Fleet Managers: Four Tips On Improving Fuel Efficiency On The Trucks In Your Fleet

If you are paying to fill up one truck, you may be slightly worried about fuel economy, but if you take care of a fleet of vehicles, you need to be especially worried about fuel economy. Even shaving a few dollars off each tank fill-up can translate to massive savings throughout the year. Want your fleet to consist of large impressive trucks without the giant gas bill? Take a look at these fuel efficiency tips:

1. Look for trucks with lightweight bodies

The heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it needs to move. Luckily, manufacturers have figured this out, and they have brought forward a fuel efficient solution – lightweight trucks. With the new F-150, lie those at Metro Ford, the body has been constructed of aluminum.

In the past, the body of these heavy duty trucks were made of steel, and by making the shift, manufacturers were able to shave at least 700 pounds off each truck. The extra weight came from various areas of the truck including its body, bumpers and dashboard.

2. Consider the bed of the truck as well

In addition to the type of metal used to construct the body of your fleet's trucks, you should also consider the materials used to manufacture the bed of the truck. To lighten the weight of some trucks, manufacturers have embraced the practice of making beds out of composite materials.

This materials has long been popular as a truck bed liner, but it can be used to create the entire bed of the truck. In addition to helping the truck be lighter weight, this material offers truck versatility. For example, you can have features molded into the bed such as side and floor storage areas – depending on how you use your fleet, these features can be essential.

If you don't want a composite truck bed, consider looking at the fuel savings offered by a bed that is lighter due to being shorter. For example, instead of opting for a composite truck bed, look for an aluminum truck bed but make it even lighter by ordering a short bed.

3. Opt for low resistance or super wide tires

Whether you order a new F-150 or buy a used Honda pickup with a composite bed, you can further boost your fuel economy by selecting the right tires. Although you want deep tread for off-road driving or winter driving, you don't need it for well paved roads that are not full of snow and ice.

Tread helps you maintain control and traction on the road, but if you have too much tread, it creates excess heat – heat is essentially energy loss, meaning too much tread drives up your fuel costs.

If possible, opt for tires with low resistance, and if necessary, change your fleet's tires based on the season. If you are getting a truck such an F-250 or an F-350 with double tires on the back, consider substituting a single wide tire for the two doubles – these so-called super wides can be over 9 percent more efficient than double tires.

4. Lose weight in your fuel tanks

If you are carrying unnecessary weight in your fuel tank, that can also affect the fuel efficiency of your fleet. If your drivers are primarily working in towns or only taking short jaunts between towns, they can easily access gas stations, and as a result, they have no need for giant fuel tanks or dual tanks.

If possible, opt for trucks that have smaller fuel tanks, but if you cannot do that, create a practice of only filling your tanks half full. A gallon of fuel weighs about six pounds, and every pound you can shave off can help your fuel efficiency.