MPG - Why so bad?

[kbarron]

I moved from Dallas Texas to Colorado Springs and in Dallas I averaged like 18.5 to 19 mpg, since I have moved to Springs I am getting like 14.5 to 16 max? I thought being in cooler environment for turbo would be better??

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[DriveAllNight]

Even with turbos there is some loss.

Also check the Octane you're putting in, Texas regular is probably 87, Colorado regular is 85, I believe.

 

[Bschurr]

Not just the imperical elevation of the 2 locations but there is significantly more elevation changes in the terrain which will necessitate some extra skinny pedal interaction. Consider it the price you pay for living in one of the most beautiful areas…

 

[RagnarKon]

Even with turbos there is some loss.

Also check the Octane you're putting in, Texas regular is probably 87, Colorado regular is 85, I believe.

Also note which one of those images has plenty of mountains and hills in it... and which one has... well... none of that.

Dallas is flat, boring, and close to sea level. Good for fuel economy.

I did a road trip recently to Michigan from the New England area. Driving through the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania I was averaging around 20.4 MPG on the highway. Once I got to Ohio it jumped up to 23.9. Same thing you are experiencing, Ohio is flat and boring.

 

[Fordified1]

Also I’m sure Colorado is well into their winter formula gas season.

 

[Brian_B]

Also I’m sure Colorado is well into their winter formula gas season.

I've noticed every time we switch gas seasons my MPG goes down. It never goes back up when we switch back, just down again.

Funny.

 

[Diller]

Not sure about Colorado, but when I lived in the Northeast they would switch to "winter gas mix" in the late fall. This had a higher ethanol percentage, and would kill my mileage.

 

[DriveAllNight]

Dallas is flat, boring, and close to sea level.

I have to laugh, my house is about 28 feet above sea level, of course my town goes right down to sea level.

I know it's all relative, but 430 feet is like being in a skyscraper

 

[rblume73]

With the elevation change you have a drop in atmospheric pressure. That effects the power and efficiency output of your motor.

 

[kbarron]

Thanks Guys I figured it was the elevation but was just making sure, I use the mid grade gas here which is 87, I tried the 85 once and the Bronco did not like that so got that out asap..

 

[Taltyman]

Just got back to Texas from Ouray Colorado. Normally the MPG for our Braptor is about 15. This time we pulled a 12' aluminum trailer with a Kawasaki Mule on the trailer. The Mule height is above the Braptor and the Mule's windshield is problematic for a good MPG but I was still shocked by the MPG dropping to 9 MPG average for the trip. Brought the cost of buying gas way up. When filling up instead of seeing the gas gauge say 300+ miles to empty it would sometimes go as low as 175 miles to empty after filling up. Since there are some really long stretches where gas stations are rare it seemed like we were stopping often to fill up. Having 1/2 a tank and 90 miles to empty is not a great feeling. But on the plus side the Braptor did great pulling the trailer and mule. Enjoyed Ouray and off-roading as usual,

 

[Lej512]

I always run 91 octane. On the highway I consistently get 21 - 21.5.

 

[cbrownabq]

I have a 2.7 on 37s. Average 20 mpg city, highway. Can get 21 of I really try. Ford tune with 91 octane. Denver area.

 

[ssls6]

All my vehicles get better mileage at 10k feet (where I live) vs. when I lived in North Texas (McKinney). There are two reasons for this....1) closed loop fuel injection along with the lower atmospheric pressure, 2) lower drag from the lower atmospheric pressure. The longer warm up time will cause more fuel to be burned because the engine runs richer longer (are your trip mostly short?).

Not sure what's going on with your bronco. I don't have a turbo motor yet, I'm here just learning all I can before I buy. I know turbo's only lose about 1/3-1/2 the power that NA engines lose but your O2 sensors should pull fuel to offset atmospheric pressure loss.

The Springs can be windy so maybe you just need more data.

 

[shoptb2277]

One other variable for me, I used to be able to get 21-22mpg in the Denver area, but after installing the Ford roof rails, I'm now only getting 18-19mpg. Wind resistance?

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