04 suburban

[lapeer20m]

My other car is a tdi that gets 45-50 mpg. My best is 55 mpg!

I just purchased an 04 z71 suburban. 5.3L v8.

So far it has averaged 16.4 mpg according to the computer. This is completely stock and 35psi in the e range tires city driving.

I'm taking it on a road trip this week and am hoping for 20+ mpg on the highway. I just filled my tires to the max inflation pressure of 65 psi. There was a noticeable visable difference in the shape of the tire with the increased psi.

With 6 or more people in a suburban the amount of fuel consumed is roughly equal to driving the 2 vw jettas needed to haul the same number of passengers. At this moment in history, gasoline is 50 cents cheaper per gallon than diesel fuel.

I'll fuel up before/after the trip so I can calculate mpg the old fashioned way.

Wish me luck!

[rmay635703]

Our 1993 350 gas suburban 2wd averaged 19mpg over many years, we usually were around 19-21mpg driving normally at highway speeds.

We did keep more air in the tires, it was 2wd and had a higher final drive ratio than the 4wd.

In other words you should be able to get around 20mpg with aired up tires and gentle highway driving.

[sarguy01]

I think 20 is doable, but speed will likely come into play. I wouldn't go above the speed limit.

Can you throw a Scan Gauge in there before the trip?? Might be well worth the investment.

[lapeer20m]

Originally Posted by sarguy01

I think 20 is doable, but speed will likely come into play. I wouldn't go above the speed limit.

Can you throw a Scan Gauge in there before the trip?? Might be well worth the investment.

I do not have a scanguage. How inaccurate is the stock "instant mpg" gizmo built into the suburban?

As far as speed, I plan to cruise around 65 mph which is 5 below the limit.

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by lapeer20m

I do not have a scanguage. How inaccurate is the stock "instant mpg" gizmo built into the suburban?
As far as speed, I plan to cruise around 65 mph which is 5 below the limit.

I have no clue. They usually are off by, I don't know, plus or minus 10%? I've heard (absolutely no scientific data) Hondas are a little low, Toyotas are a little high, Dodge trucks, well it doesn't matter since they get such terrible mileage (I love Dodge trucks, but they don't do well in the MPG department!!).

The Scan Gauge is more accurate and can be adjusted as you fill up to make it even more accurate. You can also use it to view other parameters, such as trip mpg, load, temps, etc. It is really helpful to have instant mpg or load as a guide to help adjust your right foot and trip mpg to see what you are doing overall.

[jaznm]

If a 1/2 ton suburban, I wonder if changing out to the C range tires would be better than E range range tires, as there is likely a 5+ lb difference in weight, unless you want the E's for other reasons. .

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Get an electric radiator fan.

[lapeer20m]

I forgot about this thread.

Using the built in mpg gauge, we averaged 19.9 mpg. This includes using 4x4 to drive around one day during our stay. They ended up having a "snow emergency" which made driving more difficult. They didn't even get that much snow they apparently lack the equipment to clear the roads in a timely manner. We came home a day or so after the blizzard (it was less than 4" of snow) and most of the roads were not plowed down to the surface. I guess I take snow plowing for granted living in Michigan.

As far as load range, I wonder if the higher load range tires get as good or better mpg because of the stiffer sidewall?

[oil pan 4]

The higher load range tires are heavier and more expensive.
There's 2 big strikes against them as far as economy goes.
Half ton trucks dont need load range E tires any way.