Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas
Not to get off topic, but how do you save fuel? (Try to keep it in high gear as much as possible, making less stops, letting it coast a bit while stopping instead of braking instantly?) :?:
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Driving habits are the major cause of high fuel consumption... speed & excessive idling are the greatest causes of lowering fuel mileage.
My truck for instance, is a 379 long nosed Pete, I have a 550 twin turbo Cat, 373 rears & 18 speed. I pull extended length (overall 102 ft), with GVW of 117,700 lbs.
My unit:
At 62 mph I am at 1350 rpm, that gives me an average mpg of 6.2. If I drive with rpm over 1450 I might as well pur my fuel on the ground. I put on a massive amount of miles, average of 16,000/month (our HOS are different up here
) & fuel is incredibly expensive (over $4.00/gal). So good fuel economy is mandatory. I watch guys roar down the road at 75 mph & then whine about their fuel economy. I just shake my head.
Idle time is another major blow to fuel economy, I have an Espar heater with a bunk heater, unless it is below -30, I DON'T idle...ever. If I'm waiting somewhere for longer than 10 minutes, my truck is shut off, I start my engine heater, it will keep the engine at operating temperature for 2 hours even at -30. I have less than 1% idle time on my engine.
Most who know me know that my regular run is in the Canadian Arctic, where fuel can be over $6/gal, so guess what, ZERO idle whenever possible.
There is alot of controversy about whether cruise control improves fuel economy or not...IMHO, it greatly improves fuel economy, UNLESS you are always on big hills, etc. I use mine whenever practical to do so, as it helps to keep the truck at a steadier speed & reduces fatigue.