Four 3rd gens caravanning--mileage results

[hrt4me]

I always wonder how certain modifications effect fuel economy, i.e., bumpers, tire choice, roof racks, skid plating, etc. I really wish we would have had two more trucks traveling with us to compare results--maybe a bone stock one with no mods and another one on 285/75R16 all terrains.

that could have been me

 

[4runner269]

Just realized I had this pic. 3rd gens take over Arco...

Got anymore pics and info on the one behind the green one?

 

[paddlenbike]

The first picture in the desert, where is that exactly?? If I were to guess, I'd say Red Rock Canyon S.P.

You guessed it.

VERY interesting. Thanks for posting. i think the wind resistance of the aftermarket bumper and roof track played a roll in the lower millage. I think maybe the lift takes 2 mpg from you?

I have owned my 4Runner for 8 years now and I have always checked my mileage at every fill-up. The change from winter to summer blend fuel has a noticeable impact on my fuel economy but I can't say I have noticed much change from any of my modifications through the years. Even with the lift and other modifications, I can still get 20 MPG highway, which is at least what the EPA estimates say my truck should get. So yes, my modifications should technically be hurting me, but even when my truck was stock, sitting super low on stock Michelin highway tires, I never got significantly better mileage.

Got anymore pics and info on the one behind the green one?

That's my buddy Stuart. He is coming from a Jeep CJ7 and the 4Runner is a recent purchase. In very short time he did a bunch of tune up stuff, added a trans cooler, LED lighting, he built sliders and skid plates and added a Tundra/OME lift. He's still on stock tires though. It's the front truck in this pic. It's screaming for 285s.

 

[Stockwell45]

[hijack]
Best mileage ever. Flat highway driving. Fully loaded, Yakima rack (but had 2 bikes off the back) and 3 people.

That makes me so jealous, I'm usually right about empty at 200.

Looks like a fun trip, and thanks for posting all the info OP!

 

[slomatt]

It would be interesting to compare tires of the same size but with different tread patterns. Based on previous trips I'm guessing my Bighorns would cause me to get 1-2mpg less compared to an A/T.

- Matt

 

[Qyota]

[hijack]
Best mileage ever. Flat highway driving. Fully loaded, Yakima rack (but had 2 bikes off the back) and 3 people.

[/hijack]

That's pretty amazing. I've puttered along at 67 on flat highways before, and even with drafting semis, I've never done better than about 70 miles at the quarter-tank mark. And my gauge is fairly accurate, unlike a lot of these trucks.

Hmmmm....I may need to consider some tune-up/maintenance items this spring!

 

[paddlenbike]

That's pretty amazing. I've puttered along at 67 on flat highways before, and even with drafting semis, I've never done better than about 70 miles at the quarter-tank mark. And my gauge is fairly accurate, unlike a lot of these trucks.

Even though I get the same gas mileage as him, my gauge typically reads lower at the same mileage. There is just a lot of variability in the gauges. When my fuel light comes on my truck will only take 12.8 gallons of fuel, which means I basically have a 5-1/2 gallon reserve. I wouldn't worry too much about it, just learn how your gauge reacts and drive accordingly.

 

[4x4mike]

I wouldn't worry too much about it, just learn how your gauge reacts and drive accordingly.

Otherwise you'll get rides in Paddlenbike's 4Runner with a gas can in your lap.

 

[paddlenbike]

Otherwise you'll get rides in Paddlenbike's 4Runner with a gas can in your lap.

Ha! That was a fun day.

 

[War Sprout]

Drivetrain?

Are they all 2wd 4runners? That is some crazy good gas mileage. Here's mine:

1997 4x4 4R - 0" lift, auto/V6, 265/75R16 ATs - 16.8 mpg

I've cleaned out the MAF sensor, Throttle body, changed the plugs, pulled the efi relay, replaced the air filter, changed the oil, and replaced the battery. That's still the best I can manage with mostly highway driving. It's quite frustrating, really.

:redbrick:

 

[556.sig]

I'm in NorCal, Sacramento area, and it looks like I need to know you guys...:wave:

and I'm surprised I haven't seen your rigs around town...especially 4x4Mike since we (I think) live in the same town.

 

[4x4mike]

My truck is at home or at a park and ride most of the week. I actually live in Fair Oaks but see plenty of 4Runners, all generations, every day. Most of my online 4Runner time is over on UltimateYota.com

 

[556.sig]

Yeah man, I'm in Fair Oaks as well.