new member in Minneapolis

[K0JFF]

Hi, this is Jeff in Minneapolis. Just joined today. I'm driving a Toyota Tundra pickup with 4.7L V8. I need it for hauling, but I also need to learn to drive it better for mileage. My next car will be a Prius, seriously! I bought the ScanGuage II today and am looking forward to using that as a tutor for hypermiling with the truck.[/size]

[ksstathead]

Welcome, Jeff. My prior car was a Tacoma V6. Prius doesn't haul quite as much, but I'm not missing it after 2.5 years.

If truck is automatic, focus on avoiding brake use and conserving momentum. Shut her down at lights where appropriate.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Welcome from another Minnesotan! Stick around -- we have a great community here with plenty of willingness to help.

The Prius is a great vehicle but you'll find there is a lot you can do to improve mileage in your Tundra as well.

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Welcome to CleanMPG!

As the site image says "Learn to raise fuel economy and lower emissions in whatever you drive." In any low-mpg vehicle small increases in mpg will save a lot of gas.

We recommend reading the CleanMPG Primer. It links to key hypermiling articles that describe techniques from the basic to the advanced.

As kstat wrote, just keeping the vehicle moving steadily, so you avoid braking and excessive acceleration, will make your mileage jump.

I'd also add what I consider the golden rules:
- concentrate and drive with anticipatory focus, trying to see everything that's happening around you so you are never surprised and can act (not react) to traffic.
- leave a good buffer between you and the vehicle in front so that you have time to act (not react) smoothly and calmly when you have to maneuver.
Doing those two things makes for a safe driver and will automatically lead to you braking less.

I wish you success with the Tundra and your future Prius.