cause that much of a decrease. The stock Offroads dont have one and dont average 16. My truck averages 19.5+ and I have 500 pounds of steel and a lift etc

 

I never had one. Get way better mpg than that. like 23+. You need more data.

 

That's my point, I've had my Tacoma for 2 years now and get 19 if I'm lucky (usually 17-18), barely ever brake 20 mpg mark. Hands down love this truck and wouldn't change ownership, but I did switch jobs earlier this year and have a longer commute, last car was an eco-box so just want to get MPG up to 21 or 22....23?

 

I believe this has been discussed before... concesus being about 1mpg different.

MT or Auto?

 

Automatic.

 

just drive like you have been to get a fair comparison.