My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

[aldive]

Just back from a 1200 mile road trip. Averaged a hair over 30 MPG for the entire trip.

I will be repeating this trip in a few weeks amd plan on running Mobil 1 0 W 20 oil on that one.

 

[TravisC]

Al that's quite amazing. I can add 2 tanks of gas together and not get that. Although I did get 20 MPG from WV to Murphy, NC and that was going threw the Appalican Mnts and Smokey Mnts. I was pretty pumped up about that. Windows down, no AC and cruise control all the way.

 

[aldive]

You will net better mileage, as well as a more comfortable ride, by using the AC and the windows up.

 

[TravisC]

Well my AC only works on high so I just cruise with the windows down and my hair blowing in the breeze

 

[aldive]

I am wondering how much affect ( negative ) the windshild wipers have on mileage.

The cowl covers that Lund makes might be a good idea if only they made one for my 99.

Opinions.....

 

[VBVA]

I have noticed that windows up and AC on do give the best results in mileage, but the difference in my Ex is marginal at best. I get around 21 mpg with windows up, around 19.5-20.5 with windows down. So, wipers would have an even lower effect on wind resistant and affection towards overall mpgs.

 

[Rhett]

Al you could remove the wipers for a trip, (relying on Rain-X) and store them in your Explorer if you needed to put them on for a rainstorm. The only problem I can think of is that it may be illegal to run without wipers.

 

[aldive]

I plan on doing exactly that, thanks.

 

[karl_burns]

What an unfair advantage!!!!

Exactly HOW MANY coats of Zaino do you have on your truck anyway? That's gotta be the secret!
Karl

 

[IAmTodd]

Since you have XM, you could remove your radio antenna? What about the roof rack cross bars? Taking the passanger side mirror off We could strip your car down Replace the fullsize spare with a doughnut....

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by IAmTodd
Since you have XM, you could remove your radio antenna? What about the roof rack cross bars? Taking the passanger side mirror off We could strip your car down Replace the fullsize spare with a doughnut....

If I remove the antenna ( it has been shortened ), how would I receive local news on FM? This is not an option,

I need all the mirrors I can get, Not an option to remove,

Strip my truck and go to dentist ( j/k ). Not an option,

I like a real spare. Not an option.

Thanks for the ideas, however, I still use this truck daily and like my creature xomforts. I do want the best mileage possible, but will not go radical to achieve it

 

[thecos2002]

$.77 a gallon for gas...

Forget the 30 miles a gallon - the price of gas is the more unbelieveable of the numbers. The price here in the SF bay area "always" hovers around $2.00 a gallon.

 

[aldive]

Re: $.77 a gallon for gas...

Originally posted by thecos2002
Forget the 30 miles a gallon - the price of gas is the more unbelieveable of the numbers. The price here in the SF bay area "always" hovers around $2.00 a gallon.

Easy solution..... MOVE.

 

[Hokie]

Hey Al,

Have you thought of buying those window deflectors or sunroof? I have some and am currently seeing how they affect mileage. I can definately tell there is less turbulance with the windows down, but then again, you run with the AC on...

 

[aldive]

Not an option for me' I almost never open the windows.

Thanks anyway.

 

[DocVijay]

How about getting some really narrow high pressure tires for the trip. Rolling resistance hurts milage (not as much as air resistance at 70, but it does). The Michelin Energy Series worls pretty well (except for being French).

Also, do you have a rear spoiler? If not, it helps on a brick like the Explorer. A little turbulence helps to make the air flow faster (that's why a golf ball has dimples).

Or you could graft on a big cone shaped piece on the back of the Explorer, kinda like on the Space Shuttle has on it's trips on top of the 747 transport.

 

[aldive]

I do have a rear spoiler and it did indeed help mileage.

 

[Crazy5711]

Golf Balls

if dimples work on golf balls, maybe you should take a ball peen (sp?) hammer to the X. Make lots of dimples and you might get an extra 2 or 3 miles per gallon. Or you could one of those Hybrid decals. Decals improve MPG as well as they improve HP.

Of course I'm j/k

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I like Crazy5711's idea with the ball peen hammer. The peened dimples on the body would create a low resistance "boundary effect" for the airflow. This should net at least 5 more mpg. If Mr I. Newton was correct, after the X gets up to speed, wind resistance is the biggest power draw.

 

[aldive]

Latest road trip:
515 miles total
avg speed on way uo - 71.2
avg speed on return - 81.6
150 miles driven around town

MPG - 26.8

This was ( except the in town leg ) with 4 adults, 10 scuba tanks and all personal dive equipment

SPEED KILLS mileage.....