I just got my ScanGuage II and I have to second what Trellend says. The device is amazing, easy to install and provides the info you need to improve your fuel mileage by altering your driving habits. The mileage is updated every 2 seconds (overall trip fuel mileage is also provided), so you can see exactly what effect each type of driving has on mileage. Stop and go driving (in town) is the worst, but if you plan ahead to avoid complete stops, even that can improve. I have a couple of places I go where I can take the short route thru town or take a slightly longer bypass that avoids most stops, and it is worth it. Also, passing can be worthwhile if it gets you around a vehicle that causes you to drop out of OD for extended periods.
I usually get around 18mpg going to my current job (34 miles on 50mph secondary road through rolling hills and mountains that I drive at about 55-60 with a small town at each end). I tried to stay right at 55 using the Scanguage (57.5 by my speedo and I got 20.6 this morning and was at 21.5 until I passed through a small town with 3 stop lights and a long uphill pull to my job. This was using the hyperactive cruise control for about half the trip, which punches down a couple of gears on the hills. I'll try it without cruise control later this week.
My speedo reads 2-3 mph high, but the Scanguage was right on the money according to the roadside radar signs.
I ordered online and received the Scanguage 4 days later. I've been wanting to get a code scanner anyway, so this was a real bonus.
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Originally Posted by trellend
Get a ScanGaugeII or comparable device and actually pay attention to it, and the sound of your engine, well not so much you go off the road.
I can get 22 mpg on a crappy road with 2500 elevation change, loaded down, shell, and BFG TAKO tires (high rolling resistance). 2003 V8 Tundra 4x2 (sticker was 14-18). Before the scangauge I used to get 11-14 on that run. The most important part is slowing down, then you have to figure out what the engine is doing. Many throttle positions will keep you at the same speed, only 1 of them will be "just" enough to overcome drag. Other thing is maxing out the engine on the hills without downshifting or loosing TC lock.
I think I even whined on this board much earlier about the crummy mileage of the truck. Not anymore.
BTW. A shell does NOT improve mileage. It weighs WAY to much, and only adds surface area (even though tangential) for the winds to contact. (Have one). It makes your city mileage go really crummy.
No affiliation with scangauge, just a damn happy customer (thinkgeek.com)
Cruisng 25mph in overdrive...........
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