2007 Chevy Silverado 15 mpg!!!

[twentyinchersbmx]

I purchased a new truck towards the end of last year. Since then the gas prices have skyrocketed. I'm paying close to $96 every 2 weeks on gas. It is starting to make me go broke! With no pay raises in sight I’ve looked at other options to driving. A few of them I’ve looked at are taking the bus to work, I thought of riding my bike, or even walking. Walking and riding a bike may be difficult because it is 14 miles round trip. I really don’t want to get rid of the truck because I use it to drive to work everyday. I originally got the truck with the mind set of using it to haul equipment for my job, not so much anymore. I’ve tried some easier options and they don’t seem to work! I am open to any suggestions.

2007 Chevy Silverado 5.3L V-8
15mpg Average (City Driving Only)

Also quick question to add, is it me or does it seem like the newer cars have horrible gas mileage compared to cars of 10 years ago? Is it just me?

[Daox]

Welcome to the site. I have a feeling your not the only one stuck in the large vehicle boat.

Maybe its just me, but I don't think 7 miles (14 round trip, right?) is too far to bike. I would definitly be taking that route if I could.

When you do have to drive, the first thing to do is change your driving style. I'd imagine you can get upwards of 20 mpg in the city even with your large vehicle if driven properly. Check out our list of 100+ driving tips for some inspiration. Also, air up your tires to reduce rolling resistance.

[Frankenstipe]

So you got the truck because you thought you were going to be hauling equipment and it turn out you're not going to be or aren't anymore right? If there's no chance of you needing to do that in the future then why not just sell it, or trade it in for a smaller more efficient car/motorcycle/scooter? Or even better bike like Daox said, 7 miles isn't much.

And oh yeah, welcome, I think if you're here to try and save gas you'll find that there's no better place to be.

[IndyIan]

I second the biking motion, heck if you get a nice road bike you'll probably get to work faster too!
If you absolutely have to drive, get that thing into neutral anytime you can and shut off the engine for a long light. I borrow my Dad's F150 for hauling and it puts truely scary numbers up on the scangauge, accelerating briskly shows 50L/100km Going up a hill at highway speed shows 28L/100km, although coasting down the other side shows 2L/100km so it seems to idle efficiently anyways!
I can beat the highway rating towing a trailer or with a load of fence posts in the back quite easily so with a bit of effort you could save some $$.
Ian

[twentyinchersbmx]

I still plan on hauling equipment. It was a purchase for a business I planned on starting sometime later this year. I checked out a possible route for riding a bike. It is still a dangerous route even though it is probably safer compared to the other routes in my area. Our city is not biker friendly at all! So I mean that is a possible choice. I'm looking a buying a cheap bike from a pawn shop with several gear rather than my single gear bike I currently own. Also on my fuel log (on this site) seems not to be putting the results on the graph. Does it take time for that stuff to come up later?

[kevlar]

Welcome aboard! And, as I can see by your nickname, you sir, are no stranger to bikes and probably know a thing or two about them!
Dump the tank and pick up the crank!

[Frankenstipe]

Yeah mine always takes a bit to come up.

Just try changing driving habits, slowing down etc., maybe some mods to help, look around the forums and I'm sure you'll find something. If it still doesn't help enough then biking is probably your best bet.

[MetroMPG]

Your fuel log image is cached in your browser. If you reload the page after doing an update, you'll see the new image.

I don't know your health/time constraints, but a $400 e-bike kit would pay for itself really fast in your situation, and would permit you to pedal as little or as much as you like.

Welcome to the site!

[JohnnyGrey]

If the guy was hauling around even some stuff in his truck, why are you guys recommending bikes? What's he supposed to do in bad weather? If you want a beater that's good on gas, look into pre-96 manual Civics. I don't think you could pick a worse time to sell a truck though. Hold the truck until demand increases again (if at all) or sell it now? Tough call.

[kevlar]

Why would he drive a truck every day if he's only going 7 miles to work? I agree he probly won't get squat for it on a trade or sell, but yes, he could keep it around. I have a large truck that I probably use about a half a tank a month in. but it's there when I need it.