Gas Mileage

While looking at new tow vehicles and the EPA ratings it occurred to me that the ratings do not take the towing package and different rear differential into account because they are options. That difference in gearing on the rear differential can play havoc with mileage. So even if you compare fuel economy someone is reporting, go out and buy the same TV but add the towing package with that new rear diff the poster did not have, your gas/diesel/hybrid economy will not be as good.

I agree with most comments made about cruise control. It needs to be used with caution and common sense but it does help on longer trips. I also accelerate slightly when I see a steep grade approaching to avoid downshifting. We don't use it in heavy traffic or bad weather.

Good luck with the vehicle you choose. Hope this helped.

1997 Toyota T100 V6 Automatic Transmission
We normally get 17 to 19 MPG highway. We averaged 14.6 towing our 1988 TM 26 (3023) with overdrive locked out. We were climbing a lot of hills.
I have since checked with the Toyota Service manager and he says I can use overdrive on level ground but should lock overdrive out if the transmission starts "shuttling" in and out of overdrive. This may improve mileage a bit on long trips over level ground.

Originally Posted by Factor

For those of us contemplating a new truck, I'd like to do a survey on gas mileage, both normal and towing.
I'd appreciate if you could respond indicating the truck, motor and estimated mileage.
Thanks
John

i have 2005-3023 TM pulled by 2005 chevy 2wd, crew cab, 5.3 v8, i avg. 17.2-17.3 mpg. at speeds of 65-70 mph .also i engage tow/ pull botton to keep out of overdrive, and tac. out at 1800 rpm.

[shunter917]

We have a 2001 3023 which I pull with a V-8 Expedition. I get about 16 - 17 mpg to work and back (combo city and freeway driving), 13 - 14 towing and 18 or so straight highway without towing.

When I towed with my Ford V-6 Ranger, I got 18 - 19 to and from work and 15 - 16 towing the TM.

4/19/2006
2005 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner Double Cab
Long cab V-6 246 HP
Solo -20- 24-MPG 0n the Hwy depending on how fast I drive (Usually 20 MPG
Our last trip with our 2720, traveling in the Texas Hill country was 16.5 mpg. I backed off the gas peddle, since my last trip. I drove closer to 60-65, occasionally hitting 75 +
(I got scared when I read about not taking the TM over 65 mph because of the tire rating.)
CBC


Old post below

2005 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner Double Cab
Long cab V-6 246 HP
Solo -20- 24 MPG 0n the Hwy depending on how fast I drive (Usually 20 MPG)
Towing the 2720 Sl @ 65- 75 MPH 15 mile MPG
If I was not in such a hurry to get to the campsite I thinkI could do a lot closer to 17-18 MPG

[rpcoombs]

Those of you concerned with getting decent mileage (and who isn't these days?) might take a look at www.gearvendors.com. Their unit (which isn't cheap!) allows your TV to add 3-4 additional gear ratios (including double overdrive when not towing) to your transmission. I went from 15 mpg to 17 on my Ford F-150 Lightning (not towing) after its installation. Diesel installations report even great savings.

I slowed down from 70ish to 60 and got almost 18 compared to 16.

2005 Tacoma crew cab 4.7 v6....24 highway......22 combined and 19 towing 2 place inclosed snowmobile trailer, 16 mpg pulling a 22' hard side TT. Getting the new Trailmanor in a week or two but should be close to the snowmobile trailer mpg.

[fcatwo]

2005 Tundra AC 2WD 4.7 V8 --- solo is usually 18 at 70-75 but 20.14 on a recent 600mi I-5&90 R/T (Seattle-east over the pass & back) using the "2K+egg" approach at 60-65mph. 13-14 towing the 2619 with OD locked out.

FYI: "2K+egg" = keep the RPM below 2,000 and drive as though there is an unbroken egg between your foot and the accelerator pedal.