Get a bigger tank or get a bigger tank and swap up to a 2007 or get a different truck

[coveboy]

My mom drives a Sequoia and we often use it for towing for our family business. We either tow a 12 foot flat bed or an 18 foot box trailer (both loaded with furniture or tools), and on the highway, we probably get around 10-14 mpg on a good day. Before the Sequoia, we used a 96 Suburban with an auxiliary tank, and got around the same mileage, but could go further due to twice the gas capacity. I would steer clear of an Excursion, I personally know of two people whose transmissions went out before they reached 100k miles on them.
Thought about a truck at all, or do you have to have an SUV? Because when it comes to towing...a diesel truck is the way to go. Or heck, a new Tundra. It has as much if not more interior room than the LX, but that 5.7L V8 sure has the ponies needed to tow.

 

[khoopes]

The cold start knock should be checked by a competent mechanic. I would plug in below 30 degrees but if it knocks there you could have bad oil pump or worse. Or it could be. Leaking exhaust as mentioned my 00 LX did that too.

Regarding mileage it sounds like you have a tune up problem. I towed with my 00 LX and I dont think i ever got below 10mpg even hauling a small kubota B3200 backhoe on 16' flatbed. Check you fuel filter, change the spark plugs, (ngk platinum or iridium) and replace the air filter. If you have MT tires that will kill your mileage possibly. I ran BFG AT's on my in 285/75/16.

 

[GX-R]

Get a 200 series!
They are very safe, comfortable and a joy to drive, especially with the 5.7! They ride very well on + off road, and the articulation in stock form is very impressive.
Drive a 100 + 200 back to back on an off road track and you will notice a huge difference. NVH has been greatly reduced in the 200 series. No rattles from the 200 as well!

 

[mgilvan]

i though the gas tank is 25 gallons , but anyways
if u can afford a 200 series ,I say do it. Nothing beats a brand newish truck .

 

[GX-R]

I think you can install a long range fuel tank on the 200 with no problems?
The Cruisers over seas are offered with long range tanks in some markets, it would be nice if Toyota had this at least as an option in the US.