Hi everyone,
I bought this truck last year because it, along with the clone ranger, has the best fuel economy and lowest emissions of any small truck. Its basically the same Duratec 16 valve four banger as the Mazda 5 and Mazda 6, or the optional engine on the Mazda 3.
I added a fiberglass canopy that added about 100 lbs in weight but probably helped with aerodynamics as it didn't seem to affect the fuel economy negatively. Then added a limited slip rear end that didn't seem to affect much either because it doesn't kick in until one wheel slips.
But then I got a flat with the crummy stock continetal tires on a logging road, and sold my old ones on craigslist and swapped them to a slightly larger and more aggressive tire (Dunlop RVXT LT M/S). With that I had great traction in snow but dropped about 4 mpgs (to about 25 mpgs).
The tire size only changed from 225/70/15 to 235/75/15, but it increased rolling mass and drag from the agressive treads. they are rated to 50 lbs and I filled them to that but no real difference.
So I'm thinking of swapping them to something more efficient than stock (rather than the other way around) but as you all know rolling resistance figures are hard to come by. I am considering the Kumho Solus because they have maybe 25% less weight per tire, less deep treads but long tread life (so probably a hard rubber compund) and what looks to be a low rolling resistance tread pattern with a few constant bands running around the tire, and going to a 215/75/15 for a narrower footprint. They also inflate to 44lbs.
I'm also considering the new BFG long trail T/A tour tires as they look to have a low rolling resistance and also inflate to 44 lbs, and because they have a reputation for being strong long lasting tires. But there is really little gains in weight and the treads are deeper and I guess that means more weight. they look about the same amount of aggressive... On the plus side they are supposed to have a very firm sidewall.
I am really stumped on this choice as I am lacking rolling resistance info... Anyone with any ideas or rules of thumb or experience? Anyone running either tire? Anyone have any better ideas?
By the way I see a little snow in the winter, like to go camping along logging roads here in BC, Canada occasionally... I need the clearance and gear carrying capacity of a pickup as I have a cabin in a very remote location and a dog and a canoe, etc. and I sold my metro (and am starting to really miss it!). Great site by the way--this is going to be the first of hopefully many mods to see what kind of mileage I can squeeze out of this truck!!
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance, Derek