1,000 Mile Update - Do Larger Tires Affect MPG?

[@GG-000]

Glad to hear that your mom is doing well. We always have good thoughts for her! Looking forward to seeing some fun times with her and your aunt! As always, thanks for your tips. We appreciate you both for your honesty ! 🌸

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks so much!

[@busterboyd4125]

Some things to consider for those looking at a van... I'm not against vans or RVs but careful consideration should be made before making a purchase. As someone who has traveled the country in a large van, a small sedan, and a midsize SUV, I learned much about the pros and cons of each type of conveyance. After a long drive, I always felt less exhausted in my sedan or SUV. And when you go on a 6000 mile trip those miles add up fast in your back, neck, and shoulders. One thing in particular varies depending on where you are regionally - not all parking spaces are created equal. When in Southern California you'll find that spaces are pretty tight. While in most of the South the spaces are much wider. You have to pick your spaces wisely. Normally, we would just park far away from the other vehicles just to be safe. Once, I pulled into a State Park and while looking for a parking space I ended up at a dead end with nowhere to turn the van around. It took careful navigation to back out about 150 yards in a tightly packed lot. Vans require a lot more planning for simple things people never think about. I got into my first car accident in 30+ years while driving my van. The car in front of me brake checked me at a green light and even though I had several car lengths between that car and myself it was still not enough and I rear ended them. Never would have happened in a smaller vehicle. I had many more close calls which ultimately lead to my decision to sell the van this year. You really have to completely change your driving behavior when driving such a heavy vehicle with poor braking. This is something that anyone considering a van needs to know. I believe my Ford Transit 250 empty weighed over 6000 lbs and loaded with two people and my gear was over 7500 lbs. If you buy a custom van then the weight could be even higher. Vans also wear through tires between 25k-45k miles. And because the tires have to be rated for much higher weight you won't have many choices and they can be quite expensive to replace. Even in a large SUV you are limited in what you can take on a trip. The van allowed us to take everything and anything we could think of needing on a trip. That was really nice because I always felt I had everything I needed anytime I went on a long trip. In my Honda Pilot I had to make tough choices on which items I would bring and which I had to leave behind. Also, there are different costs when taking a long trip in a van vs SUV. On our last cross country trip we saved about $1000 in gas by taking an SUV, but we spent a little more in hotels. But having a van doesn't necessarily save you on lodging. Some full service RV sites can be very pricey. However , if you plan on boondocking mostly then the van will save you a lot of money. One huge advantage of a van is in bad weather. Setting up a tent in the rain or tent sleeping in below freezing weather can be a challenge. Having a van means not having to get out of the vehicle during bad weather. Just walk back and lay down in a bed. You can even boil water or cook inside the van. On my last trip, we visited Moab and drove Potash Road and Shafer Trail. Never would have attempted it in a van. The Honda Pilot was the perfect size for the trail and it was the highlight of our trip. If you carry a motorcycle on the back of the van then that would be a solution to something like this. Although, I would not attempt that trail on a bike with someone sitting behind me. One last thing. The Ford Transit van with ecoboost engine is highly unreliable. It requires regular maintenance beyond dealer recommended intervals to keep running well. I would change the oil every 3000 miles, drain and fill transmission fluid every 30k miles, and the same for differential fluid. Keep an eye on the brakes because the pads wear out fast, especially the rear. Just some things to think about for those considering a van.

[@YoshiV819]

Oh, we think Woodford is the best distillery experience. The long drive in through emerald green horse pasture land and general grounds are gorgeous and I thought their tour and tasting were really, really well done. A close second is Buffalo Trace, lots of history and we prefer many of their products. Eagle Rare is the best kept secret in the bourbon world!

[@byronlemay2166]

If you want to play, you have to pay. I put slightly larger tires on my truck camper (F-350) and the difference in ride quality and off road performance is astonishing. I don't even pay attention to what the gas milage is...my philosophy is more camping, less driving. Having a dual sport bike does wonders to extending your range.

[@Weretherussos]

That it does - we carry a DRZ with us

[@oatiko3065]

From reset, drove from SF Bay Area, Ca to Utah. I’ve been driving around Joe’s Valley on and off road with fresh tank full and van is loaded. Averaging 14.7 MPG. I’m in a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter 144” Thor Tranquility 19L equipped with Van Compass 4.3 lift kit.

[@lrobie123]

always good to hear about the technical details on van setup. You know, something tells me that someday you will be the next RV News Channel when the current RV news channel station retires.

[@reh0119]

I am driving a 2020 AWD high roof Transit that I built out with the factory wheels and tires. My guess is that weight, speed and aerodynamics make the biggest difference. My van definitely is traveling lighter than you guys, no awning & no roof rack. This van has a ‘drive mode’ that allows me to select an ECO mode. I don’t know my weight, but it’s not a heavy build. Driving with Adaptive Cruise Control set at 65 MPH, on paved highways, I get between 18 and 19 MPG on most trips. Climbing a mountain in a head wind, it drops. Going down a mountain with no head wind I have seen 21 MPG. We drive 90% on paved roads, and pavement has many benefits for ride, mileage etc.

[@CocoNut2018]

Aerodynamics are important for high speed. I wonder if mid-roof mpg is better than high-roof. I think stop and go, weight becomes important.

[@sueneilson896]

Made a similar +2” tyre swap on my VW Transporter 4motion. Agree with all your findings. Economy the same, but ride vastly improved on all surfaces.

[@howardgrossman763]

Hi, I’m from Laguna ,Ca. I Drive a 2014 Transit Connect XLT, Wagon, with leather seats, I bought her new, she was made in Spain, I used 16” Continental Tires, 6 speed automatic transmission made in France, 4 cylinder Engine 269 HP., made in Mexico. I just bought new extra 3 years warranty/ 36 month, starts today on extending warranty. She has a complete Alarm System .

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for sharing!

[@reh0119]

I built my van myself. I got everything I wanted exactly how I wanted. I saved significant money because I paid myself for labor instead of someone else. I installed exactly what I wanted and no more. So I didn’t get a ‘Package’ that included thing I don’t need or use. I am relatively handing so it has the fit and finish of a pro build van. However, I don’t have a shop, it was all built in my driveway over the course of a year (a pandemic project), with a minimum of hand held power tools. One benefit is know exactly how to repair anything that breaks; although nothing has.

[@YoshiV819]

Also had an excellent experience with Wildpeak A/T's on our SUV. Super quiet and smooth at all speeds, awesome in deep snow so just fine on dirt and gravel roads. Not sure about load rating in your application, my understanding is the Wildpeak marketed to the cross over segment.

[@busterboyd4125]

Big fan of the Wildpeaks after driving up Potash/Shafer in Moab. Tires did great and never lost traction. They get a few miles less mpg on highway compared to All Seasons they replaced but could not have done the trails without them.

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

2021 350 SRW, High Roof, Extended, AWD, 3.5 eco boost, OEM extended running boards, stock wheels and tires, no lift, rack on top with two maxxairs, AC unit, 400w solar, no ladder, no awning and I live in CO. 15.3 MPG is usually what I average. I can squeeze it to 16, but I have to drive much more conservative and slower than I normally or care to do.

[@Weretherussos]

Good to know - thanks!

[@Van_Liberty]

My RWD 2021 Transit 350HD dually high roof, long body with the Ecoboost weighs about 9300 lbs and gets just under 16mpg. It's an Embassy Traveler Sport with split AC...clean roof. Looking forward to seeing you two, again, at the Overland Expo event. I met you at the Volta event. I was the guy who asked to sit in your new passenger seat. I friggin' HATE my seats....Hate them...

[@Weretherussos]

Looking forward to seeing you again as well!

[@neverquit6939]

1) Are you happier in your Transit van vs your past Truck camper ? 2) Do you have more enjoyable living area in the van vs the truck camper ? 3) Do you have many minor or some significant limitations in your adventures in the van vs the truck camper? Thank you very much.

[@Weretherussos]

I think I answered that question pretty well in the video - more towards the end. Two different campers for two different purposes.

[@jturbo68]

Ky local here. Id suggest going to frankfort and hitting castle and key, buffalo trace and woodford reserve. Also 4 roses

[@lrobie123]

I was back and forth on the truck camper vs van camper. Most of the camping in the midwest it seems the van camper is fine on the terrain here in my opinion.

[@philiptarnaski1667]

Hi to you all. On my work transit van I have the Michelin Agilis cross climate 235/65 R 16 C, tires and they handle great no issues and I have about 50K miles on them. 👍

[@Weretherussos]

We’ve heard good things about those as well

[@bobstransitvan3053]

I have a 2021 Transit, Eco-Boost engine, AWD, High Roof, Long Wheel Base (not the Extended). I'm mostly done with my conversion of the van into a camper. I drive mostly to work and back in town and on a highway where I'm usually doing about 60 mph. The mpg readout on the dash is usually reading about 13.7 mpg when I fill up. I have the large gas tank (30 gal.) and I usually fill up when it's at half full, so that's about 200 miles between fill-ups. My van has just over 16,000 miles on it. Thanks for the analysis. I thought about getting a bigger, more off-road worthy tire put on my van when the factory tires need replacing, but I may not just to maintain a quieter ride.

[@Weretherussos]

Good call

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Thanks Kait and Joe! Another great one in the books!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks John!

[@bobpetrovski8677]

Very worthwhile conversation. Thanks. We're close to buying a '18 Airstream Interstate/MB Sprinter 4x4 and am looking at wheel/tire options for 4-season (❄ stamped) traveling and dispersed camping. I'm running Falken Wildpeak on a pickup and SUV and love them. Your clip gives me better thoughts on the subject. Thanks. Safe travels. Happy trails!

[@Weretherussos]

We’ve heard good things about the Wildpeaks

[@jodycoyote3916]

Thanks for sharing pro’s and con’s of each rv. It’s great to get real hands on feedback.

[@busterboyd4125]

I used to own a 2016 Transit 250 extended wheelbase cargo van with 3.7 V6 2WD and factory wheels and tires (Hankook tires). I averaged around 17.5 mpg on the highway. Loved the van but the braking distance was awful. To the point that I was concerned that it would lead to a bad accident one day. Sold it and bought a 2019 Honda Pilot and we are very happy with it after taking it on a 6000 mile cross country trip. Although I missed not being able to take everything and anything on a road trip. For anyone considering a van, just keep in mind that driving a large vehicle on a road trip is much more tiring than driving a car. Because a large van requires the driver to be much more attentive and more aware of traffic and following distance. Going from a van to a modern SUV with driver assist tech has made long distance driving so much easier. Just something to consider.

[@Weretherussos]

The new Transits have all the same driver assists and adaptive cruise control. No more tiring driving it than a sedan

[@busterboyd4125]

@@Weretherussos That will definitely make the drive a little easier. But I respectfully disagree that those features make the drive the same as a sedan or SUV. You still have to deal with the poor braking system, and the size of the vehicle. My wife hated driving our van, hated parking it, and struggled backing out of spaces even with a rear camera. Vanning comes with some challenges for sure.

[@JCJourney]

on highway speed, Aerodynamic Drag and the weight are the factors that affect the MPG. you will get better MPG in city driving speeds lower than 50 mph with the lighter tire and smaller wheel during stop and go situations. a lighter tire and smaller wheel require less energy to get it to spin.

[@susieqmartin2746]

We are a fan of Lynchburg TN Jack Danielle’s so worth the trip!

[@markhall390]

When you go to Little Switzerland I highly recommend staying at Crabtree Falls campground on the BRP. Site #88 is the best and tell Sally the Ranger HELLO!!!

[@dirtsailoroff-road5580]

So BFG KO2s are very lightweight ATs and if it had different wheels, they may be significantly lighter weight. That's less unsprung weight the engine has to turn. It can make a bigger difference even if they are the same size, you can get wheels that weigh 50 lbs each plus a 70lb tire or you can get a 20 lb wheel with a 80 lb tire and it will still make a big difference because you're still dropping 20 lbs per wheel.

[@kensoutham6828]

Very interesting, I have a 2020 AWD non eco-boost and no roof rack but awning and motorcycle so very similar to your setup. My weight is loaded 8,800 lbs. I could lower weight by only carrying dropping 30 gallons water and 2 e-bikes by 400 lbs and still have 12 gallons of water. My mpg at 8800 is average 17.93 mpg real calculation (1263. Miles / 70.47 gallons) around Palm Springs - LA - Mexico so some light mountain passes. Also previously owned 07 2WD 170” Pleasureway MB Sprinter and consistently got 22 mpg with 5 cyl diesel.

[@jrl9414]

Hi! I was the one getting 18 mpg in the last video comments! I have an AWD 2021 with a build out, I haven't weighed it but I don't think I'm that close to gwvr. I find a huge difference with the eco mode and a reduced speed, as well as a massive variance based on headwind. I drove from fort Myers to Orlando yesterday and got 20.5 by the van computer. I haven't filled it so no hand calculation. Most of my miles are in Florida, which is flat, and that could make a difference. I just find it so shocking how much lower your mpgs are than mine with a similar van. The biggest difference is the lift and maybe mine is a little lighter? Either way you're making me feel great about going to off road tires when the stock ones wear out!

[@Weretherussos]

It’s probably the roof rack. Good to hear it’s going well for you

[@anitasimmons3599]

We have found with our less than aerodynamic vehicles speed and wind make the biggest difference. Next is terran and and the weight of the vehicle. Last was the roof racks with kayaks, canoes or other gear. We drove a trip at around 50 mph to ghost towns in Eastern Kansas and we got 20.24mpg on a 1995 Dodge Ram Van 3500, class B van. With research we found 50 mph is the most efficient speed for fuel economy in most vehicles. With a home base we like less when we are on the road. Thank you for another great video.

[@bruceparker4128]

I have been happy with Michelin Agilis Cross Climate tires on my Sprinter. These are quieter than the KO2 tires. They have moderate snow capability - like the KO2s. Michelin owns BFG. I wonder if tire size vs. fuel economy is different for diesel vans.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Good comparison of the tires. I have not jumped on the van-wagon yet. I have a Nissan Frontier Pro 4x and a NoBo - suits my style right now.

[@Weretherussos]

Whatever works for you is always the best option

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

It may be that X amount of fuel is needed to move Y amount of weight Z amount of distance. Energy needed to get it moving and rolling resistance is highly dependant on weight. If you only did one type of driving like mostly city, one tire would be better than the other because of gear ratios.

[@darylmiller8911]

If you can easily remove the side ladder, might help a little.

[@Weretherussos]

Then we can’t get to the roof deck

[@darylmiller8911]

@@Weretherussos if easily removable and store inside the van on long highway trips, then reattach upon arrival.

[@deborah4579]

Gotta have that roof rack. Idk about slowing down though. That just means Joe will have to go longer between coffees, so I think he’ll keep on zooming along. Might be at Hershey. 😊

[@Weretherussos]

Ha! I just pull over and make coffee

[@dextermorgan4093]

Like your videos. Do people really spend 150k plus on a van then worry about mpg?

[@pedals4paws]

Not everything is about money, some people also care about their environmental impact from burning fossil fuels.

[@billbeyatte]

You mention wind resistance. More important than the roof rack, etc. is speed. As you know, drag increases exponentially with velociy. I get 14.5 mpg consistently at 58 mph with my F-250 PSD and Lance camper. My mpg plummets to below 10 mpg at 70 mph. After I get my LT, I'll send you my mpg for 58 mph. Thanks for your reporting.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Bill

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Thank you for another awesome video guys

[@valeryhawpe3697]

He went out and help are you still going to the adventure van show in Chattanooga with the hurricane coming up

[@kevindowd7769]

Would be interesting to see factory size wheels in an light alloy with street tires. What about air bags that could be raised for off road use but normally be lower and perhaps some ground effects to make air flow/resistance work for you vs against.

[@joycejoyce6165]

What size do you have for the aftermarket bigger size KO2 tire? I know it is 30 inches, but what is the exact size? I also want to change to KO2 tires. Thank you!

[@mitchalberts6077]

An experience with fairing on roof rack vs no fairing in regards to fuel mileage

[@Weretherussos]

I'd be curious to know what the difference would be but would have to get something fabbed up

[@mrhook32]

It’s not as much the diameter of the tire but rather the rotational mass. Weight is everything.

[@ronaldcobbley9668]

Yes I am seeing you

[@spellmadam2947]

Biggest factor is mileage is speed.

[@xlindis191]

Yes I see you... Hi from Minnesota

[@Will_14_years_ago]

The taller tire would have made your gear ratio higher which is better for higher speeds. Unfortunately the mpg was probabley worse because of the width of the tires and tread design. Id like to see what a taller skinny tire does in comparison.

[@reh0119]

Try Russell’s Reserve 10 year. Pretty smooth.

[@chadi7173]

Curious about your window covering!?!

[@Weretherussos]

They’re made by Storyteller Overland and came with the van

[@AimForGoal]

Sorry to ask cause I bet u already covered this but if so i missed it-did u all ever consider Alaskan pump up camper?

[@Iamandthatiam]

So I don’t get it. If ford transit is asking for 225/65r16 then I can put 245/75r16 without a problem or potential system glitches?

[@Weretherussos]

The problem is clearance for the wheels. To keep them from rubbing you need a lift. Here’s what we have: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGXXpHSPn79pj6ssi=zWfb-Gpw33GUkxfE

[@Iamandthatiam]

@@Weretherussos so can I just do rear tires without changing anything

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Audio was a bit better in previous video.

[@LeLutz]

I like what you're doing, but I don't recall hearing about tyre pressures in either video. I know for a fact that, within limits, tyre pressure has a significant effect on fuel consumption. Almost 1% improvement per psi increase, so riding at 50psi instead of 40psi should give you 10% better economy. So, my question is: Have you played with tyre pressures and what pressures are you running?

[@Weretherussos]

57 front, 70 rear. If you increase the pressure, the tire begins wearing more in the center and can cause cupping, especially with the all terrain tires. Tire pressure on LT rated tires is all about the load you’re carrying and it’s not worth increasing pressure to get a slight increase in MPG due to the negative affect on the tire

[@LeLutz]

@@Weretherussos Thank you - that's why I said "within limits" :) I don't think mileage would improve above those pressures...

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@Billn1971]

3:19/gallon? Still about 4:25/gal in western NY.... wtf.

[@billbeyatte]

I've heard that the Transit comes without a full-time spare. True?

[@Weretherussos]

If you're referring to the LT, yes that is true. I mounted the STO wheel in the spare location and it touches the rear diff cover. If you mount a tire an inch smaller, I'm pretty sure it would fit fine. The other thing with a spare on an AWD vehicle is that it needs to be rotated in with the others because if one tire is off by much, it can throw cause issues with the AWD system.

[@billbeyatte]

@@WeretherussosThanks. I'm learning a lot from you before my LT arrives. Are you saying that I'll get a spare with a STO wheel, but I need to find someone to carry it, like an Owl carrier?

[@billbeyatte]

Since I won't bring a motorcycle, I'll get a tire carrier from Owl, once they have one for the Transit. I plan to get a carrier with ladder and remove STO ladder.

[@flybyairplane3528]

WTR;;;;Hello KAIT&JIM, AN INTERESTING PROGRAMME, When we bought out 2013 TAURUS,it had 21k on it with factory warrantee, in 2016 when bought, TYRES HAD GREAT TRES on them,but they had some tiny splits on sidewalls, also battery,,I replaced, my tyres are SAME BRAND but different line, car now has 32k do not drive much now, stay well, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jackfntwist]

Why is there so much static in your audio?

[@Enjoytheinbetween]

Just watched you motorcycle crash from a few years ago, how’s the shoulder doing? What kind of Suzuki was that? Hopefully you can still ride!!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks - doing pretty good. It’s a DRZ, still have it and still travel with it. Just bought a new bike too

[@Enjoytheinbetween]

@@Weretherussos nice!! You should do a video on the new bike. I just looked at a new DRZ400 today and looking at a klx300 tomorrow. Want to carry mine on my truck camper just like you do. Keep up the great videos!!!

[@flyfishing1776]

Common sense ; More rubber on road,produces more friction,More power is needed to spin tire. Do NOT be foolish. Narrow tires = better gas mileage.

[@Weretherussos]

Again, in this instance the difference is marginal.

[@richardpedersen9189]

Woodford Reserve!! 👍

[@52Dannytheman]

Who is that extremely pretty lady? Tell me more about Hershey Pa visit. 😘

[@Weretherussos]

What about your visit to IN?

[@patrickmullen5529]

Function of all accessories ultimately out weigh MPG. So... it's even very easy for me to just SLOW THE "F" DOWN. Ha I just turned 74 and put deposit on a new 2024 transit HI roof extended tril package ... OMG... can't wait...every one please send good vibes for my order code P598 to hit assembly line... yippi😊

[@mikemanjo2458]

👍SC Jane

[@junglehomes6525]

These videos are a waste of time since you do not state the compared tire sizes!

[@drock4912]

Id bet that If you had used aluminum wheels with the 28" Ford tires, I bet you would have seen I much bigger difference. You went to a smaller lighter tire but heavier wheel, so no change in weight.