My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

[SLVRTRC]

a explorer is a little more aerodynamically challenged compared to a Mark VII.

i also realize that the pics wont show true mileage it shows a significant drop regardless.

i have said it before my 4.0L mustang got 28mpg all the time trips ranging from 5 miles to 800... doing the math at the pump fill up after fill up. mustang is much more aerodynamic than a barn shaped explorer.

Please do not rely on the message center information as accurate fuel data. I have owned several Lincolns with the message center, and two Explorers/Mountaineers with it. That is not accurate, it's not even close.

Fuel mileage data must come from longer distances than a mile or two. The only real reliable fuel data is what you get from multiple tank fill ups.

Shoot, I've gotten 28-30mpg going to work in my Mark VII tons of times. Never mind that it's a downhill section and the message center is in error in those light throttle conditions. My real mileage with that car was about 18-21mpg, as documented by recording all fuel tank fill ups and mileage.

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-economy/how-to-get-better-fuel-economy.htm

 

[black91EB]

Please do not rely on the message center information as accurate fuel data. I have owned several Lincolns with the message center, and two Explorers/Mountaineers with it. That is not accurate, it's not even close.QUOTE]

So true, a friend of mine has a '03 2500 Dodge, and if you are on a downhill with the clutch in, the data center will tell you it is getting 99.6 MPG. (I'll grant you it's a Cummins with a 6spd, but they don't get THAT great milage)

 

[alexk]

So I am driving from NJ to NC in about a month and a week From memory its about 415 miles from my house to the beach house. Do you think I can get there on 1 tank in a 2002 V8 4x4?

 

[aldive]

So I am driving from NJ to NC in about a month and a week From memory its about 415 miles from my house to the beach house. Do you think I can get there on 1 tank in a 2002 V8 4x4?

It depends on what your gas mileage averages. Just do the math.

 

[aldive]

Latest mileage check on a roundtrip to Boneta Springs, FL.

miles driven 152
mileage 32.4 MPG

speed 68 MPH ( GPS determined ).
fyel used BP 87

 

[Fabbed4d88]

So I am driving from NJ to NC in about a month and a week From memory its about 415 miles from my house to the beach house. Do you think I can get there on 1 tank in a 2002 V8 4x4?

depending on how many gallons your tank holds you'll need to average between 23/24MPG.

 

[alexk]

i wanna say I have a 22 gallon tank and usually I get 16/17mpg but I just drive around suburban NJ, not much highway driving at all.

 

[aldive]

There is no way of knowing if you can make it on one tank without knowing your average highway MPG.

 

[alexk]

Well Im going to Atlantic City next week. Its only 55 miles one way, but its the parkway the entire time so Ill top up before I go and when I get back to figure it out.

 

[gavin]

So I am driving from NJ to NC in about a month and a week From memory its about 415 miles from my house to the beach house. Do you think I can get there on 1 tank in a 2002 V8 4x4?

probably not.. you have AWD, not 4x4. That's what kills the fuel mileage, although the V8's wouldn't get the greatest mileage anyway.

 

[alexk]

probably not.. you have AWD, not 4x4. That's what kills the fuel mileage, although the V8's wouldn't get the greatest mileage anyway.

No Im pretty sure its a 4x4, I got the buttons.

 

[gavin]

No Im pretty sure its a 4x4, I got the buttons.

huh... I'll be.
Ford finally made the V8 a true 4x4. The way it should have been done from the beginning.

 

[CDW6212R]

After 2001 the new trucks have new five speeds and new transfer cases. The AWD and 4WD TC both fit on the same trans. Those transmissions all have the same output shaft, no more different shaft for 2WD and 4WD. It's a better idea, and most trucks had the option of either TC. Regards,

 

[Essex4x4]

I am not exactly sure what everyone is doing in terms of driving habits but having owned my 06 for almost two years I still can and do maintain an average of 18-19 city and 25-27 highway with a possible 28mpg highway. This is averaging fuel mileage by miles driven by fuel used, not the message center.

 

[aldive]

Back frfom a 1000 mile trip to Georgia.

I pulled my kayak trailer with 2 boats and got 31.2 MPG and 30.8 MPGT.

 

[bcboy4ca]

Aldive,

Other than driving style what would you say were your top 5 "Bang for your Buck" mods to increase your mileage.

I have changed my engine oil with 5w30 Royal Purple Synthetic and plan to do the diffs and possibly the tranny in the near future.

I have the Ford Racing 4.6L 70mm T/B on order
I have a Flex-a-Lite 180 Black Magic Fan at home waiting to be installed
I have the JET 15003 Tuner installed running the Mid Grade Tune
I have a K&N drop in w/drilled air box
I have a Magnaflow Muffler

I have gotten 21.2mpg on a trip a couple of months ago but on the last few trips it has varied from 17.5-19.2mpg on the hwy and I am hoping to get a little more out of it.

Thanks

Grant

 

[aldive]

Aldive,

Other than driving style what would you say were your top 5 "Bang for your Buck" mods to increase your mileage.

I have changed my engine oil with 5w30 Royal Purple Synthetic and plan to do the diffs and possibly the tranny in the near future.

I have the Ford Racing 4.6L 70mm T/B on order
I have a Flex-a-Lite 180 Black Magic Fan at home waiting to be installed
I have the JET 15003 Tuner installed running the Mid Grade Tune
I have a K&N drop in w/drilled air box
I have a Magnaflow Muffler

I have gotten 21.2mpg on a trip a couple of months ago but on the last few trips it has varied from 17.5-19.2mpg on the hwy and I am hoping to get a little more out of it.

Thanks

Grant

Get an intake such as the MAC. Install that fan. Loose the Jet tuner ( go with SCT )

 

[Carguy3J]

Aldive,
As I'm sure you know, weight savings can be a significant contributor to improved fuel economy. Just ask the OEMs. What, if anything have you done to reduce the weight of your truck? Anything you've thought of trying, or decided not to do? I'm planning on replacing my steel full-size spare with an OEM aluminum wheel. If I ever need to use it, will look better, plus I'll save maybe 15 pounds or so. What about a fiberglass hood and/or rear hatch? They seem pretty light to begin with. Do you think there is any savings to be had? Plexiglass rear 1/4 windows??
I know someone asked you about wheels a long time ago. I realize that larger, aftermarket wheels would be heavier, and counterproductive, but given the disproportionate effect that rolling weight can have, have you considered lighter wheels?

 

[BrooklynBay]

I have a plexiglass rear window on my 88. Sunlight will discolor it after a while, so don't use this.