Fuel-Saving Tips
If you're happy with your current rig, you can still save fuel by maintaining your truck and trailer, watching your driving habits, and lightening your load. Here's what I mean.
• Inspect wheels and tires. Check the air pressure on all tires - truck and trailer. Inflate your tires to the maximum tire pressure. (On your tow vehicle, find the "safety compliance" sticker on the driver's side doorjamb; on your trailer, look for the sticker near the hitch's VIN plate.) Have a qualified, trained tire dealer or mechanic balance the wheels on both vehicles; balanced tires experience less vibration than unbalanced ones, which saves fuel and makes for a less tiring ride.
• Change the filters. When the air and fuel filters are clean, the engine works less, which translates into a more efficient use of fuel.
• Wash and wax. A clean rig will experience less air resistance than a dirty one.
• Check the belts. Make sure the belts (fan, air conditioning, and power steering) are in good shape and aren't slipping. Replace belts that show wear and tear, or ask a qualified, trained mechanic to do so.
• Watch water levels. Make sure the radiator and battery have enough fluid to get their jobs done efficiently. Low antifreeze levels in the radiator can lead to overheating, which makes the engine work harder; low water levels in the battery increases the alternator's charge, which makes the engine work harder. (The alternator generates electricity for the starter, lights, etc.) The more the engine works, the more fuel it requires.
• Slow down! Fuel consumption increases dramatically above 60 miles-per-hour. In fact, 55 miles-per-hour is an ideal speed for improved mileage. The faster you go, the more energy it takes for your rig to move through the air. If your truck has a fuel-economy gauge, determine the speed at which the economy maxes out, and don't go any faster than that. If that means you're in the slow lane while everyone's passing you, so what? You can save $60 per day - or more - in fuel expenses by taking it easy!
Expert tip: Watch the tachometer on diesel and V-8 gas engines; at highway speeds stay below 2,000 rotations-per-minute, if possible. This is the fuel-efficiency sweet spot.
• Turn off the A/C. Switch your fan to fresh air on days that aren't too steamy. And drive at night when the air is cooler and the wind dies down. You'll save a bundle!
• Lighten your load. Only haul the items you and your horse truly need. Every extra pound you haul means lowered fuel efficiency. Note: Just one gallon of water weighs eight pounds.
