The rising price of fuel hits light-truck enthusiasts hard, but affects those in metro areas even more, here, a pickup is forced to endure commutes in stop-and-go traffic. That's where your machine is least efficient: It burns fuel to get the truck moving, only to waste the effort seconds later as you brake to a stop.
But there is some good news. In the long run, more efficient engine and fuel technologies are being developed. In the meantime, there are things you can do today to improve fuel economy. Shell's Fuel Stretch Web site and a Web site created by the federal government present most of the self-help tactics for improved mileage. Both sites cover a lot of the same ground, but Shell's offers more information and involvement.
Shell advises that driving aggressively (speeding, accelerating, and braking rapidly) wastes up to 33 percent more gas than smooth, sensible driving. And smooth and slow driving is safer for you and others, so you may save more than just gas money. Remove excess weight; an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to two percent. Of course, this reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight as it compares with the vehicle's weight, and it affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones. It's also wise to avoid excessive idle time and use cruise control and overdrive as much as possible.
Another great site, Tony's Guide to Fuel-Saving Gadgets is written by a British automotive engineer. With an engineering degree from Cambridge University, he's the myth buster of the mileage-scam industry. He's worked for Rover and BMW on the Valvetronic system, done a stint setting up engine-management systems for Cosworth Technology, and is now at Bosch working on advanced fuel-delivery systems. The site will give you the good, bad, and ugly on fuel-saving gadgets, plus in-depth information about reasonable approaches to improving mileage.
Cummins offers a document entitled "Cummins Reveals Secrets to Great MPG" which details the physics of fuel mileage for commercial trucks. This item covers all legitimate tactics to improve mileage. Even though it's geared to Class 8 trucks, most of what's reported will translate to light-truck use. Just apply the scale of your truck to the rigs discussed in the document to adjust the numbers.