Any way to get better gas mileage?

j-ten-ner · September 1, 2013

Every little change in driving habits helps. Even if it seems insignificant.

Keep junk out of your truck.

Do you really need the air condition right now?

Look ahead of the traffic for red lights or congestions.

Use the brakes as little as possible (try coasting as much as you can).

Keep a distance to the car in front of you will help to drive more 'fluid'.

Better slow down on steep hills rather than reving the engine to keep the speed.

(choose a gear that keeps the engine rpm within the max torque; under load you'll get the best efficiency by that)

etc.

We all dont drive trucks for fuel efficiency. But it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on it.

Nothing wrong with that.

so long

j-ten-ner

kstruckcountry · September 1, 2013

I get 2.5 mpg better going 70 vs 75. I can manage 18 pretty easily if I just take it easy. Last mountain trip I took there was lots of 3rd gear uphill and cold starts and still managed 18.

Also, like Jten said, I unselect AC if it's not warm.

Cowpie · September 1, 2013

Well, it may be true that fuel economy was not the first priority because we bought a truck, but it sure can be darn close to number 1 after we do buy it. It would hard to think that I bought a class 8 semi truck just for the ride. I got one because of what it will do and what I need it for. Having gotten it though, I sure to do all I can to get the best mileage out of it. My pickup is no different. I live rural and no matter what vehicle I get, it has to be 4 wheel drive. Next, is the ability to haul stuff in the back and tow. A pickup fits that bill pretty well. Now that I have it, I am going to not pretend it is a sports car. I am going to drive it a little more conservatively than I would a Ferrari. Fuel mileage is critical no matter what vehicle I buy.

MikeNH · September 1, 2013

Cowpie, you're saying I shouldn't use every red light I end up in front of to test my launch skills?

Prokopchuk_9 · September 1, 2013

Cowpie, you're saying I shouldn't use every red light I end up in front of to test my launch skills?

Easy Dominic. LAWL

Prokopchuk_9 · September 1, 2013

I live my life one 1/4 mile at a time, I can't help it. It's who I am.

Cowpie · September 1, 2013

Not all the time, Mike. I mean, everyone has to kick the pig in the butt once in a while.

MikeNH · September 1, 2013

Not all the time, Mike. I mean, everyone has to kick the pig in the butt once in a while.

I only do it if I'm first in line on country roads. Just up to 55 and not a fraction over.

Silverado4x4 · September 1, 2013

Cowpie, you're saying I shouldn't use every red light I end up in front of to test my launch skills?

Always pre-stage the light then move up about 5" then foot on the brake giving half throttle light goes green and let-er rip. Works very well. I didn't buy a truck to get good mpg's

MikeNH · September 1, 2013

Always pre-stage the light then move up about 5" then foot on the brake giving half throttle light goes green and let-er rip. Works very well. I didn't buy a truck to get good mpg's

My buddy who races his Chevelle says to go when the second staging lamp set turns off.

Cowpie · September 1, 2013

I didn't buy a pickup with the idea of getting great mpg either. But on the other hand, I didn't buy one just to see how much fuel I could burn up. Big difference.

TooTall1 · September 3, 2013

Use ethanol free gas if it's available. Not a huge gain but every little bit helps.

Cowpie · September 3, 2013

That would be true, if mpg is the only goal and not the minimum cost per mile. Depends on the cost of the fuel in relation to E10 or E85. It is one thing to get 18 mpg, for instance, with a non ethanol fuel and only get 14 from something like E85, but actually the regular fuel may be costing more per mile to use than the lower mpg fuel. It all depends on the pricing. Same can be said of E10 fuel. I wouldn't just throw out ethanol laced fuel just for the sake of getting a higher mpg number. You might be actually increasing your costs. This is all provisional on what the going rate is for the various fuels in one's area.

I like the highest mpg numbers I can get, but I like the lowest cost per mile more. In my area, that is E85. With it right now at $2.39, E10 at $3.46, regular at $3.54, and premium at $3.80, even with the mpg hit from E85, my per mile costs are roughly 3-4 cents a mile cheaper to use it.