The Dodge Ram 1500 looks sleek and even a little sexy, but averaging only 20 miles per gallon (mpg) does nothing for your wallet. The good news is that even if you can't bear the thought of downsizing, there are ways to maximize your gas mileage.
Step 1 - Drive according to the laws. Not only are they in place for your safety and the safety of others, they help your truck as well. Speeding, as well as the excessive braking that comes with speeding, wastes your gasoline. When possible drive 60 miles per hour (mph) or below for maximum mileage.
Step 2 - Clean out your truck. Sure, it's great for hauling the kids' soccer equipment, that new grill, or all of the tools that you might need, but it's not doing anything for your gas tank. An extra 100 pounds in the bed of your truck can equal a mileage reduction of up to 2 percent. Haul around only what is necessary and unload the truck as soon as possible.
Step 3 - Turn off your engine. Idling your truck while you wait for your significant other to go into one more store or while you're talking to your neighbor burns up your gas at a rate of exactly 0 miles per gallon. It's the equivalent of throwing a dollar bill into the fire place.
Step 4 - Drive in overdrive. This will make your engine's speed reduce, which not only saves gas, but reduces wear and tear on your engine.
Step 5 - Tune up your truck. Trucks that don't get regular tune-ups can waste up to 4% of your gas. Don't forget the tires. Under-inflated tires can make you lose as much as 3.3% of your fuel.
Combine your trips. If you have to pick up your grandma from church at 7:00 p.m., but you really want a cheeseburger at 4:00 p.m., try to hold off. Taking many small trips will waste more gas than if you go out once and do all of your errands at once.
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