What affects MPG the most?

I think the answer really depends on how much time you spend driving at highway speeds where the windows down would have much more drag. Modern AC compressors don't require as much engine power as older units. They still take power from the engine, just much less than older designs. That is why I answered "windows rolled down."

 

That's exactly why I bought what I did. The only concession I made was the extended cab. At almost 6'3", the extra room is a necessity.

 

Same here, well I'm not quite that tall but I had to have a manual but also needed as much space as possible. Toyota's biggest mistake with 1st gens was not putting a manual trans in the double cab 4x4s. Now my wife and I have a baby on the way and I have to think hard about what I want to do with my truck. Probably going to keep it awhile longer until the kid gets older but eventually I'll need something the family can go out in, probably have to look at a 2nd gen double cab since those came with manual trans.

The only vehicle I *might* settle for an auto on is a mid 90s Landcruiser with the front/middle/rear lockers. Since they didn't come with manuals at least not in the states.

 

I was getting 18mpg. changed spark plugs, air filter, IAC valve, clean MAF, and was getting 22 mpg before I put big ass tires on.

 

Bigger/heavier tires are the one thing I think that kills MPGs the fastest. Rotational weight has a very big impact.

 

Agreed. Lost 3-4 mpgs by putting 295’s on.

 

What affects MPG the most?




Your right foot.

 

Fair, lol

 

When I get new tires, I will go back to the stock size. The current tires are bigger. I stick to highways mainly so no need for the big tires.

I wonder what my rotational weight is... Probably a lot.

 

If you only do street driving then I'd stick with a P rated tire or maybe a C rated one if you're going with all terrains. D and E rated tires are great for offroad durability but add a lot of extra rotational weight

 

Thanks for the tip, I will look into the letter rating.

 

Your right foot. Thanks Fang.

I was wondering if anyone was going to post the CORRECT answer.

 

I have 25K on my 2018 DCSB Offroad with original tires, no mods. Over a full tank of gas with stop n go hills etc, I get 18-22 MPG really depends most on how heavy I am on the skinny pedal.

But, this evening I filled up my tank with the cheap gas with 10% Ethanol. I immediately got on a road that was straight and flat and drove 9 miles at just about 50 mph till I got to a stop sign. My tires are at 37 PSI warmed up. Windows down and arm out the window with a very slight head wind. I was able to register 29.1 MPG. I did not use cruise control and no AC. Shows CC is on, but I did that just to help take the jittery picture.

Here's the puddin.

 

That's the fanciest 1st gen dash I've ever seen

 

DOH! I was trying so hard to make sure I wasn't repeating a thread, did a search for MPG. I never noticed it was a 1st Gen thread.

Mea Culpa !

 

Agreed. It'll burn all the fuel you allow it to. Driving style plays a huge part.

For example, in town, I try to find that right speed for timing stoplights (some places this doesn't work). If I do it right I can just cruise along and never have to waste all that fuel stopping and starting.

So far the only time I've dipped below 20 mpg on this truck is when towing. It helps that it's so small though, I really have to drive like an idiot to get below 21.

 

Here is a pretty good quote from an article on tire rolling resistance force. Article has a lot more good info, but basically, as expected, larger, softer tires take more force to keep moving. Brand comes into play with regard to compound formulation, but it is said to be minimal.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=175&

Tire rolling resistance has an impact on vehicle fuel consumption estimated to range from about 4% during urban driving to 7% during highway driving. The engine and driveline is estimated to consume 80% of the fuel, while the remainder is used to overcome inertia, wind resistance, converted into heat by the brakes or consumed when the vehicle is idling. The automotive industry estimates a 10% reduction in tire rolling resistance will result in a one to two percent improvement in vehicle fuel economy. While that might not seem like a lot, it can reduce fuel consumption by a couple of tanks per year and make the purchase of lower rolling resistance tires a better value over their lifetime.

 

it is ok! the OP did not specify 1st gen or engine size in the title!

 

What affects MPG the most?

Your right foot.

 

would your MPG be better if you used the left foot instead?