Gas Mileage

-IF- I drive 60 and the tanks are all empty...

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

[Joesjunk]

On last years (7313 miles) trip (NC to NV and back), I averaged about 14.5 MPG with the TM in tow. Less in the mountains and more on the prarie. I get about 18-20 without the TM 2720 in tow. I use the cruise on dry level straight roads and gear down on the downhill. In some cased down to second gear in Colorado.

We have also towed with 30 to 60MPH winds and gusts that actually blew over some semi's but we experienced no issues. Here in the Midwest, these conditions are not unsual. Some headwinds are strong enough to cause the cruise to downshift which is about the time we drop our speed to conserve fuel.

On towing speeds, we get best mileage at around 60MPH but can tow 65+ with no stability issues. As far as how fast we tow, we try to use common sense and take in to consideration our equipments condition. I believe in keeping things serviced to avoid problems and so far, this philosophy works well for everything including towing trailers. Bearing failure can be an issue or overloading axles as these can cause catastrophic accidents. Good tires are also a must and check hitches for wear. We are comfortable towing at 70 when things are wide open but I wouldn't go any faster when the temperature reaches 90+ degrees infact, we would likely slow down out of general principal to avoid stressing or overheating the equipment not to mention ourselves. 65MPH is where my wife and I tow most comfortably.

This has been a great chat.

2004 GMC Sierra crew cab 1/2 ton PU 5.3L 3.73 gears & auto trany.
18-20 mpg no TM 65-75 mph
14mpg with TM 65 mph
towed 15-20K miles in one year 99% hwy, always used tow-haul mode, good mix of terrain (NM-CT & back) hills, mountains, head-wind, tail-wind, side-wind, IMHO this is an amaaaazing truck, IMO I can not imagine any PU performing better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.