Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - New tires for the truck--rolling resistance and mpg savings

elhigh · 06-17-2008, 10:37 PM

I tried LT tires on my truck several years ago and one of the first things I noticed was that my fuel mileage took a big, big hit. It went down and stayed down. On top of that, the ride was noisier and harsher too, and they didn't wear especially well. I was glad to get rid of them.

Put regular tires on the truck, boom - mileage went back to what I was used to. Never again.

It's just a compact truck - LT tires are kinda overkill for what it can do. Most of the time it only carries me and the wife to work; once in a long while I carry a few loads of firewood and then it's back to light duty commuting. Regular tires are fine for that.

I'm running 195/75 R14 - but that was before 15" was de rigeur for all cars. I'd move up to 15s if I thought there was a significant savings to be had. As for concerns regarding the smaller contact patch, fuggedaboutit. It'll ride like a champ.

06-17-2008, 10:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
elhigh Master Novice Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE USA - East Tennessee Posts: 2,314 Josie - '87 Toyota Pickup 90 day: 29.5 mpg (US) Felicia - '09 Toyota Prius Base 90 day: 52.44 mpg (US) Thanks: 427 Thanked 616 Times in 450 Posts	I tried LT tires on my truck several years ago and one of the first things I noticed was that my fuel mileage took a big, big hit. It went down and stayed down. On top of that, the ride was noisier and harsher too, and they didn't wear especially well. I was glad to get rid of them. Put regular tires on the truck, boom - mileage went back to what I was used to. Never again. It's just a compact truck - LT tires are kinda overkill for what it can do. Most of the time it only carries me and the wife to work; once in a long while I carry a few loads of firewood and then it's back to light duty commuting. Regular tires are fine for that. I'm running 195/75 R14 - but that was before 15" was de rigeur for all cars. I'd move up to 15s if I thought there was a significant savings to be had. As for concerns regarding the smaller contact patch, fuggedaboutit. It'll ride like a champ. __________________ Lead or follow. Either is fine.