Hypermiling a Ram 1500 Ecodiesel to 38MPG

[theholycow]

Multiple vehicles isn't practical for everyone, and neither is a trailer. Still, a lot of folks would be wholly better off with something much more efficient than what they chose for the sole purpose of image.

[Dr. Jerryrigger]

Originally Posted by trollbait

Because limited parking, insurance rates, additional maintenance work or any other reason could mean owning multiple vehicles impracticable. A fuel miser car won't save much on gas if it is parked because the truck does see a lot of use.

This is all true for some people, but I feel such situations are not that common, at least around here. I believe the other extreme is more common: people spend a huge amount of money on a fancy new full size truck, and the only things that the bed is used for would fit in a car's trunk. From people I know who fit this generalized group; it's entity an image thing, they think men who drive Prius are all wimpy.

[trollbait]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jerryrigger

This is all true for some people, but I feel such situations are not that common, at least around here. I believe the other extreme is more common: people spend a huge amount of money on a fancy new full size truck, and the only things that the bed is used for would fit in a car's trunk. From people I know who fit this generalized group; it's entity an image thing, they think men who drive Prius are all wimpy.

Those types would probably just end up getting some guzzling performance model as the second car.

I do know fro experience that holding onto a Ranger for occasional truck duties wasn't worth it. The lack of use lead to the caliper pin grease drying up, and eventual warped rotors. That and the cost of insurance, inspection, and registration would covered the truck rental or delivery fees for the times it was actually needed.

[Dr. Jerryrigger]

Originally Posted by trollbait

Those types would probably just end up getting some guzzling performance model as the second car.

I do know fro experience that holding onto a Ranger for occasional truck duties wasn't worth it. The lack of use lead to the caliper pin grease drying up, and eventual warped rotors. That and the cost of insurance, inspection, and registration would covered the truck rental or delivery fees for the times it was actually needed.

I've got an old Toyota truck rotting in my yard while I pay insurance on it, I know the feeling...but mine won't pass inspection.

[hoopitup]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jerryrigger

people spend a huge amount of money on a fancy new full size truck, and the only things that the bed is used for would fit in a car's trunk. From people I know who fit this generalized group; it's entity an image thing, they think men who drive Prius are all wimpy.

Some Prius drivers may in fact be wimpy, but better that than getting a big truck just to be macho. And we all know what they say about those who try so hard to impress others with those big trucks . . . . . . .

[Draigflag]

On that subject, when I go to the US i'm always surprised just how wasteful most Americans are. 90% of the cars I saw had 1 person in, and the majority had huge engines 2.0 litre, 3.0 litre. 4.0 litre and more. The "HP per person" or "engine capacity per person" must be shocking!

I always try and save resources, my old car had a 700cc engine with 26 HP, but it still carried 4 people with ease, which equates to just over 6 hp per person, that's really all you need to move 1 person!

[theholycow]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jerryrigger

I've got an old Toyota truck rotting in my yard while I pay insurance on it, I know the feeling...but mine won't pass inspection.

Count me as another truck rotting in the yard while I pay too dang much insurance. I've had mine since it was brand new. It's 12 years old with 217,000 miles and when I drove it daily it was fine, but rust has been attacking it fiercely in the years that it has been parked.

[Jay2TheRescue]

I was just using my truck last week, and I'm pleased to report that it still runs/drives/looks great. I'm still paying insurance on the Buick though, and haven't driven it much in the past couple years.