I decided to test out how I can do with the truck after I got it. The first tank I decided to set a base line to see what I can get out of it as if I was a normal driver. I accelerated relatively hard, didn't put it in neutral, etc. My mom even drove it for about half a tank, which means she probably drove it about 70-75, and more than likely with the A/C on, depending on how hot it was at the time. (I wasn't with her while she was driving) I ended up at 18.994 MPG. Rated MPG is 16/19/17 for city, highway, average. So almost 19 is not bad compared to what the rated is. But I know I can make it better...
So on the second tank, I put into effect the same hypermiller techniques as I would do for the Corolla (they're both automatic, so I can only do so much). I was in the middle of testing a theory on the Corolla, when it stopped working, so I continued the theory on Lester. My thought is that they both sustain around 2-2.1K RPMs at highway speed (60-65). If the best MPG is at highway, then surely I will get decent FE if I limit the times I go over that ~2K threshold while accelerating. So that with neutral coasting and timing lights, etc. I ended up at 20.244, exactly 1.25 MPG better than "stock"! The last day before I hit empty, I had to fight traffic, so I know it would have been better, even if only marginally.
Next I'm going to do the routine maintenance and tune-up the truck (new air filter, change the plugs, clean MAF sensor, etc.). Probably won't help MPG at all, but at least it will be "fresh". I don't know how the plugs look, but I don't know when they were changed last and if they are pretty bad, then surely that will help me gain a quarter point or so. The problem is that I am already over 100 miles into the tank, so I probably won't see as big a gain as if I were to do it at the beginning.
After that I will check and raise the tire pressure. I don't know what they are at now, but I will raise them and see what I get after. I'm thinking I will raise them to OEM + 5PSI and see what I get, then raise another 5 each tank until I get either a decline in MPG or a rough ride, whichever comes first.
25MPG here I come!!!
