How far are you getting on a full tank?

zscott

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2020
Messages
110
Location
Brock, TX
So, I had to drive back out to the ranch last night to check on my cellular game cams because they weren't connecting. There's something about cruising through the Texas Hill Country in a TJ that just makes ya feel like life doesn't get any better. Of course on the 1-hour trip one way, my mind started wandering once I glanced down at my fuel gauge.

I know fuel mileage has probably been discussed a million times and it just doesn't exist in the road-worthy brick but I'm curious how far all y'all can drive on one tank? With that being said, I'd really like to know, what size tires, lift, or other factors you might think affect how far or not you get on your tank of gas. I'm genuinely curious.

I'll go first.

210-mile range on a full tank
4.0 w/ a 4" lift, 33x12.50 geared 3.73
 
Recently I got 217.4 miles, and that was on 16.64 gallons. Mainly suburban driving, so cruising around 30–40 with on average one light per mile. Stock everything, and 30x9.5 tires.

I'll soon be scouring this site for insight into what's causing such bad mileage.

Edit: I am wondering/hoping that it could be improved by replacing my O2 sensors.
 
Last edited:
I'll soon be scouring this site for insight into what's causing such bad mileage.
In my experience, it’s because it’s a TJ. If there is one thing they all seem to have in common. Regardless of gearing, tire size, curb weight or anything else really they all tend to get similarly terrible gas mileage. 85% of responders to this thread will report slightly over 200 miles to mid 200 mile range per tank. All with varying set ups, yet atrocious TJ mileage. Probably something to do with them being shaped with the aerodynamics of a shoebox…
 
Has everyone with non-stock tires and/or gears either changed their speedo gear or making an adjustment to the trip odometer reading?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sancho
Recently I got 217.4 miles, and that was on 16.64 gallons. Mainly suburban driving, so cruising around 30–40 with on average one light per mile. Stock everything, and 30x9.5 tires.

I'll soon be scouring this site for insight into what's causing such bad mileage.

13mpg is terrible for a stock se! I average 13.7, 4.0 on 35s, 7" lift.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SSTJ
In my experience, it’s because it’s a TJ. If there is one thing they all seem to have in common. Regardless of gearing, tire size, curb weight or anything else really they all tend to get similarly terrible gas mileage. 85% of responders to this thread will report slightly over 200 miles to mid 200 mile range per tank. All with varying set ups, yet atrocious TJ mileage. Probably something to do with them being shaped with the aerodynamics of a shoebox…

Well, yes, sure, but I've also owned this Jeep long enough to remember when it did get the advertised 18–21 MPG.
 
Driving to Moab with 3 people, fridge and all gear it's pretty much 200 miles per tank +/- 20. Driving the speed limit +5 mph.

5.13's, 35's, 42RLE, speedo healer corrected
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vasq
Well, yes, sure, but I've also owned this Jeep long enough to remember when it did get the advertised 18–21 MPG.
I have never gotten better than 15.5 mpg in any configuration. I’ve never had anything more than a five speed though. Maybe a six speed would make a difference…
 
farthest I've made it since fitting 35s was 217. All my other fillups since have maxed around 200. I try to fill up as soon as the light comes on because I don't have a good feeling yet for how long I have at that point. My avg mpg is 13.4.
 
How many are going strictly by their gas gauge? If so, our gas gauges are NOTORIOUSLY inaccurate and tell us the tank is near empty when there's usually still 4-5 gallons left. My low fuel light comes on when there's still 3-4 gallons left.

Calculate the highway mpg by dividing the miles driven on a full tank by how many gallons it took to refill it. Then multiply that mpg by 19 to find out a realistic highway range.
 
I have never gotten better than 15.5 mpg in any configuration. I’ve never had anything more than a five speed though. Maybe a six speed would make a difference…
The 6 spd is worse. 6th is a .84:1 overdrive vs the 5 spds .79:1. I think the JKs got a better OD in the 6 spd than the TJ.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MichaelGH