SUV tips (2007 Jeep Laredo AWD)
 

I have a 2007 Jeep Laredo AWD. Do any of these Ecomods work for something as gas guzzling as this vehicle? It gets about 16.3 MPG. Pulse Glide? Wheel Covers? Or is it just too much of a hog to gain anything?

First: I had to laugh at the thread title. :) (Hint: made me think "high c.o.g.")

Second: do you have fuel consumption instrumentation?

Driving technique will gain you more than anything: basics like stop idling, reduce your cruising speed, minimize your use of the brake pedal. Those 3 will show you immediate gains at the pump.

Also keep in mind that any gains you do see will be numerically small (in terms of "MPG"), but large in terms of actual volume/cost savings.

EG: if your changes save you 1.5 mpg, you may be tempted to say "that wasn't worth it". But when you're starting from 16 mpg, do the math. The savings from an increase of 1-2 MPG are significant.

And people here will ask: do you really have to use that vehicle? Several members have bought compact fixxer-uppers that literally pay for themselves through lower fuel bills while they save the truck for the times a truck is really needed (which for most people isn't really very often).

You can mod any vehicle - even your Laredo. (Have you taken the roof rack off yet?) I'm sure you'll get some other suggestions.

PS _ Welcome to the forum.

You can definitely do a good bit with improved technique. What kind of driving are you doing to get that mileage? City mileage will simply be bad, although you can make it a little better. The weight hurts bigtime around town.

Highway mileage, however, can be a good bit better. Going slow is the key. Typically, I get 17 - 19 highway in mine (at about 60 - 62 mph), and have broken 21, given the right terrain and conditions. You should be able to do better than that on the highway, as you have a much smaller engine.

Don't turn the key without a plan. Always. Know the route beforehand. I make a loop around town for my errands to get [1] best warmup, and [2] best steady state driving to avoid stop-n-go. Combine ALL errands to a single day.

The best fuel economy is the vehicle sitting in the garage. Fewer miles = less fuel burned.

Consider that fuel is $6/gal, how will you use it? Slow speed is great, but never stopping is better (there's a combination in that awaiting your attention).

Or is it just too much of a hog to gain anything?
Mine is far larger and heavier than your little Jeep.

Good luck.