New minivan hypermiler (if that's possible)

[Smile-n-Nod]

Hi. I'm new to the forum and new to hypermiling. My local newspaper ran an article recently about hypermiling and I've been putting some of its tips into practice. So far, I think I've boosted my FE about 20%.

Unfortunately, I drive a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan with 130,000 miles, in which I used to average about 18 to 20 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Since I started hypermiling, I get about 22 on city streets and about 28 on the highway. My next tankful of gas will be my first while driving full-time using hypermiling techniques.

So far, I've inflated my tires to max sidewall pressure, started using Mobil One, and removed the roof rack. Tomorrow I plan to remove the seldom-used rear bench seat. I've been driving 55 mph in the right lane, timing stop lights, and accelerating slowly, but I know there's a lot more for me to learn. I'm looking forward to the challenge (and budgetary rewards) of squeezing a couple extra mpg out of my old clunker while I dream about a Prius.

[Johnny Mullet]

Welcome to the forum. You will find that weight reduction and driving habit changes are your best gains in MPG unless you want to start some "aeromods" on the van.

[SVOboy]

Welcome to ecomodder! Definitely agree with Johnny,

[Daox]

Welcome to the site. You can hypermile any vehicle thats out there, so congrats on trying. As for recommendations, I'd agree with the others.

[MetroMPG]

The only other thing that I'd suggest is investing in a ScanGauge for even better feedback while you hone your driving techniques and mod your vehicle for improved MPG. I didn't see mention of one in your first post.