Real World MPG Testing!

[Chazmanian]

Heading out for Oregon tomorrow and have decided that I'm going to chart the MPG differences between Fuel grades and actual miles per hour. its 1300 miles from Colorado Springs to Bend Oregon which will give me an oppourtunity to really see what differences there are between fuel grades and what type of mileage increases that I can get from lowering my average speed. After reading the various posts and throwing in my own twisted wanting to go too fast ideas I have determined that my 11-12 MPG overall average on the highway towing my 1500# Cargo trailer is probably a combination of, Cheap Fuel (I tend to use the 85 when out on the road) and pushing to hard and to fast ( Averaging 70-75 mph and usaully turning 3000 Rpm's) in an attempt to arrive at jobsite, complete job and get the hell back home! So i'm taking my time this trip and and doing some some research. I did break the 300 mile barrier in all town driving this past week with 91 Octane...a milestone for me as I generally get 280 per tank before the light goes on at 17.7 Gallons.

So its gonna be a tank of the good stuff at 55 MPH
A tank of the cheap stuff at 55 mph
And a tank of the cheap stuff at 75 mph
and finally a tank of good stuff at my usual 75 mph

I have already found in previous seat of the pants tests that "DaKine" 91 octane "Pulls" my trailer a helluva lot better than the 85 octane "Ditchweed"...I've just been to ignorant to actually see if I can save money overall by using the 91 octane and slowing the hell down. The 55mph will be hard to do for 5 hours but if I can get a 25-30% increase over my 11-12 mpg previous averages it may be worth it.

I always take my Laptop on the road and will only stay in La-quintas due to the excellent hard boiled egg and bagel breakfasts along with the free Wi-Fi. so i'll post my test results as soon as I arrive in Oregon monday morning and calculate.

[Coasty]

I'm interested in your results, don't forget to throw them up. Was the trailer an open trailer or enclosed? That makes a huge difference also...

[Matt's06xrunner]

cool, if you really want to make it accurate, disconect the battery when you fuel up to reset the computer.

[baditz]

I usually get between 16-18 MPG city/highway combined. I don't understand how everyone else get the 19-22 MPG. I tried every type of change with driving slow, fast, no load, load, etc.

[toku58]

I've found that the 4x4 dbl. cab normally get around 17/19 mpg and the 4x2 prerunner gets 20/22 mpg. On the average(city & highway).

[Chazmanian]

Originally Posted by Coasty

I'm interested in your results, don't forget to throw them up. Was the trailer an open trailer or enclosed? That makes a huge difference also...

Just a little 800# 8x5 Cargo Trailer with horrible aerodynamics.1500#'s Loaded. My hopes are that I can hit the 16 MPG mark by driving slower and still being able to use the "Cheap" fuel. I also run 40 psi in the trucks BFG A/T's as they may also be a contributing factor to my poor fuel economy. I use this truck for my business, and purchased it this year with the hopes of getting better overall mileage Town/Highway/Towing Etc...Than I would with a V-8 powered truck. And I like Mr.Baditz cannot seem to do any better than 16.5 around town and highway combined.

[Bakemono]

Try using 93 octane while towing. Your engine runs best on 93 and if you are doing heavy towing at 75-80 mph I think you would see a signifigant benefit.

[ScubaGuy]

93 is not available in much of the country.

[lotust]

[silversport]

Originally Posted by lotust

...little bit different than the standard "what's your MPG" thread. Will be interesting to see the difference speed makes on the same vehicle, under sames conditions, with the same driver. Chaz, here's to driving 5 hrs at 55 mph

lotust, bear with us as this thread plays out. I know it's tough, but you can do it....

[Ran]

Originally Posted by Octane

Try using 93 octane while towing. Your engine runs best on 93 and if you are doing heavy towing at 75-80 mph I think you would see a signifigant benefit.

most places in the west either have 85, 87, 88, or 91 octane....
we are at a higher elevation

[gstcrzy]

In 20K, over 11 months, I've consitently averaged 19.8 MPG, usual trip 18 highway, 14 local. Towing my 4500Lb. camper I get 16. It's a Fleetwood Highlander series, makes the truck look small, so it has almost the same drag as a full hardside. Using 92 octane gives a little more pwer, but worse MPG>

[lotust]

Originally Posted by silversport

...little bit different than the standard "what's your MPG" thread. Will be interesting to see the difference speed makes on the same vehicle, under sames conditions, with the same driver. Chaz, here's to driving 5 hrs at 55 mph

lotust, bear with us as this thread plays out. I know it's tough, but you can do it....

There is NO need for more MPG threads at all .

[AZFIRE06]

Originally Posted by lotust

There is NO need for more MPG threads at all .

It could be interesting to see Chazmanian's results. Have fun driving 55.

lotust: So what a same topic gets started again. This forum has disected the tacoma fairly well. There is not much new to talk about unless a major problem not previously discussed develops. Guess its a fine line to either add to an existing thread or start a new one. How many other topics should we have no more threads on(ticks, tires, lifts), oil, filters, exhaust systems.?

[10SE]

Originally Posted by AZFIRE06

It could be interesting to see Chazmanian's results. Have fun driving 55.

lotust: So what a same topic gets started again. This forum has disected the tacoma fairly well. There is not much new to talk about unless a major problem not previously discussed develops. Guess its a fine line to either add to an existing thread or start a new one. How many other topics should we have no more threads on(ticks, tires, lifts), oil, filters, exhaust systems.?

You don't understand.

He HAS to post those comments in here.

Kinda like Jack and Locke entering the numbers into the computer on LOST.