I have a trip coming up with a lot of highway miles and I was wondering, for budgetary reasons, what everyone is getting out of a full tank with a roof rack and light bar. I do not drive on highways much at all, so I do not have a idea of what to expect. I would really appreciate any input here form those of you with experience. I am sure many of you are running a similar setup, but actually travel more than I do on the highways.
General Highway Gas Mileage w/Rack & Light
- Thread starter Thirty4
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LOL...I hear ya. Same with my heavily modded FJ, but I was crossing my fingers for a little better gas mileage with the 4Runner in regards to my specific mods. I am lifted, but the only other added drag is the roof rack and LED light bar.
Thanks for the input!
2012sr5
New member
In my stock truck driving solo with a bunch of gear in the back, I get 20-21 at 75mph, but I had one long stretch of state highway at 60-65mph, and I was getting 24. I probably had 100-150lbs of gear in addition to the stowed 3rd row, which adds weight. At higher speeds (80ish), I have recorded 18-19mpg.
I reset the mpg counter with each fuel-up, and I keep my foot off the brake on the highway unless absolutely necessary...I try to do all accelerating, cruising, and coasting with the cruise control. Seems to be the way to do it.
I reset the mpg counter with each fuel-up, and I keep my foot off the brake on the highway unless absolutely necessary...I try to do all accelerating, cruising, and coasting with the cruise control. Seems to be the way to do it.
ajwhitt44
New member
+1 on the above.
These trucks (i'm speaking for my old 4th gen, but my new 5th gen isn't much different) are shaped like a box.
I'm not an engineer, but there is a certain speed at which the car must create MUCH more effort to break through the air. Typically on the 4th gen this was about 55-60mph. Go over 60-65 and you were going to lose at least 2 extra (or more) mpgs.
So find the sweet spot for you, whether you have a rig or not. Do some research. And if you don't mind cruising along at a nice easy pace, i'm sure you'll get some great mileage.
And learn how to hypermill!
These trucks (i'm speaking for my old 4th gen, but my new 5th gen isn't much different) are shaped like a box.
I'm not an engineer, but there is a certain speed at which the car must create MUCH more effort to break through the air. Typically on the 4th gen this was about 55-60mph. Go over 60-65 and you were going to lose at least 2 extra (or more) mpgs.
So find the sweet spot for you, whether you have a rig or not. Do some research. And if you don't mind cruising along at a nice easy pace, i'm sure you'll get some great mileage.
And learn how to hypermill!
wadle5
New member
Hypermile in a SUV...I mean maybe get a little better mileage but not hypermiling.
ajwhitt44
New member
Haha yeah hypermilling in a 4runner won't do much, but understanding the concept of hypermilling could change the way you use your gas pedal on the highway overall, which could lead to long-term savings due to a slight change in driving style! :amen:
world vs venkman
New member
If I'm doing a good mix of highway driving and in-town, I usually get around 19 mpg. In-town only, I'm down around 16. No light bar, but I do have a roof rack.
greatape
Senior Member
Tires and lift is were you are going to take the hit. It's going to be minimal with a good rack and light combo. Personally, if you need a roof rack mounted light bar for off-road night driving, you might be better off behind the grill, on front bumper if available, or similar lower profile solutions.
Thanks everyone for your time and knowledge. I really do appreciate it. From the "finding the sweet spot" to those who have a similar setup and letting me know what to really expect.....thank you! It's definitely better than I thought. So, this is very encouraging. I hear ya on the Prius comment.....but my point was more based on what to expect when I make this road trip due to my current lack of highway driving. Helps me budget properly and to know when I need to plan for a stop to fill the beast up when hungry. :thumb3:
My bad if I sounded facetious, my comment was not meant that way. Just stating I seriously have no clue what mileage I get. I have never checked it but I agree it would be good to have an idea of when you will possibly need to refuel, especially if you are traveling out west. Hope you have a blast on your trip, be safe, and post a trip report. :cheers:
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
17 city/ 21 hwy(usually 70-75 MPH at most), first-gen, 22RE, 5-speed manual with a kayak on rack.
17MPG hwy on modern vehicles with advanced electronic engine management? What have Toyota engineers been doing?
17MPG hwy on modern vehicles with advanced electronic engine management? What have Toyota engineers been doing?
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Your MPH is encouraging for that MPG. I know that I will likely hit highway speeds around that through other states, so sticking to 60/65 could be tough LOL.
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
I have no problem with 75 on the Freeway, but when I drove Route 66 from So Cal to Adrian, TX, speed limit was 75MPH on unlit, undivided highways, and people drove that fast. I was not comfortable with that - LOL!
Wow....yeah.....that would make me a little nervous as well!! I've seen some pictures of a buddies trip on some of those Route 66 roads and they were pretty beat up. He also showed me some pics where the road literally just came to an end. It was difficult to navigate in some spots he said....but well worth it.
