38 Gal tank experiences....

Total elevation changes under 200. Almost pancake flat.

:/

 

That was only over a 46 mile distance, so my guess is it was pretty flat ground, mild temperatures, and just cruising 55-60 with very few stops, if any. I average 15.5-17 driving 4 hrs across hills 65-75mph going up to camp.

 

Just got back from camp perry Ohio where my daughter participated in the CMP air rifle championships. From Maryland to Ohio and back I averaged 17.2 mpg which I thought was pretty darn good. The fillups were still shocking to my wallet but the truck was very comfortable throughout the trip.

 

We just took our Tundra on a 600 mile round trip road trip. Most of the time I was driving at about 75 mph. Total mileage ended up at 16.0 mpg. That included a mountain pass and several substantial inclines, but also some good downhills and flat lands. I was plenty happy with 16 because the truck was so dang comfortable. All four of us had plenty of room, the truck was smooth and powerful, and we arrived at our destination feeling good. It's like paying extra for first class.

 

I just did a 5200 mile trip for the second half of July. Averaged 14.5mpg (calculated off fuel used and actual distance traveled) fully loaded with tools, gear, rack, tent, etc. 3/2 lift on 35s. Mostly highway but mixed in offroad, exploring , and some in town use as well. Usually showed empty and took 30gal to tip off.

Oddly my gas light never turns on until maybe 7 calculated miles left on the tank.

 

Someone suggested running a 38 gallon Tundra out of fuel to confirm the capacity. I did just that within the first month of ownership. I made the calculation that the tank was clean enough to make the risk manageable. When the range counter reached zero, I zeroed out my trip A odometer and kept driving (City driving) until the truck died. Of course, I had a 5 gallon gas can in the bed. What I found is that I drove 93 city miles past zero range. I then added the 5 gallon gas jug and drove to a gas station where I filled with 32 gallons of gas.

 

Yes. It's in the textbooks at every auto mechanic school.

Any SAE or factory certified mechanic will confirm this.

 

Tire size? Lift? No reason your Tundra shouldn't be close to 19mpg or better all the time in your conditions. Mine would...

 

Just drove from Roseville CA to Ashland OR…about 320 miles and only avg about 15. I have the small tank and this is about my max without going too far into the “refuel light” zone reserve with highway miles. Hate the constant refueling and looking to go 38 soon if i can get one in CA. I do have a heavy foot though.

 

15-16 average here

 

Pedal commander got me 18.1 on the way to the mountains and 20.1 on the way back. It's eco mode is worth the price of it. And training yourself to drive like pops is certainly part of it. It'll cure a lead foot if that's what your goal is.

 

Drove 24 miles past “refuel” light coming on. Was on a call and not paying attention, remote area. Took 31.2 gallons to click.

 

Same - I showed 20 miles remaining on my 2020 and filled up a little over 32 gallons.

 

I'd look into the Costco Citi card: 1) it counts as your membership; 2) you get 3% fuel back - we got one just for fueling and found it to be one of the better cost back options for fuel

 

another perfect example of useable vs capacity are motorcycle tanks - especially when they straddle the frame. The fuel line comes out of one side of the tank (left or right) and the other side will always hold onto some fuel that will not be able to drain over to the other side of the tank. I'm just happy to have 32 gals vs 20 or less with my avg 13 mpg

 

I’ve never seen it over 30 gal

 

4% cash back on gas for the first $7k, I believe 1% cash back after
3% cash back on travel
2% cash back on Costco purchases
1% cash back on everything else

My wife and I also got their Citi card for the cash back on gas, it's worth it. I believe Sam's Club has a similar card offer for their members.

 

Great information, guys - thanks! Looking for more usable bonus options than my flight points cards now that we are traveling much less.
Annual fee$ on those or not?

 

For sure. Are Tires/Lift/Towing causing that mpg hit? I see 2-3 mpg more on mine, but it’s still a fairly stock 4WD SR5.

 

No annual fees - just your membership fee iirc

35s with an OME lift on 18" FN BFDs - no towing. 90% of my miles are commuting/around town. Last time I took her on the highway I was getting ~16 mpg (depending on whether I was mostly in mountains or flats). Will be gearing next year (fingers crossed) to help on the local mileage among other reasons.

 

Correct, no annual fees for the Citi card, just Costco membership fee.

Membership fee is $60 for the regular membership and $120 for the executive membership. The executive membership gives you 2% back on Costco purchases minus a few items like alcohol, gas and pharmacy. What I'm not sure on is if you double up on that 2% back if you have the executive membership and Citi card since they both give 2% back on Costco purchases.

 

you totally do - the cash back from Citi and from Costco is separate (two separate "checks") and you get both - it's pretty nice.

 

good to know, thanks for confirming that!

 

I pushed til I had the giant warning on my dashboard and was able to squeeze in 31.5 gallons. Prior to this 25-26 max, I try to not let it get below a quarter tank. Or rather, in the past I always filled at a quarter tank. Found this thread and had to find out for myself.

 

That’s what I find frustrating. I get 31-32 at every fill up right at the point the light comes on. I assume with a reserve of 6 gal the pump is fine. Once playing I ran it past the multiple warnings that progressively get funnier and squeezed in 34.7. It’s the inconsistency of everyone’s gauge thats annoying.

 

Good to know - I always figured it would go at least 50miles after warning light which should be enough time to find a station…

 

You could tow 50 miles after the warning lights. I think that’s the whole point of it

 

When upgrading to the larger tank, is there any calibration that is required? If so, should the dealership have it done or is it DIY?

 

what size tires are we running? I have the 38 gal tank with 35s and thought the extra mileage after empty was some mis calibration in the factory tires vs 35s...? (I have definitely pushed 20 or so miles past empty, and pumped over 31 gallons before)

 

5 gallons is a reserve for when on steep inclines. Those 5 gallons cannot be burned.