Diesel Gas Mileage with larger wheels

[rean1mator]

mine will be coming with aftermarket method wheels with 245's. I'll likely move up to 275's afte I get some use out of the 245's. Weight of van is just under 7200lbs which seems pretty light.

Originally Posted by Fitz

A stock Sprinter runs 245/75/16's, diameter 30.5", gear ratio 3.92.


265/70/17 BFG T/A KO2's, diameter 31.7", gear ratio 3.77
275/70/17 BFG T/A KO2's, diameter 32.2", gear ratio 3.70
285/70/17 BFG T/A KO2's, diameter 32.8", gear ratio 3.62


Minimal mileage drop, minimal impact with the 265's or 275's. I run 265's on my fully built out van and average right around 16 mpg. I am considering moving up to 285's for my next set of tires.


Don't forget to consider weight in this discussion, it will have a very real impact.

[Backcountryguy]

Our van got 17.6 MPG on the delivery trip down from Fresno to San Diego (for Agile Offroad RIP/additional work). This was with greatly varied speeds and a few back roads during the trip for the engine break in period. Stock tires on the trip down.


After the Agile work, the weight of the van increased by approximately 600 lbs, and we added 275/17/70 BFG tires.


Since that work we've averaged between 14.5-15.7 MPG. Dependent on where we are driving, elevation gain/loss, etc. The van likes back road highways where we are running 55-60 MPH - best for MPG.


And really, that is most of our distance driving. Rarely are we on an Interstate 4-lane highway if we're covering distance. We choose the roads less travelled.

[greatwhite1]

Went to 295’s and still get 14.5 no matter what.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by greatwhite1

Went to 295’s and still get 14.5 no matter what.

Regular body or high roof? Up near max GVWR or a light build? Curious abut your thoughts on acceleration performance with the 295’s. Satisfied with the trade off or is the performance a bit sluggish when fully loaded?

[greatwhite1]

Acceleration definitely suffered. But I’m never in a hurry anyway. Lol.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by greatwhite1

Acceleration definitely suffered. But I’m never in a hurry anyway. Lol.

That’s why I’m thinking 285’s might be a good fit for a RB with a heavy build.