my quest for 20 mpg while towing 1k

onesojourner · 04-23-2008, 10:52 AM

I am trying to get 20 mpg in the 98 4runner while towing the super jet and the blaster. I think if we are driving the speed limit (60) I think we can pull it off.

today I changed the oil to mobil 1 with a pure one filter. and I did THIS and THIS. So hopefully that with a light foot it will get me where I want to be. If not maybe a larger exhaust pipe will help. I have already ran 3 cans of seafoam through it, cleaned the maf sensor, ditched the gill guard and I cleaned the throttle body.

Elton · 04-23-2008, 10:56 AM

you might if you keep your foot out of it

Andrey · 04-23-2008, 12:41 PM

Sorry to disappoint you, but 20mpg isn't going to happen even without towing. Unless, of course, you'll be going downhill with an engine turned off...

cackalak han · 04-23-2008, 01:45 PM

Like said above, unless you're coasting downhill, or install a hybrid set up, no way you will get 20MPG. Simply, much of it has to do with the weight. You are pulling ~1000 more pounds. Unless you shed a ton of weight from the 4Runner itself, you will not get 20MPG. Cannot defy physics.

onesojourner · 04-23-2008, 02:07 PM

I have talked to several people who are getting 21-22 from there auto 3.4. I just want to get 20 mpg on the highway. It is a straight shot from the lake for us.

22R-to-5VZFE · 04-23-2008, 02:46 PM

Those 4.30 gears are what is killing you...get some 4.10's or I heard the 3.91 will and won't fit out of the Tacoma so might try finding info on those too...

I can barely get 22-23mpg with my 4.10's and 4 guys in the interior going skiing...and thats totally OEM stock w/5spd 5vzfe v6...

cackalak han · 04-23-2008, 03:10 PM

Why would 4.30 gears matter? 4.10 and 4.30 have both reported virtually the same MPG's. In fact, if you're towing, you'd probably get better MPG's out of the 4.3's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by onesojourner

I have talked to several people who are getting 21-22 from there auto 3.4. I just want to get 20 mpg on the highway. It is a straight shot from the lake for us.

I believe all stock 3.4L's get ~21MPG on the highway. That's what I get. If you want to keep it at 20MPG, you cannot be towing 1000lbs. There is no way around it. You will be down in the ~16-17MPG range. If you want 20MPG, tow less (or none at all). If there was a way to accomplish this, we would've figured it out by now (and I mean in a cheap, simple way).

It's like those questions that come up about "how to get 25-30MPG?" Virtually impossible without major modifications (and I mean MAJOR). Figure out a way to get 25-30MPG's out of the 4Runner, and I'll show you how to get 20MPG towing 1000lbs.

4Mogger · 04-23-2008, 04:03 PM

Your gearing is fine. I would get an air dam for the trailer--that would help a ton with drag. I think if you get the 4Runner in perfect tune and air up the tires to max rating and slow to below 60, it can be done.

onesojourner · 04-23-2008, 07:10 PM

yeah thanks I almost forgot about the tires. I think they can go up to 45. I will do that.

Jay204 · 04-24-2008, 05:47 AM

It seems when I use Seafoam...I usually get a little better mileage.... like 22-23mpg.....highway

gilby4runner · 04-24-2008, 06:18 AM

I am guessing you have an auto? Getting 20 + mpg when not towing is common. Here is my question... dont you turn off your OD when towing? Seems like it would be a lot of wear on the trans to leave the OD on while towing. I always have mine off when towing anything.

jjrgr21 · 04-24-2008, 08:15 AM

got 23 in my taco, towing 1300 across utah with 4.10's, i'm gonna regear to 4.88 for the next trip though.

SC4Runner · 04-24-2008, 08:28 AM

Sounds like you've got all your bases covered. Dont know if it was mentioned before but, clean your air filter as well... I think thats everything easily done to improve MPG's

bob200587 · 04-24-2008, 08:51 AM

Nice Blaster. I have one just like it. What year is yours?

Man4God · 04-24-2008, 08:56 AM

I don't understand how you folks are getting this kind of mileage out of your trucks and Runners. My 97, bone stock, is barely getting better than 16 mixed driving. Highway I have only gotten 17.5.

run4her · 04-24-2008, 09:00 AM

you have any work done to your superjet?

cackalak han · 04-24-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjrgr21

got 23 in my taco, towing 1300 across utah with 4.10's, i'm gonna regear to 4.88 for the next trip though.

I live in Utah and I can't even manage 23MPG in an empty truck, unless I am 100% on the highway going 65MPH. Sorry, but gotta call BS. Maybe you were going downhill for the majority of time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man4God

I don't understand how you folks are getting this kind of mileage out of your trucks and Runners. My 97, bone stock, is barely getting better than 16 mixed driving. Highway I have only gotten 17.5.

I think you need to do some maintenance and cleaning. Shouldn't have any problems getting 20+ on the highway. My 98 4Runner with a supercharger got 20MPG on the highway.

Ian Rogers · 04-24-2008, 09:30 AM

I find that i get around 17 towing on the frewaay with a 1k utility trailer( 8' long 5' wide by 3' high) I live with that. I use overdrive when towing such a light load. When I tow my FJ40 I get about 15.5 witch is still better than driving the 40 by 7mpg!!! the cruiser weighs in at 3980lbs with out fuel. I don't use overdrive at all when towing the fj40, I find that I am lugging the motor to much even with the S/C. I stay out of 5th on the down hills as well the help keep it all slowed down.

Man4God · 04-24-2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cackalak han

I think you need to do some maintenance and cleaning. Shouldn't have any problems getting 20+ on the highway. My 98 4Runner with a supercharger got 20MPG on the highway.

You know, I keep that thing real clean. The engine runs very well. New plugs that are gapped right, Sea Foam through the intake and in the tank, air filter cleaned every 5K, cleaned PCV valve, lubed drive shafts, new rear brakes (no dragging)...I need to do some transmission maintenance. I am going to do a home flush here in the next few weeks as I am positive it has never been done. Also going to do some shift solenoid work while I am in there.

kmcaprice14 · 04-24-2008, 10:42 AM

I get 23-25 mpg on the highway if going 55-60. As soon as I get up to 75 to 85 on I-95 though, it drops to 20 mpg. A 5 mpg difference due to the added drag between 60 and 80 makes me think that the added drag from towing (not to mention the added load) will make your goal pretty unachievable. Good luck though. I'm a v6 5speed with 4.10s by the way.

onesojourner · 04-24-2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob200587

Nice Blaster. I have one just like it. What year is yours?

The blaster is a 94 all stock and very clean other than then faded gel coat. I picked it up cheap for my wife to ride. The SJ is my real baby.

Quote:

Originally Posted by run4her

you have any work done to your superjet?

The SJ is mostly stock but I have added some REV foot holds and it has a b-pipe and stainless prop and a riva intake grate and ride plate. It is a blast thats for sure. Do you have one?

bob200587 · 04-24-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onesojourner

04-23-2008, 10:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
onesojourner Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Springfield, mo Posts: 153	my quest for 20 mpg while towing 1k I am trying to get 20 mpg in the 98 4runner while towing the super jet and the blaster. I think if we are driving the speed limit (60) I think we can pull it off. today I changed the oil to mobil 1 with a pure one filter. and I did THIS and THIS. So hopefully that with a light foot it will get me where I want to be. If not maybe a larger exhaust pipe will help. I have already ran 3 cans of seafoam through it, cleaned the maf sensor, ditched the gill guard and I cleaned the throttle body. __________________ 98 4x4 limited 4Runner, e-locker, 4.30 gears

04-23-2008, 10:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 8,699	you might if you keep your foot out of it __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Sister 97 Avalon XL 3.0L Auto totaled :( Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

04-23-2008, 12:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Andrey Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 992	Sorry to disappoint you, but 20mpg isn't going to happen even without towing. Unless, of course, you'll be going downhill with an engine turned off... __________________ '01 4Runner SR5 - 4x4 - 1" lift PP springs, deckplate mod, amsoil air filter, optima battery, alum. skid plate, alum. tube steps - Pioneer 8500MP, PhoenixGold Amp + Infinity Kappas, RockfordFosgate Amp (mono) + Audobahn 10" Sub - Yakima roof rack, Silverstars, Black Pearl emblems, Wet Okole seat covers, Wood Trim - TRD Supercharger, 7th inj. kit... weee heee!!!

04-23-2008, 01:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
cackalak han Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Salt Lake Posts: 1,141	Like said above, unless you're coasting downhill, or install a hybrid set up, no way you will get 20MPG. Simply, much of it has to do with the weight. You are pulling ~1000 more pounds. Unless you shed a ton of weight from the 4Runner itself, you will not get 20MPG. Cannot defy physics. __________________ 01 Tacoma DC TRD OR 4x4

04-23-2008, 02:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
onesojourner Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Springfield, mo Posts: 153	I have talked to several people who are getting 21-22 from there auto 3.4. I just want to get 20 mpg on the highway. It is a straight shot from the lake for us. __________________ 98 4x4 limited 4Runner, e-locker, 4.30 gears

04-23-2008, 02:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
22R-to-5VZFE Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fort Collins, Co Posts: 65	Those 4.30 gears are what is killing you...get some 4.10's or I heard the 3.91 will and won't fit out of the Tacoma so might try finding info on those too... I can barely get 22-23mpg with my 4.10's and 4 guys in the interior going skiing...and thats totally OEM stock w/5spd 5vzfe v6...

04-23-2008, 04:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
4Mogger Banned Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Montrose, CO Posts: 637	Your gearing is fine. I would get an air dam for the trailer--that would help a ton with drag. I think if you get the 4Runner in perfect tune and air up the tires to max rating and slow to below 60, it can be done.

04-23-2008, 07:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
onesojourner Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Springfield, mo Posts: 153	yeah thanks I almost forgot about the tires. I think they can go up to 45. I will do that. __________________ 98 4x4 limited 4Runner, e-locker, 4.30 gears

04-24-2008, 05:47 AM	#10 (permalink)
Jay204 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 57	It seems when I use Seafoam...I usually get a little better mileage.... like 22-23mpg.....highway

04-24-2008, 08:15 AM	#12 (permalink)
jjrgr21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,412	got 23 in my taco, towing 1300 across utah with 4.10's, i'm gonna regear to 4.88 for the next trip though. __________________ 2003 4WD TRD Tacoma 1986 4Runner

04-24-2008, 08:28 AM	#13 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 4,913	Sounds like you've got all your bases covered. Dont know if it was mentioned before but, clean your air filter as well... I think thats everything easily done to improve MPG's __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

04-24-2008, 08:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
bob200587 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,784	Nice Blaster. I have one just like it. What year is yours? __________________ 87 4runner 4x4 SR5 22RE ARB Bull Bar, 31X10.50 Mastercraft M/T's, Stock 4.10 Gears, Mellowtone Muffler AISIN Manual Hubs, Marlin Crawler Sliders 181XXX miles 92 Ford Ranger 4x2 4.0L 4 speed auto FOR SALE Needs Transmission And Head gasket work. Contact me for Details. Facebook "An Open Mind is Like a Fortress with its Gates Unbarred and Ungaurded." "There are two kinds of people in this world that go around beardless: boys and women, and I am neither one." -Greek saying

04-24-2008, 08:56 AM	#15 (permalink)
Man4God Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 283	I don't understand how you folks are getting this kind of mileage out of your trucks and Runners. My 97, bone stock, is barely getting better than 16 mixed driving. Highway I have only gotten 17.5. __________________ '97 4Runner Limited 4x4 w/Locker Grey (Red & Blue) Wire Mod 2Lo Mod Tundra DC Non-TRD front with stock Tundra Tokicos (2.5") Downey 3" rear lift with Monroe Reflex Shocks (Thanks Chaplain!) Soldier for Christ.

04-24-2008, 09:00 AM	#16 (permalink)
run4her Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lewiston Idaho Posts: 345	you have any work done to your superjet? __________________ 1990 4runner. 38.5" boggers, spool in rear. Sas, lc coils with 4in spacers and extended 4links. 1in bodylift, 7in front screen linked to 14in flip down in rear, custom built arb with stinger, Chopped, Bobbed 15".

04-24-2008, 09:30 AM	#18 (permalink)
Ian Rogers Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Whittier, Ca Posts: 140	I find that i get around 17 towing on the frewaay with a 1k utility trailer( 8' long 5' wide by 3' high) I live with that. I use overdrive when towing such a light load. When I tow my FJ40 I get about 15.5 witch is still better than driving the 40 by 7mpg!!! the cruiser weighs in at 3980lbs with out fuel. I don't use overdrive at all when towing the fj40, I find that I am lugging the motor to much even with the S/C. I stay out of 5th on the down hills as well the help keep it all slowed down. __________________ 69' FJ40 "RUSTY" H41,3 speed case, ARB Lockers F/R, 34x9.5 TSL's, Co2, Warn 5687, 2.5 " Parabolic lift, Pertronix Ingitor, 4+ U bolt flip kit, 20 gal. Aux Tank 2000 4-Runner SR5, V6, 5 speed, Highlander edition, S/C, URD 7th, DP TLCA #14752, L.A. Trail Crew Phi Kappa Psi http://www.marksoffroad.net My Parts Source

04-24-2008, 10:42 AM	#20 (permalink)
kmcaprice14 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 175	I get 23-25 mpg on the highway if going 55-60. As soon as I get up to 75 to 85 on I-95 though, it drops to 20 mpg. A 5 mpg difference due to the added drag between 60 and 80 makes me think that the added drag from towing (not to mention the added load) will make your goal pretty unachievable. Good luck though. I'm a v6 5speed with 4.10s by the way.