MPG offroad question

[markthegrea]

So my GX gets around 16mpg on the highway. We are going out west to Montana and Idaho. When driving on dirt at 30mph do we still get 16mpg?

Or

Since I get 320 miles per tank, should I still get 320 miles per tank when going 30 mph? Would it be different MPG at 60mph?

 

[GrizzlyClint]

You’ll get less, probably sub 18 MPG if you’re going off-road for any extended period of time. You’ll need more of the engine load to maintain speed versus a smoother highway. Also 30mph is pretty inefficient of a speed to maintain.

 

[Rednexus]

I usually get around 14 MPG for that type of driving, and less if I spend any appreciable time in 4LO. It's basically the same as city driving. When driving on backroads in a remote area like that, I always fill up prior to leaving the pavement (even if I'm at 1/2 a tank or so).

 

[sedonut]

If you are doing back country, technical trails and average 10=15 mph, you can count on getting much less than 16. Maybe 10-12 mpg.

A graded dirt road at a fairly constant 30 mph I would agree with maybe 14. Don't cut fuel close when the nearest gas is a LONG way on foot.

 

[markthegrea]

Thanks guys. That is the info I need.

I will be doing the Magrunder Corridor in Idaho. Anyone done it in a GX? Will I need some extra gas? Rumor has it it is 10-15mph most of the way and is 117miles long.

Any advice?

 

[GrizzlyClint]

Thanks guys. That is the info I need.

I will be doing the Magrunder Corridor in Idaho. Anyone done it in a GX? Will I need some extra gas? Rumor has it it is 10-15mph most of the way and is 117miles long.

Any advice?

Even at 10mpg you’ll have enough fuel, just bring an extra full jerry can or two just in case.

 

[Rednexus]

Thanks guys. That is the info I need.

I will be doing the Magrunder Corridor in Idaho. Anyone done it in a GX? Will I need some extra gas? Rumor has it it is 10-15mph most of the way and is 117miles long.

Any advice?

I had not heard of that road before but looks amazing. Added to the bucket list. Good luck on your trip!

 

[markthegrea]

Well, the problem is I don't have a place to mount a jerry can. So I have a Roofnest Rooftop Tent, so nowhere easy to mount anything.

It would cost me $400 to get a ladder and jerry can mount, and I don't have time for that (leaving tomorrow).

I might put 5 gallons in a can in the back for just that leg of the trip (in a plastic can). I could empty it asap into the tank, BUT, i don't think I will need it. GAAA.

I think we will be ok.

 

[sedonut]

See if you can find a metal Gas can. You will get too many fumes from a plastic can inside your passenger compartment. I have a original Jerry can, WWII type. They don't vent fumes if the seal is good. Rovers North sells them. I have traveled with them in the passenger compartment with no fumes. No way would I do a plastic can.

rtc8016_fuel_can_20_litre_green_nato_approved

154502901641 eBay Nato can.

I would hesitate to use a Chinese one.

 

[Mr Chuck Norris]

Looks like you're at about 130 miles between the two nearest gas stations (Darby and Elk City) so that's your required minimum range. If you're straight shotting it at 15mph, you should be good. I rarely see more than 10mpg, sometimes as low as 7-8, when I'm driving rougher Forest Service roads in the summer but that's still 154 miles using 22gal.

Keep in mind that every minute idling, every shutdown and startup, running the AC cranked, running in lower gears, running crappy gas that you might get along the way, etc, will all eat away at your range.

Pick up a good, well sealed 5gal can and fill it up at the last gas station. You should be fine but you want the insurance for any unforseen issues.

 

[Rednexus]

I would not hesitate to travel 117 miles off road on a F tank, if you have a gas station at the end. I routinely do that here on backroad trips albeit it is not as remote as ID. Carrying fuel in the car is dangerous for fumes and in the event of a crash/rollover. I would recommend bringing extra food/water/gear etc in case something crazy were to happen so you could wait a couple of days for help or walk out. It looks like that road gets a fair amount of summer traffic.

EDIT: If you are concerned about range, perhaps strap a metal gas can on one of these:

300 lb. Capacity ATV Cargo Carrier

Amazing deals on this 300Lb Capacity Atv Cargo Carrier at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

It get's it outside of the car and removes the fumes/fire issue. I have this rack and it's high enough that the GX exhaust is routed underneath it (but I'd still put the gas can on the other side away from the exhaust). I cannot comment on this specific trail enough to know if you'd routinely wack the carrier on rocks/etc.

 

[Mr Chuck Norris]

I would not hesitate to travel 117 miles off road on a F tank, if you have a gas station at the end. I routinely do that here on backroad trips albeit it is not as remote as ID. Carrying fuel in the car is dangerous for fumes and in the event of a crash/rollover. I would recommend bringing extra food/water/gear etc in case something crazy were to happen so you could wait a couple of days for help or walk out. It looks like that road gets a fair amount of summer traffic.

EDIT: If you are concerned about range, perhaps strap a metal gas can on one of these:

300 lb. Capacity ATV Cargo Carrier

Amazing deals on this 300Lb Capacity Atv Cargo Carrier at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

It get's it outside of the car and removes the fumes/fire issue. I have this rack and it's high enough that the GX exhaust is routed underneath it (but I'd still put the gas can on the other side away from the exhaust). I cannot comment on this specific trail enough to know if you'd routinely wack the carrier on rocks/etc.

A hitch rack could be a good option, except for the GX rear door becoming practically useless when the rack is loaded. Camping with my Rola hitch rack sucks...

 

[clrussell]

Personally I would strap a 5 gal jug to the top of the roof nest. Sure it’s not convenient, but if beats running out.

 

[Rednexus]

A hitch rack could be a good option, except for the GX rear door becoming practically useless when the rack is loaded. Camping with my Rola hitch rack sucks...

My rear door just barely clears the top of the un-loaded rack. You are correct, however, whatever is on it has to come off in order to open the door.

 

[Mr Chuck Norris]

My rear door just barely clears the top of the un-loaded rack. You are correct, however, whatever is on it has to come off in order to open the door.

Yeah, I had to flip the bars on my Rola rack to clear the rack itself. But with something like a RakAttach swing-away it would be a good option while still having rear door access for camping.

 

[skey44]

Yeah, I had to flip the bars on my Rola rack to clear the rack itself. But with something like a RakAttach swing-away it would be a good option while still having rear door access for camping.

I have a rackattach and got little use out of it due to its low hanging design. I recently ordered the kuat pivot v2 and am awaiting its arrival. The pivot is an improved design on the rack attach concept (thw v1 was made by rack attach). It appears to have a larger pivot and much improved ground clearance over the rack attach. I scrubbed the low hanging portion of the rack attach all over any intermediate obstacles. The pivot v2 also swings 120 degrees which I’m sure is nice. I eventually scrapped the swing and just went with a riser hitch extension for my previous application (Four Wheel Camper) but that doesn’t work for the giant GX door. I use it for a bike rack. Just an FYI to anyone I. The market for a product like this.
Ugh I wouldn’t want to carry extra gas. Seems like if you normally have a 300mile range you should be fine if they are mostly smoother roads and not trails. Of course as others have said, you may want to be mindful of idling or additional exploration along the way. Hope all goes well and update us on how it goes!

 

[Mr Chuck Norris]

I have a rackattach and got little use out of it due to its low hanging design. I recently ordered the kuat pivot v2 and am awaiting its arrival. The pivot is an improved design on the rack attach concept (thw v1 was made by rack attach). It appears to have a larger pivot and much improved ground clearance over the rack attach. I scrubbed the low hanging portion of the rack attach all over any intermediate obstacles. The pivot v2 also swings 120 degrees which I’m sure is nice. I eventually scrapped the swing and just went with a riser hitch extension for my previous application (Four Wheel Camper) but that doesn’t work for the giant GX door. I use it for a bike rack. Just an FYI to anyone I. The market for a product like this.
Ugh I wouldn’t want to carry extra gas. Seems like if you normally have a 300mile range you should be fine if they are mostly smoother roads and not trails. Of course as others have said, you may want to be mindful of idling or additional exploration along the way. Hope all goes well and update us on how it goes!

Good to know, I'm curious how the Kuat unit works out. I like their products so I'm sure it will be a good one.

 

[cr4west]

I live in Idaho so thought I would contribute a typical weekend outing here to give you an idea of what to expect. Last week went from Boise ID (43.6150° N, 116.2023° W Elevation: 2,730′) to Atlanta ID (43.8017° N, 115.1271° W Elevation: 5,383′) via FS road #384 & #327 Edna Creek. Hit 6,400' at one pass with a rain storm, slippery mud and 64F. Mostly gravel roads and endless washboard. Fast was 20-30 mph, and it showed 12 mpg using midgrade 89 octane. Most of the traffic was 4-wheelers, Domestic 4x4 trucks, Jeeps, Toyota trucks and various Subaru's. Well travelled roads in the Idaho mountains are usually clear of debris so you do not need additional clearance. Folks are friendly, helpful and even wave as you pass each other in oncoming traffic. Same direction traffic sometimes will occasionally pull over to allow you to pass if you do not tailgate them (be courteous). Expect a LOT of dust this time of year since the soil is volcanic ash mixed with sand. There are rock slides and downed trees sometimes on remote roads. I carry a small amount of extra fuel (2 gal), long tow strap(HF), booster cables(welding type), water(1 gal), small chain saw(Stihl MS200T), 10' hook chain(HF) and a decent come-along(Northern Tool). It all fits in one medium plastic tote. Think boy scouts "be prepared" instead of be afraid. Most road intersections are marked. I use hard copy BLM topo area maps (available online or any BLM ranger station) and an autonomous GPS app on my android head unit (maps.me, back country navigator Pro, onX Hunt, even Google maps download). There is no cell service in remote areas unless you are at the top of the mountain and very lucky. I do not see much in the way of fancy roof racks, roof tents, ladders, exterior side mounted fuel/water cans, ditch lights or snorkels. I do see mild lifts, somewhat larger tires, home made metal bumpers with deer guards, flood lights, one battered jerry can held with a failing bungee cord and winches. There are bears and mountain lions here. They have offspring and they are hungry. Act accordingly. Camping opportunities are outstanding. Geothermal pools to take a dip in. Great fishing. Your truck will be filthy at the end. Hope this helps and enjoy.

 

[markthegrea]

So I thought I would report how we did on the Magruders Corridor. It was a great and amazing trip through the mountains of Idaho. My wife who loves vacations but is a bit skeptical of Overlanding became a true believer on this trip. We had a great time.

Our GX470 (the truck) gets around 16mpg normally. We got gas in Darby Montana and I also bought a 2 gallon container that I filled, sealed and wrapped in a garbage bag (just in case). The corridor drive is really about 130 miles straight through from Darby Montana to Elk City Idaho. I would say it is about 30 miles paved road, 30 miles serviced dirt road and 70 miles bad road. We did about 50mph, 30mph and 15mph respectively on the road.

At the beginning I reset the GX's computer and we managed 12mpg throughout the Corridor. The average speed was 15mph.

Now 130 miiles is straight through but we also did one side road to Hells Half Acre. This road was in the "bad road" category and was 20 miles out and back, so the total distance we drove was 150 miles.

We had 67 miles of range left in Elk City. And I did NOT use the extra 2 gallons.


The Corridor drive was truly a great experience. We saw maybe 10 vehicles the entire drive: 4 trucks and 6 motorcycles. The trucks, I believe were all Toyotas.

There is another side road to Bald Knob. It is about 2 miles but is straight up. 2 Taco's did it and had a blast. They said they went right up without incident but on the way down scraped a few times. I didn't want to try it. Next time for sure.

We spent the night in Paradise Campground. I would reccomend it. We saw little wildlife. It is Very dusty and dry everywhere. We took one hike (Salmon trail) to see a fire lookout guy. We were the first people that week. He expected no others.

O, and when we talked to the ranger at Hell's Half Acre. I asked him what was the oddes vehicle to make the climb. He said an old school Lincoln Continental made it up there.

This is a great video of the area:





O, and one more thing. Everything that cr4west said in the previous post is correct. Except their hasn't been a bear spotted in the wilderness in quite a while.

 

[cesslinger]

I averaged 7.5 MPG pulling a 2500 lb trailer through the Grand Staircase @ Escalante over Memorial Day weekend. A little 4Lo but mostly 4Hi and 70+ miles of dirt.