This place is great!
 

I've got a '98 F-150, 4.2L V6, 5-sp. I typically see 22-23 MPG doing my long commute. Found this place last week. I was down to about 3/4 tank, but I thought I'd try some of the driving techniques to see if there would be an improvement. Filled up this morning, got 24.8 MPG! Can't wait to see what I get on a full tank of careful driving.

I've always thought about doing what is being done here, just never really tried. I bought a vacuum gauge a long time ago; it should be somewhere in the garage. I'll have to dig it out and install.

Lots of questions, got to keep reading all the good info here . . .

Welcome to the site RdRnr.

Low to mid 20s is pretty respectable in that truck. Nicely done already. Can't wait to see how you do on a full tank. :)

Welcome! We are all glad to help with questions, but make sure you check the search function, first. No harm in bringing back an old thread for new questions :)

Welcome. And be sure to check these out:

65+ Vehicle modifications for better fuel economy - EcoModder.com
100+ Hypermiling / ecodriving tips & tactics for better mpg - EcoModder.com

Welcome
Try increasing the psi in the tires to 40+psi

welcome! air dam and grille block are quick and simple!

Thanks, been doing lots of reading.

Thanks. I usually run them at high 30s cuz I like a firmer ride. Max pressure is 44, I'll try 42.

How exactly do these help? I'm guessing it's better to smoothly guide air around the car than let it flow under where the aerodynamics are really bad?

I should mention that we'll be replacing the truck before the end of the year so I won't be doing any major mods to it. I have made a few mods (Flowmaster muffler, open airbox, underdrive pulley. electric radiator fan) and did see some improvement, but I'll save everything I've learned here for our next vehicle (I want a Viper, wife wants me to get another, smaller, truck).

More PSI is better for MPG, but too much can be an uncomfortable ride--I run my Ecopia tires at sidewall max, but found with my previous crappy tires that low 40s was still way-y-y too rough. I did it anyway 'cause I'm insane. :)

Bingo. The grille block also keeps excess air from going through the torture chamber known as your engine compartment.

Welcome to the forums, by the way.
~Matt

New or old Viper? That would be quite impressive to see ecomodded!

OK, I'm now at 42 psi. I'm guessing I'll have to check more often being at a higher pressure?

Aerodynamic torture chamber? I'm looking at my F-150 grill. I'm also looking at a roll of 2" clear packing tape. It would be really easy to tape off some sections. Maybe when it starts to cool off . . .

Well, actually, the Viper is just a dream. But it would be a fun project! :) I want to stay with a truck. Wife wants me to get another F-150, but they are heavier, bigger, and (most important) they no longer offer a manual transmission! Ford Ranger has been dead for a couple years. I'm probably going to go with a base Tacoma, regular cab, I4, 5-sp, and the only option would be a sliding rear window. We'll see . . .

The Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon responds nicely to basic mileage improvement techniques and modifications.

The new F 150 should be out in not too long, supposedly much less weight and more efficient. I have heard about a new Canyon/Colorado, not sure any details, just that there are supposed to be changes. Might be worth researching if that's your target market (off of what JR said).

Looks like the Colorado was last available in 2012? A new model is coming out in 2014?

Don't really need an F150-size truck, we bought this one because at the time we wanted something comfortable for 3 people (me,wife,daughter). Daughter is off in college and we also have a Camry, so that's why I'm thinking about a smaller truck. And the F-150 is at 290,000 miles; wife convinced me it's time for something newer.

Thanks . . .

Sounds like you need a Viper :)

OK! I'll tell my wife . . .

YAY!!! She said, "yeah, right" ! Oh, she was smiling. So, I guess we're still talking small truck.

Got gas on the way to work today. 26.4 MPG! Considering my very hilly drive, seems OK.

I tracked my altitude on the way to work today. In the chart below, altitude (in feet) is along the left.

So on the long climbs, I guess the best I can do is just chug along at a low speed in 5th, and then let it accelerate some on the down hills?

[IMG]http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...o_work-PCH.png[/IMG]

Change the word "accelerate" to "coast" and you've got it!

Coast? But I thought when DWL, you're supposed to keep the throttle in the same position? As I start down the hill, I start speeding up. When I get to my top speed, I then coast.

This morning's fill up gave me only 26.0 MPG. Not really surprised; had to go to work a little earlier yesterday and I got stuck in some pretty bad traffic.