It is very difficult to compare MPG unless you are in identical vehicles, in identical terrain. Everything that I have read and that makes sense suggests the following: stay at a speed that keeps you in top gear - too slow and you drop into 5th on the hills; wind resistance is a big deal in a truck, so keep speed as low as possible (subject to fist comment); carry as little weight as possible, so put in less fuel more frequently (not as important on flat land); inflate tires a little more than recommended, definitely not less; use brakes as little as possible. I am still wondering about acceleration - too slow and you are in low gears too long; too fast and ???. That is about it, that I believe, without actual modifications to the truck.

 

Just a couple of comments on Otto's post. Work is more closely related to gas mileage than is force. Work is force times distance. So distance is important in this equation too, and distance improves with higher gears. I am inclined to think that getting up to a higher gear quickly is a good thing, that slow acceleration is not. Many times I have been stuck behind someone who is probably trying to get good mileage, but is staying in low gears for a very long time. Annoying, and probably bad for gas mileage.

 

If you really want good gas mileage, buy a Prius.
Yes driving style can affect gas mileage but the instrument makes the most difference. I have gotten 20 mpg (calculated) in my signature truck. It weighs about 6,000 lb empty but we had a really large tailwind. and it was at high altitude.

 

But I have a really hard time getting my ATV into the back of that Prius....

 

Really. I carried almost 1200lb of donated food from WalMart to the local food bank Friday. It would have taken at least two trips in a prius based on payload but probably 3 or 4 based on volume. Point is we buy trucks for hauling not drag racing, road racing or MPG.

 

Sure but I don't want to have to own 3 or 4 vehicles and use the one that suits the activity of the day.

 

Have you ever seen Jay Leno's garage? That is what heaven is like.

 

Yes well....we are not jay Leno. I've gone the multiple vehicle route before but didn't like storing, maintaining, and insuring 3 vehicles. Am I asking too much to have a powerful and efficient family hauler that can tow and haul too? I say no.

 

in addition to my F250 I have a 3 cyl. Mitsubishi Mirage. it gets very close to prius mileage and cost a fraction of the price to buy new. with that said, I enjoy driving my truck so much more!

 

e-fans and electric water pump. instant gains through the entire power band