New to the forums.

[StrokerTurbo7.3]

So I am new here obviously. I know my truck isn't a hybrid but I saw in the USA today something about "Hypermilers" or something like that that gives you tips for better mileage.

What would be some good tips to try and up my mileage?

[bwilson4web]

Hi,

Welcome to GreenHybrid.

Originally Posted by StrokerTurbo7.3

So I am new here obviously. I know my truck isn't a hybrid but I saw in the USA today something about "Hypermilers" or something like that that gives you tips for better mileage.

What would be some good tips to try and up my mileage?

You must be thinking of these two articles:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...ving-gas_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...ing-tips_N.htm

Well my first suggestion is to get a hybrid vehicle, either hybrid-electric or hybrid-hydraulic. This will give you an immediate boost by keeping the engine running in the range of peak efficiency while working the vehicle:

BALTIMORE, MD - January 15, 2007 - The Pete Store, Inc. (www.thepetestore.com) announces the delivery of the industry’s first Class 8 hybrid truck to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The Peterbilt Model 386 Hybrid is the first of its kind and will be an addition to Wal-Mart’s fleet of over 230 Peterbilts they currently have in service. ...

http://www.thepetestore.com/news-002.php

More of an efficiency driver, the traditional approaches work pretty good:

• maintenance - the engine, transmission and wheel alignment have to be at or nearly at perfect tuning. Use oil testing to monitor the health and status of your lubricants and there are after market systems that look very promising to remove fine particulates.
• conservation of momentum - drive so you can avoid having to brake. For example, in sync with traffic lights even if it seems slower. Climb at slow speeds and pass the peak at the minimum safe speed before a descent.
• minimize drag - slower speeds are better but also things like a radiator block in cold weather. Some folks have gotten good results from aerodynamic add-ons but mostly those whose vehicles are pretty inefficient already. Did I mention tires? Run them as hard as they are rated at and you can stand.
• max energy fuel - there are small but measurable differences in brands of gasoline. This may also apply to diesel but I haven't studied it. You'll need an engine monitor that provides engine shaft power and fuel consumption to know. But over a couple of tanks, it adds up.

But seriously, look at your truck's state of life and check out some of the newer models, especially the hybrids. One thing we're finding is the hybrid systems reduce the stress and strain on the engine drive systems and they actually last a lot longer than might be expected. Here is a better link on hybrid trucks:

http://truckinginformation.wordpress...ng-in-seattle/

...
The Model 386 Heavy-Duty Hybrid, a joint-development vehicle with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Eaton, seeks to validate the benefit of using a hybrid system for long-haul applications for both on-road and idle reduction fuel efficiency gains. On the road, the expected benefit is 5-7% through improved launching, accelerating and hill climbing capabilities. When the idle reduction mode is active, engine operation is limited to battery charging, an automatically controlled process that takes approximately five minutes per hour to fully charge the system. During rest periods, a 90% reduction in idling will be demonstrated while providing high-power A/C, 120VAC, and 12VDC to accommodate the sleeper hotel loads.
...

Bob Wilson