Check out photo of my tractor....

Dmace · Nov 21, 2007

Spiveyman said:
Myth Busters did a show on the tonneau covers and said it didn't increase fuel mileage, that an open box atually had the best fuel mileage. I'm not saying this is fact, just saying what I saw on TV (so it must be true right, like reading on the internet - it's all true. ) I got a small boost in my F150 by adding a bed cover, at least I think I did. But maybe when I'm watching my mileage I drive better too.

Actually, the Mythbusters test was to prove if leaving the tailgate down on a truck gained gas mileage. What they proved was that the truck with the tailgate up and no tonneau cover got better gas mileage than the same exact truck with the tailgate down.

The result was that with the tailgate up, wind created a low pressure in the bed of the truck which then acted as a tonneau cover and created less drag. With the tailgate down, the wind would pass right through the bed and put down pressure on the tailgate like a wing and create more drag.

The truck with the tonneau cover got better gas mileage than both but it did prove leaving the tailgate up is better than down with no tonneau cover.

bill6 · Nov 21, 2007

...exactly correct Derek. At higher freeway speeds, a tight tonneau cover can save 5-7% in fuel or more.

Hi Swines.....I don't drive a Toyota Prius, but a Honda Insight. Believe me, I don't "preach" to anyone. I TEACH those who are interested in learning. Anyone can drive whatever they want. I have no personal agenda, am not much of an "environmentalist", and don't care specifically what anyone else drives. However, many people would be amazed, if they knew what their vehicle is actually capable of. With rising fuel prices, many are becoming interested in increasing their efficiency. It's a hobby with me, I enjoy squeezing the turnip and seeing how far I can go on a tank of fuel, for example. I am the co-holder of 2 world records on farthest distance travelled on one tank. I just offer training for those who desire it.......

firemanpat2910 · Nov 21, 2007

Wow this group sure is diverse. I could not care less how many mpg or gallons per mile

I get. But I also dont pay for it. I drive a F250 crew cab 4X4 Diesel, 10,000 lb gvwr
with 2400 lbs of cargo capacity. I do not need it every day but I always have it when I do. (And the thought of 2 vehicles drives me nuts, tags insurance,tools, phones, radios, guns, checkbooks, 2,2,2,2, 2 much hassel.) But if you ever want to really conserve mileage I would be glad to pick your insight up and toss her in the back and carry yall where ever your goin! Happy Thanksgiving everybody !!!

bill6 · Nov 21, 2007

Sounds good FiremanPat; yeah, with "company vehicles" it's pretty easy to just put in gas and go, not thinking about conserving fuel.

You can haul my Honda around if you like, it's all aluminum and weighs just 1785 lbs........

John861 · Nov 21, 2007

I agree with the mythbusters test. From testing a 1997-2003 model year F-150, from worst to best configuration was:

Open bed, tailgate down.
Open bed, tailgate up.
Bed cover.
Cap.

Folding the side mirrors back was a significant improvement as well.

-John

Spiveyman · Nov 21, 2007

Dmace said:
Actually, the Mythbusters test was to prove if leaving the tailgate down on a truck gained gas mileage....

I knew it was something like that, too much else rattling around in the ole' noggin to recall the details that well. Thanks for the clarifying.

bill6 said:
...I TEACH those who are interested in learning. Anyone can drive whatever they want. I have no personal agenda, am not much of an "environmentalist", and don't care specifically what anyone else drives. However, many people would be amazed, if they knew what their vehicle is actually capable of. With rising fuel prices, many are becoming interested in increasing their efficiency. It's a hobby with me, I enjoy squeezing the turnip and seeing how far I can go on a tank of fuel...

Great response. Classy. I have to admit, my first reaction to your posts was something similar to Swines', but with the edges knocked off. This is America, I'm going to drive the biggest most powerful thing that I can afford, which today is just an F150, but I'm saving for an F350 or F450. Aaargh! More power. I do haul cattle so there is some justification for a diesel dually in my future. Anyway, my knee jerk reaction was not so nice, but then I started THINKING (that's the key there) about what you actually said, and began to appreciate what you were offering. Not telling me to sell my gas-guzzling-baby-seal-clubbing-truck and buy an electric car, but offering to teach me how to save money driving the truck that I want to drive. I could never get one of those little electric cars, there's no way my ego would ever fit in that thing (or my hat for that matter), but if I could save money driving a hoss of a truck VS. spending more money driving a hoss of a truck I'd be kind of stupid not to pay attention. So, whenever you are ready to share your hobby with those of us who care to learn, let 'er rip. I'll be watching.

Rara Avis · Nov 21, 2007

bill6 said:
...exactly correct Derek. At higher freeway speeds, a tight tonneau cover can save 5-7% in fuel or more.

Hi Swines.....I don't drive a Toyota Prius, but a Honda Insight. Believe me, I don't "preach" to anyone. I TEACH those who are interested in learning. Anyone can drive whatever they want. I have no personal agenda, am not much of an "environmentalist", and don't care specifically what anyone else drives. However, many people would be amazed, if they knew what their vehicle is actually capable of. With rising fuel prices, many are becoming interested in increasing their efficiency. It's a hobby with me, I enjoy squeezing the turnip and seeing how far I can go on a tank of fuel, for example. I am the co-holder of 2 world records on farthest distance travelled on one tank. I just offer training for those who desire it.......

Then you need to get your name on the list for the new 50 state 2009 VW Jetta TDI coming next FALL...50+mpg, but I'd bet you could do better...

...especially with as clean as you keep your vehicles...

Check over here...

Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community

Farmwithjunk · Nov 22, 2007

Wouldn't it be far more fuel efficient to forgo the tractor and mow your property by grazing goats on it? And how much fuel is wasted hauling all that wax and tire conditioners to the stores. Do you suppose that foreign made tractor and/or car made it to the US via wind power? And how many miles does the average student in your seminars have to drive to attend? In the final analysis, you are responsible for the use of about the same amount of fuel as the next guy.

This puts me in mind of the seminars on how to save/make money. The only one really making any is the guy who's standing at the door collecting everyone's money. The only way to save is not to attend.

DmansPadge · Nov 22, 2007

Man... some of you guys are harsh towards a guy that just likes to get good miles per gallon. I don't think he is worried about how much fuel a ship used to haul his tractor to the US. He likes getting good mileage... it's a hobby!! He's not much of an environmentalist... has no agenda!! Read his posts again.