Trucks, 4x4, & Heavy Haulers Save Here: This is a resource for those gas guzzling pickups, 4 wheel drives, and heavy haulers. If anyone can use a boost in fuel economy, it's those of us that fall under this category.
1. Aerodynamic treatments will enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of your truck by reducing wind resistance. Reducing wind resistance will greatly increase your fuel mileage. This is especially beneficial for tractor-trailers and trucks that tow frequently.
2. Keeping your vehicle in the highest gear possible, or using the overdrive gear will keep your RPMs low and therefore consume the least amount of fuel possible.
3. Tractor-trailers looking for maximum fuel economy should replace their dual rear wheels with a set of single rear wheels that have a lower coefficient of drag. Reducing the friction between the tires and the pavement will improve your fuel economy.
4. On 4 wheel drive trucks, removing the front driveshaft can reduce the amount of rotating mass during normal driving and therefore increase fuel mileage. How often do you really use 4WD? Just be sure to replace the driveshaft when you think 2WD just won't be enough.
5. Lowering the suspension on your truck can also help improve aerodynamics, which will gain you valuable MPG.
6. Increasing your tire size will lower your cruising RPM, therefore improving fuel economy. Doing so will also cause your speedometer to read incorrectly, so be sure to have it adjusted when installing taller tires.
7. Skinny tires will get better fuel economy than wide tires. This is do to the rolling resistance caused by the friction between the tire tread and the pavement. Reducing this resistance will help to increase your fuel mileage.
8. Leave your tailgate alone. Removing the tailgate alters the aerodynamics of your truck and will not provide you with any gain in fuel economy. During normal driving, the bed of your truck holds a cushion of air which allows your truck to cut through the air more streamlined than if the tailgate were removed.
9. If you need more MPG and you need them now, consider upgrading your vehicle with performance aftermarket parts. You will be surprised at the fuel economy potential of your truck when a few aftermarket parts are bolted into place.
