'Free' Pickup Truck ( twice! )

[aerohead]

At 314,000 miles I compared my fuel expense for the modified T-100 to that of a Ford F-150.It was a very basic comparison,using 55% City/45% HWY.
The Toyota was figured at 31.5mpg/21mpg,the F-150 at 16/11.
Cost was figured at $2.599/gallon (what I paid the other day ).
So basically,The T-100 has consumed $30,000 worth of fuel over it's lifetime so far.Had I driven a F-150,the tally would be $60,000.
I've saved $30,000 by driving the Toyota,and comparing to it's price,new,at $15,000,it's paid for itself twice through fuel savings.

[Arragonis]

Assuming these are comparible vehicles (I have no idea, neither are sold here in Scotland) then that is an impressive comparison if based on aero and improved FE alone. Obviously the comparison is only valid if based on maintenance costs between the vehicles and finally if you factor in resale values as well.

The obvious lesson here is the one based on savings from FE but another one is the cost of keeping a vehicle for a long time and high mileage.

All those people who buy new and trade in after 2-3 years, and of course the 'clunker' (aka 'scrappage') schemes on both sides of the pond have gained only the passive satisfaction of the new car smell - which I understand you can buy in bottles now...

[Frank Lee]

The F150 is quite a bit bigger and more capable.

Mine was "free" too! I figgered the interest I avoided by paying extra on the mortgage totally paid for the pickup!

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Obviously the comparison is only valid if based on maintenance costs between the vehicles and finally if you factor in resale values as well.

I don't know how much a used T-100 is running for, but Phil's T-100 is priceless! It's an aerodynamic milestone and should find a nice place in a museum when retired.

[aerohead]

I wanted the comparison to be simple.Many members have a complete disdain for mathematics and statistics,so I wanted things to be dirt simple.
The two trucks are both 1/2-tons.
In Texas,many 1/2-tons are used simply for commuting and never see service as a 'truck'.
I wanted to emphasize the 'consumer choice' aspect of consumer purchasing as well as draw attention to the state-of-the-starving-art of aerodynamics and how it actually impacts life-cycle-cost.
Sure,no doubt,the F-150 WILL do things the T-100 won't,but with local levels of 'utilization',it's a non issue,as most pickups drive around empty,easily consuming their entire purchase price in fuel consumption by a factor of 2X.
So much for 'capitalist nations.'

[dmac257]

Originally Posted by Piwoslaw

I don't know how much a used T-100 is running for, but Phil's T-100 is priceless! It's an aerodynamic milestone and should find a nice place in a museum when retired.

Is there any pictures of Phil's T-100. I am looking at making some aero mods to my pickup truck and would like to take a look at what was done to his truck.

Don

[cfg83]

dmac257 -

Here is aerohead's truck album :

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Pickup images

And one of many pictures :



CarloSW2

[dmac257]

Originally Posted by aerohead

In Texas,many 1/2-tons are used simply for commuting and never see service as a 'truck'.

Sad but true, and I am guilty of that also. Dodge Dakota quad cab 4X4 that never seen off road except that time the class 4 washed out while I was visiting someone in mountains.

I am going to be trying to make some modifications and would love to see what others have done to their trucks.

First mod is real time mpg so saving for a ScanGauge.. hope I can figure out how to install it

Don

[mcrews]

Having been born and raised in Texas, have a piece of property in Ovila Texas that was deeded by the first Govenor of Texas and having attended an institution of high learning in Texas (Texas A&M)........
......the only thing Aerohead'S t-100 CAN't DO that a Ford F-150 can do is pick-up cow girls at Gilley's!!!

(Phil, I can get you a deal on some longhorns to strap on the hood!!!!!!)

[dmac257]

Originally Posted by cfg83

dmac257 -

Here is aerohead's truck album :

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Pickup images

And one of many pictures :



CarloSW2

Thanks for posting that link, I searched the garage for aerohead but didnt find anything.. must be doing it wrong .. is the garage different from an album?

Don