Tires for MPG?

Standard 265/70R16 Michelin X LT A/S's. As a follow up to my last post, my return trip, against a strong wind this time, got me about 3.5 mpg less, but still pretty good considering my speed and A/C.

 

I think the dash mpg reading messes too much with how one would like to drive, taking much pleasure out of actually using the truck. It is a cool feature, but I find myself checking it too much and trying to pinch pennies when I have the money. Doesnt the Tire Rack have reviews and on some tires at least, a rolling resistance figure? Have not checked for years. I bought some dealer take offs, a grand since I don't mind the stock wheels, cheaper than after market setup by $400 to $500, no tpms. Not too hot in the snow or dirt.
Duane

 

I appreciate the reviews guys. As to the ‘why buy this truck if you wanna pinch pennies,’ like I said above, I’m going to need new tires sometime no matter what, just trying to see if there’s a way to make the most of that fact

 

Heh. My daily is a MT '97 Civic coupe for this very reason. Super cheap and plentiful parts for these old cars.

 

I hear ya. I drove beaters till I was about 30. Beater pickups, but still. At this point though, between the lack of free time and the two kids strapped in the back seat, I have to put a premium on knowing that my daily driver is just gonna work, ya know?

God bless you all, keeping those rides alive, I love wrenching too, but it’s nice having one less stress now that I can afford it.

But it doesn’t mean I’m above trying to squeeze what I can out of the truck I choose to drive, right?

 

True. ...A chin spoiler will help.

 

@MakeItWork ... I've had a similar thought; get a set of spare rims (like the actual spare rim, cheap, junkyard, even refurbs are $50 each) to put a pair of aggressive 33" 255/85/16 on when I am not on vacation and replacing my stock A/Ts for LRR tires when they're worn out. I just put an air dam on today. I figured it should theoretically give a 4% improvement (while you're moving 45mph and up).

As for what tire would be best for mpg? Some people have suggested stock tires... not a bad suggestion... maybe there are better choices; but, who knows? I have looked at some of the numbers submitted to EPA for mpg testing. They give "ABC" coefficients to calculate the drag at speed (i.e. Drag = A + Bv + Cvv, v being speed). A is primarily associated with tire rolling resistance, B with drivetrain, and C with aerodynamics.

Here are some of the 4WD V6 "A coefficients":
47 = Tacoma Offroad (GY Adventure)
35 = Tacoma Unspecified (Firestone Destination ?)
52 = Colorado ZR2 (GY Duratrac)
58/63 = Colorado ZR2 Diesel (GY Duratrac)
29 = Colorado 2WD (GY Fortitude ?)
Clearly, A/T tires have terrible RR. I wonder if you could get some detailed info out of the tire mfg tech support or something? Barring that we'll probably have to keep guessing/inferring from the little info we can get until EPA mandates RR numbers. EU has some info; but, IIRC they just put them in 5 groups.

Looking at the aero/C coefficients can explain some mpg numbers.
Off-road Tacomas have ~6% more aero drag than others (no air dam). Colorados (lower air dams, flaps in FRONT of the rear tires) have better aero than Tacomas which is why they get better mpg... except for the ZR2 which has terrible aero numbers and mpgs (no air dam, exposed tires). Even full size trucks (very low air dams, flat sides) have aero numbers nearly as good as Tacomas (the coefficient even accounts for their larger size!) which is why full size trucks can get mileage almost as good as a Tacoma.

 

So after reading this post... I think that the weight is not the only one factor right?
I love the looks od the AT KO2, 265/75/17 but I have read that the MPG drop until 3 miles... this is my daily driving vehicle... I saw

the Michelin and is not lighter than the stock MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S 265 /70 R17 115T SL OWL weight 40

The Original Fireston´s weight is 36 lbs

Now I´m thinking in:
BRIDGESTONE DUELER A/T RH-S 265/75/17 - weight 43
COOPER DISCOVERER AT3 4S 265/75/17 - weight 43

My original options:
BFGOODRICH ALL TERRAIN T/A KO2 LT265 /70 R17 112S C1 BSW CM - weight 46
FALKEN- WILDPEAK A/T3W- 265 /70 R17 115T SL RBL weight 47

 

Woow!!! 24 MPG ... what is your set up? how are you getting the MPG? what are tires?

 

Sorry, I've been away from TW for many months.

I'm still stock Off Road with bed cover (and added air dam for ~1/2 my miles).

It's all about speed, acceleration, and deceleration.

• Don't go fast... in my normal driving I don't have much opportunity to go over 60... on vacation I try spend minimal time over 70.
• I try not to exceed 2500 rpm when accelerating; but, I do try to hit ~2500. (It's easier with "S" mode.)
• Avoid braking as much as possible... drive like you are towing something heavy or the roads are icy/snowy/slick... i.e. don't tailgate and anticipate when you will have to slow/stop.
• ...and don't idle. Start it up and go. Park it and shut it off. No cruising for good parking; no drive thrus.