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Old 06-14-2017, 12:32 PM   #112 (permalink)
JRMichler
Master EcoModder
 
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Phillips, WI
Posts: 1,016

Nameless - '06 GMC Canyon
90 day: 37.45 mpg (US)

22 Maverick - '22 Ford Maverick XL
90 day: 49.27 mpg (US)
Thanks: 188
Thanked 467 Times in 287 Posts
I would build a pickup truck about the size of an extended cab Ford Ranger. Bench seat in front, sideways seating in the back. The back seats should be reasonably comfortable for two adults to sit in for a couple of hours.

Engine would be the latest and greatest four cylinder gas engine with 120 to 150 hp. Two wheel drive. Six speed manual transmission with gear ratios similar to the new Chevrolet Colorado. Lots of attention to low friction in the driveline and wheel bearings.

Ground clearance at least seven inches. Front like the Airflow Bullet Truck. Rear view cameras instead of outside rear view mirrors. Belly pan, possibly integrated into some form of unit body frame/belly pan design. Enough room in the rear wheel wells to use tire chains. Turning circle less than 36 feet. Trailer hitch with 2" receiver.

All LED lights. Kill switch. Large AGM battery. Alternator disable switch. Integrated solar panels to assist in topping off the battery. The AC would NOT be wired to the defroster. Electric PS with capability to disable. Electric power brakes, or better yet, brakes that do not need power assist.

Aero topper with hinged lid similar to mine, except better. Car top carrier to fit the cab. Topper lid strong enough to support a car top carrier.

I would expect to average (close to) 50 MPG in summer with a rig like that.
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06 Canyon: The vacuum gauge plus wheel covers helped increase summer 2015 mileage to 38.5 MPG, while summer 2016 mileage was 38.6 MPG without the wheel covers. Drove 33,021 miles 2016-2018 at 35.00 MPG.

22 Maverick: Summer 2022 burned 62.74 gallons in 3145.1 miles for 50.1 MPG. Winter 2023-2024 - 2416.7 miles, 58.66 gallons for 41 MPG.
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