1HDT snow/ice trip report/fuel economy

[Martin White]

Just completed a 3500 km drive to Regina and back in my HDJ81; including a section of several hundred km on packed ice, loose snow and a mix thereof. At one point I was completely alone for about 1.5 hours except for service trucks because the conditions were pretty abysmal, but I had no problems at all. I now have BFG AT's which were really very good in snow.

The truck is absoutely phenomenal on bad roads; my first chance to try it but I thought I'd mention it. I had to really work hard to get it to slide at all, even on very slippery ice, and it just pulled itself back into line right away. At one point, there were dozens of cars, 4wd pickups and other SUV's littered all over the place in ditches, and a bunch of vehicles had to stop on a steep hill to work around a jacknifed semi. Only my 81 and another SUV were able to get going on that hill.

On the fuel consumption, it was amazing given the conditions, and on the last approx. 800 km back, I got 24.5 miles per imperial gallon, or 11.5 l /100 km, which is the best I've had yet. For some unknown reason my truck is slowly trending towards better fuel consumption, even given the winter fuel blend now in use.

 

[roscoFJ73]

On the fuel consumption, it was amazing given the conditions, and on the last approx. 800 km back, I got 24.5 miles per imperial gallon, or 11.5 l /100 km, which is the best I've had yet. For some unknown reason my truck is slowly trending towards better fuel consumption, even given the winter fuel blend now in use.

Ive heard similar stories with JDM HJ61 and Nissan patrols.
Your long drives are probably cleaning up the cyl bore and other parts.
It maybe the 1st time your engine has done sustained highway speeds .

Of course you took lots of pics?

 

[crushers]

congrates on the safe trip out and back... you should have stopped by for PIZZA. it would have been nice to put a face to the name...
if you have pics post them up, i am sure we all would love to see them...

 

[Martin White]

I would have loved to do that but I was very limited for time, this trip. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures, but if you just imagine typical BC mountain roads with cars and trucks front and rear ends sticking out of ditches, you'll get the idea! I didn't mention it before but there was some serious fog as well, but the great view from the cruiser cockpit made it a whole lot easier to deal with.

 

[jcolvin]

On the fuel consumption, it was amazing given the conditions, and on the last approx. 800 km back, I got 24.5 miles per imperial gallon, or 11.5 l /100 km, which is the best I've had yet. For some unknown reason my truck is slowly trending towards better fuel consumption, even given the winter fuel blend now in use.

That's pretty much exactly what I get; a very consistent 9 km/L; and I'm running 315/75R16.

Looks like it's getting to be the time to pull the big BFG AT's off and put my (smaller) Nokkian Hakka studded on.

 

[83bj60]

JFor some unknown reason my truck is slowly trending towards better fuel consumption, even given the winter fuel blend now in use.

I've only had mine for four days and I am noticing an increase in power. Probably due to getting the gunk out of the combustion chambers, after a life of driving at 80 kph?

Today I was able to get it to 140 kph for a short stint on the flat, and I felt I could have gotten faster. On tuesday night, I had a hard time getting to 120kph.

As for fuel consumption, I've been driving pretty manly, what do you expect after 17 years driving BJ60s... And I've done about 360km and am about the half way mark on the fuel gauge. I sure hope I can reach your fuel economy, it looks more like 12.5 l/100 at this point for me. I'm quite happy, considering how Ive been driving. At 90kph it should be much better.

As for driving, sticking to the road: I have a very, very bad road (basically an asphalt covered trail ) for 3 km going to the main highway. I've been able to stick to that road in an amazing way. Of course, there is no snow yet... What is the width and aspect ratio of your winter tires? I would tend towards 235/85R16 (If I can find suitable rims), because I'm worried the 8" wide alloys are going to require way too wide tires.

How does your oil pressure gauge read? Have you done your BEBs yet? Sorry if you have to repeat yourself...

Keep the good stories coming!

 

[83bj60]

Your Hakkas - What type, rim size and width?

Looks like it's getting to be the time to pull the big BFG AT's off and put my (smaller) Nokkian Hakka studded on.

Jonathan - I got some studded Hakkas 235/75R15 on old 15" OEM chrome rims from the Old Faithful, but they are MUCH smaller and on 15 inch rims - what size and what rim width are YOU running on yours?

It would realy help if you could share your experience, I got to decide soon if I should get skinny 16" rims or if old 15" chrome OEMs will do. These Hakkas of mine are fully 4" smaller than the Bridgestones that are on the truck now.

Thanks for your input!

Chris

 

[83bj60]

Fuel consumption HDJ81 with 28.5" studded Hakkas

Well folks, I believe I broke a record, or close to

Going an average of 100kph as measured on the speedo (about 93 corrected for the samll tire size), approx. 2350RPM, I managed... 10.33 l/100 (corrected based on odometer versus km marker on the highway) on my way to Maine two nights ago

Verdict: get yerself some decent skinny tires, lower your stance a bit and save money in fuel!

One thing is sure, I'm not putting those fat duellers back on come spring and will get myself something more road friendly, in 215/85/16 size or whatever is closest to 30.5 inches in diameter narrow

Chris

 

[Martin White]

I have read you get better economy with smaller tires. That is really impressive to say the least. Congrats!!

 

[83bj60]

I have read you get better economy with smaller tires. That is really impressive to say the least. Congrats!!

Yeah, I'm a happy puppy...

As for tire size, Wayne's tests showed almost the same economy driving a bit faster on 30inch tires.

As for driving around town at the inlaws, short trips, the fuel consumption is definitely, visibly higher. What do yo expect...

As for tire size versus consumption, I would expect actually better economy if used with a tire that allows running at the ideal engine RPM (which, IIRC, is 2000 for the 1HD-T, or where maximum torque is), that would be using 30.5 inch tires and running about 90 kph...

Feel free to correct the accuracy of my numbers