New 2 this: 12mpg dodge ram 1500 6cyl - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MadisonMPG · 10-01-2009, 06:08 PM

According to Fueleconomy.gov my truck with an auto gets better mileage than its manual counterpart.

EDIT: You said Dodge Ram, and mine is a Dakota.

Some guys over at the Hemi forums have gotten 22/23mpg out of their Dak's with a 5.7L Hemi swap. :P

Clev · 10-01-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silicon_toad2000

I have a landcruiser, get similar mpg to you and have a similar commute.
As far as the alternative vehicle goes, i bought a motorbike.
My biggest gains have been weight saving, I ditched the spare tyre, bull bar.
If its a ute style, theres some pics onn here of a aero tray cover somewhere.

Things I am still planning include ac delete, skinnier tyres, underbody aero.

My Honda Helix scooter was $25/year to register and $75/year to insure, and I paid about $1,100 for a used one that got 55 mpg in town.

caffinefiend · 10-03-2009, 10:41 PM

There has been alot of great response here, thanks for your interest. On the scooter thing, I am 6'3" 230 lbs and most scooters put my knees into my chin. I'd have to go with a motorcycle i think.... But! Being 56 (older and wiser than I used to be) I think I'll stick to 4 or atleast 3 wheels. I had a few wrecks on motorcycles, and though not hurt bad, I know I've been lucky.

Going to check the tune up, and try some of the coasting and double pedal things and see if there is any difference. You guys are right, I should be getting at least 16 to 18 mph.

Frank Lee · 10-03-2009, 11:32 PM

Well then you should adjust the seat and handlebars. I have an inch and 40 lbs on ya and I fit.

On bicycles I have been known to weld two seat posts together to obtain the required height.

Christ · 10-04-2009, 01:22 AM

Take off the silly hat, and you're normal-sized, Frank... :P

OP - If you've got about $30, you can make a quick flush-mount tonneau cover on the cheap.

If you're interested, I'll post DIY for you, even though I don't have pics of it. They're on my server, which is Deep Six ATM.

caffinefiend · 10-04-2009, 01:31 AM

Well, I've got a great bike (mountain), and it fits me fine, but scooters aren't as adjustable. You had a good idea with the electric bike and 20 mph.

The 35 buck tanneau cover sounds interesting! I would really like to check it out.

Frank Lee · 10-04-2009, 01:32 AM

I know- that's how I know he should be able to get comfy on one.

That Songi I have is made for the Oriental market... I raised the seat post as far as it would go, moved the bars a bit, and am good to go. Can even pedal it some too, but I see they didn't really want their riders pedalling it, no matter what size they are.

My 27" frame Fuji has great ergos for me- no welding required.

However most other bikes don't measure up and I've taken a liking to full-suspension mountain bikes. Much heavier, but oh so smooth. That's where the double seatpost comes in. Also had to fab up my own rear "shock" mods as I crush the stock one and can scrape the pedals on the road. Made one about an inch longer for more preload. Could have hunted down a stiffer spring too I spose.

Christ · 10-04-2009, 02:04 AM

35 buck tonneau cover mod

MadisonMPG · 10-04-2009, 10:41 AM

I doubt that you can get 18mpg on that trip, not trying to hate or anything but I get 13/14 on the same type trip.

Frank Lee · 10-04-2009, 09:37 PM

Here it is, the "Guilty Verdict": my all-recycled cycle except for the smoothie tires and gel seat pad.

Did the three lil spot welds "just for a test ride before laying down a full bead"... last spring. Proved to be plenty strong and easily reversable if the need arises.

Yes I do get teased about the seat height. Oh well.