keeping fuel costs down

[Bill645]

With fuel prices increasing, what are some ideas on keeping fuel costs down? Here in Connecticut, the average price per gal. is .06 higher than the rest of the U.S.

I usually keep my tailgate down when possible, this way I cut down on some of the wind resistance while driving. Also, I don't run vehicles/equipment running longer than I have to.

Anybody have any other ideas?

[hardboiled]

Proper tire inflation and alignment

[Flex-Deck]

If you drive a lot of miles, get a diesel - Thanks, Brad

[merlin]

Quote:

"I keep my tailgate down.................

Sorry but that won't work. If you have ever had a truck with a tonneau cover you can actually see the airflow direction by the movements of the cover. The air actually appears to go under the truck and over and curves back towards the truck coming in from the rear towards the car. Kinda like a wave does.

[Woody04765]

That's funny, the tailgate being down helps my gas mileage. And yes, I have the papers to prove it. It doesn't make a huge difference but with all the miles I drive on the highway, it gives me about 1 mile more per gallon. I don't mind keeping my gate down for an extra mile.

[hardboiled]

Tailgate down does help. Think about it, you're removing a wall and inserting a wing. I'm sure it smooths the airflow out behind the truck; from above because it's no longer a wall,, and from below like a rear pan is designed to do. Things would be different with a cover on the bed. With a covered bed I would think a spoiler over the rear would have the same effect as the gate down on an open bed.

[Bill645]

Had the alignment checked out on the truck... no problems there...

During the fall cleanup season, with the leaf box on the back, my truck is a real pig! It actually works out if the wind is pushing the truck on a windy day!LOL

[sharp cut]

stock up when price is low :

[Fido]

Fuel is such a small part of my business expense that I really don't worry about it. The only problem I have is that all the pumps around me are set to turn off at $50. That doesn't even fill the tank of my truck.

[347 stang]

car and driver done a report on the tailgate of trucks and they found that with the tailgate down it hurt the gas mileage on the trucks they tested

[Littleriver1]

Stang, Do you have a link to that car and driver report? I would like to read it.
Bill

[btammo]

Good question.....

The engineers who design cars take into consideration the tailgate of a truck when optimizing the aerodynamics of their designs. Unfortunately there is no way to eliminate the restriction of a 90 degree restriction (tailgate) towards the end of the vehicle. It is funny because I just put my tailgate down this last tank of fuel to satisfy my own curiousity. I think it may make a difference on smaller trucks, but not so much on bigger trucks. It comes down to the weight, tire size, and gears in the rear end
Brad

[347 stang]

littleriver no link it was on the tube they have a tv show sorry for late reply dont get on here much

[48404630]

High fuel prices

Anybody ever think about tacking on an extrafuel surcharge or include it
in your total price. This is just an idea .

[Bikehigh]

I find that if I drive like a farmer, IOW slowly, I get a lot better gas milage. Funny enough, it doesn't take all that mauch longer to get places. I make a point of not zooming off from a stop, driving with a light foot, and keep it between 60 and 65 on the highway. Seems to help a lot.