EP13: Smiles Per Gallon! What MPG Can You Expect From Your Toyota Dolphin Motorhome?

In this video I take a deep dive into the actual miles per gallon that I have observed through driving the '90 Toyota Dolphin 900 Motorhome with the 3.0L V6 Engine and automatic 4-speed transmission. I have kept track of every fill up for the last 4 years and I will give you the most accurate MPG numbers possible in real-world use.
The Toyota Dolphin brochure suggests that it can be used as a second vehicle for driving around town, and by an large it is possible, but is it practical? That's for the viewer to decide. I just provide the hard facts about MPG, some driving tips on what I do to maximize mileage, and since there are other versions of these Toyota RV's out on the road, with a couple of different engines and transmissions, so as they always say, "your mileage may vary".

[@montanadan2524]

You make me feel very good. Bought a 2003 Road Trek based on the Chevy 3500 Express with a 6.0 and 4 speed automatic in Florida and drove it home to Montana. Mostly interstate and got 14.7 overall.

[@fourthgearchannel]

Yeah, I think part of the point I was trying to make is that our Toyotas aren't as fuel-efficient as people might think; they are efficient, to be sure, but not amazing. I remember seeing some classified ads for Dolphins, Sunraders, etc where people claim they were getting 20-25MPG, and that is simply not realistic. I think your MPG's are great, and passing power is probably abundant!

[@MARKCANEER]

Thank You for the Great Video 👍. Nice Dolphin Too!🙏👍🐕‍🦺🇺🇲

[@fourthgearchannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@bertsadventure689]

Hey thanks for video. We have a 1990 winnebago 19ft 3.0 w/ 5 speed manual We have recorded about 4,000 miles of records. We got 16.3 mpg average on long trips with as high as 19mpg. Around town for a couple trips we got 12-14 mpg. I got the best mileage when i could get it in 5th gear for a while. And stayed 60 and below. If i got above 60 mileage went down a bit. Cross Wind has also been my most significant driving challenge. Have fun

[@fourthgearchannel]

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm jealous, I prefer rowing my own gears, but manuals are rare.

[@jaygold4467]

Use Lucas Fuel Injection Cleaner every other tank of gas. It will improve your MPG. Good for the engine also.

[@fourthgearchannel]

The best I do is just try to use name-brand gas, which is supposed to have cleaning additives. I'm curious about the fuel injection cleaner.. I'll try it! Thanks

[@johnmckew4953]

1980 Toyota Mini Cruzer 20 foot 2,0 4speed standard,, 15.5 per gal.

[@fourthgearchannel]

Cool! Thanks for sharing, I have a '78 Toyota Micro Mini 4-speed manual with the 20R engine, once I drive it a while I'll see what kind of MPG it gets.

[@jaygold4467]

Use Lucas Transmission Conditioner. It will smooth out your transmission.

[@fourthgearchannel]

Great tip! I want to do whatever so I don't burn up my tranny :)

[@NinjasOfOrca]

It's not "considered" overdrive. It is or is not - it all depends on the gear ratio

[@fourthgearchannel]

You're right! I'm kind of curious myself, I've heard people call it an "overdrive" gear and it feels like it but it might not be. I'll check the manual and see what the actual ratio is.

[@georgeelder8415]

12-15 mpg...

[@fourthgearchannel]

Cool! You do better than me; I can never get over 10MPG around town.