02 Xcab XLT Daily Driver Need Tire suggestions

[Blakesgst]

Hey guys,

So its about time to get new tires on my daily driver, 02 Xcab 3.0. My question is, i commute a lot on the freeway each week, sometimes 800 miles. I live in Southern California and I always set my cruise at 70mph, and I am still the slow guy on the freeway down here and feel like I am moving out of everyone's way as it is the majority of the time. I have noticed at that speed I am at 2600ish rpm. I am wondering if going to a taller tire might help out my gas mileage a bit? I bought the truck a couple years back and it has 235/75/15's, about 29 inches tall, which is over an inch taller than stock as it is. I was considering going to a 30x9.5, suggestions or opinions anyone?

Thanks,

Blake

 

[yourdudeness]

tires and the laws of supply demand

nothing wrong with the 950's but the 235x75x15 are going to be a lot, cheaper on the wallet and for whats to be gained on the over all height of tire, you won't notice the difference . unless you find a great deal on the 950;s i would stick with the 235x75x15

 

[bigmark303]

A larger tire wont help you. Its gears that you need to bring down the RPM enough to gain MPG. Going with a larger tire is going to bring RPM down a little but bring MPG consumption up because of the larger rotational mass.

If you need to stay at 70mph then you will just be out of luck to gain any mpg from any change. Our trucks just don't have the power and aerodynamics to maintain that kind of speed and still return good mpg.

Any one of the trucks in my signature no matter tire size, gears, transmission, engine, anything will not return any good mpg over 55mph. My 4 Bangers get the best (23-25mpg) at 45-50mph, and my 6 cylinders get the best (20-23mpg) at 55mph.

 

[Blakesgst]

Thanks guys i appreciate the replies.

Blake

 

[4x4junkie]

The 3.0L also likes to rev at a higher RPM than say, a 4.0L or a V8 does.
So even if you did regear taller, I don't think there will be much, if any MPG gain.

Easiest way to gain MPG is to slow down to around 60-62 MPH. Find yourself a big rig (most run about that speed) and just drop in behind him and match his speed with your cruise control (no need to "draft" him though).
Adding some air to your tires can help too (running 35-40 PSI will help if your tires are rated for that pressure). More tire pressure will of course make the ride a little more harsh, a trade-off.
Type of tire will play a role also. If you don't need All-Terrain type tires, definitely go with an All-Season tread. Michelin has a number of great All-season treads that should return good mileage.