Roof racks are great for extra storage but cost up to 5% per mile. Try to pack everything in the trunk if it will fit. The general rule for air conditioning is if you’re traveling over 45mph turn it on and put the windows up. It will save you money due to reduced drag with the windows up. Under that speed, roll the windows down and turn off the air. Driving the highway is cheaper than back roads, even more so if you set the cruise like we said earlier. If you have a cap or cover on your truck’s bed that helps drag and increases mileage.
As you can see by doing all the above combined you can really beat the pump, but slowing down and driving sensibly will pretty much save you the most money.
If it’s time to get a new vehicle you might look into flex fuel options, and fuel management on some motors that turn v8 power to economy of a 4 cylinder. A lot of newer trucks idle and cruise with only 4 cylinders and end up sipping half the fuel.
Talk to your co workers or fellow riders to see if they live close and try to car pool. You’ll both save in gas and wear and tear.
If you don’t need to bring the trailer don’t take it. Your mileage goes way down with a trailer. You might consider a van or a truck with a cap. Stay at the local hotel and put up a tent at the track to hang out under. If you do tow a trailer and it’s higher than the truck roof, try a truck air deflector. It’s like a big fin on your truck’s roof. It helps to deflect the force of air over the trailer instead of hitting it head on. It will use a positive vacuum to help the truck and trailer reduce drag. They are estimated to save fuel mileage by 15.6%. Do an online search to find a company or dealer in your area.
Performance parts can help you get better mileage. A good intake kit and exhaust to match is a great start. You can add an air filter but might not see all the benefits until you get the exhaust going out as easy as the air gets in. Just like putting a pipe on your quad, you would need to re-jet or re-program. The only downfall we find with using an exhaust on vehicles is the sounds. Most times a nice set of mufflers (or none) sounds great. Then the little kid in us comes out, making us want to get on the throttle to listen to the cool exhaust it creates. Turn your radio up and ignore the cool-sounding-rumble trust us it makes your gas mileage go way down. Remember slowing down and driving sensible will save you more than all of these tips.
Programmers run a few hundred bucks, but might pay for themselves in the long run. We proved this with our Bully Dog Wake Up Your Truck feature last year. Some programmers can change your fuel management, give more power, and let you know vital engine and transmission information. If there is more power on tap, you might not be into the throttle as much to get things going, therefore saving you money. Research items for your vehicle and call the dealer. Get all your info before buying. There is a difference between power improvers and fuel savers. Some parts can rob fuel economy while others boost it. Get your facts together first.
Another popular trend is Flex Fuels. Use E85 if your vehicle can take it. Diesels can use bio diesel fuel. Which is basically diesel fuel mixed 80% with 20% bio diesel (vegetable oils or animal fats). Some fuel stations carry this or you can contact biodiesel.org to find out how you can get it. The great thing about this type of bio diesel is it takes no modifications to use.
Using used deep fryer oil or vegetable oil from the local burger joints requires some modifications. You can find info on this by checking out goldenfuelsystems.com or searching for bio diesel kits. You will still need to use diesel to start your truck and to get the used cooking oil warmed up to use. Since its viscosity is thick, it’s hard to use when cold. Most systems range from $500 to $3,500. But if you have a restaurant or know the owner of one, don’t spend money on fuel when you can simply use old cooking oil. You would need to put a tank in the bed or under the truck to hold the oil to use. Most systems look to be basic and can have a huge impact on your wallet and economy, especially if you plan to travel a lot with your diesel truck.
Many auto makers are investing millions to find oil alternatives. If traveling across the country on 22 gallons of water sounds good to you, check out You-Tube to see home made hydrogen fuel cells. It really will be the way of the future. Also electric power has come a long way. The good thing about electric motors is the monster torque they make. But they are heavy and still need to be more cost effective.
Another great thing to do in the name of saving fuel (and having fun doing it) is to ride a motorcycle on nice days. It takes only a little while to get used to if you’re a strictly quad guy. Take it to work or to pick up a thing or two at the store. Most motorcycles get 50 to 75 miles to a gallon! You don’t need a new Wide Glide when a 250cc Rebel will get you the same place. Remember you can only travel as fast as the speed limit anyways. Just be extra careful when you’re on the road with a motorcycle. Many drivers aren’t looking for motorcycles, they’re talking on their phones and doing their make-up so you’ll need to be the one paying attention at all times.
By now you are a fuel mileage pro. Switch to synthetic, drive like a human and downsize your load. If it’s time for a new ride look for a more fuel efficient rig, or tune up Ole Faithful to get the most out of it possible. Regardless, do at least one of the above and let’s all try to beat the pump together.
For more information on beating the pump, look no further than the informative members here on ATV Scene, check out this topic in our forums.
