Hi Bob & Jeremy; For me, hypermiling is a hobby that can become part of a lifestyle of efficiency awareness. I've been at it for 26 yrs, starting with my 1980 Rabbit diesel, with extra fuel tank. Later I bought a new 1987 Honda CRX HF, and drove it 502,000 highway miles then sold it, still in great condition. Now I've owned 3 Insights. I teach seminars and forums on the topic of "high gas mileage"; preparing your vehicle and preparing your mind.
In the 2006 Ford Ranger I have 5-speed, 4 cylinder, long bed (20.4 gals of fuel) and a Tonneau cover. This gives me a range of over 800 miles. The key is to 1) inflate tires to maximum (at least 44 lbs) 2) slow down a little 3) drive in a manner trying NOT to use the brakes 4) I use a Scangauge, that plugs into the OBDII port, and closely monitors & displays engine temps, functions, fuel economy, trip statistics. 5) read and use the tips found at
CleanMPG, An authoritative source on fuel economy and hypermiling
In aviation ( I used to fly full time) I learned alot about efficiency back in the 1980's. I participated in air races (Oshkosh 500) in Wisconsin, and efficiency events (CAFE 400) in Santa Rosa, CA. Although the Cessna 150 is not a "clean" airplane by any stretch, my gap seals, boots, wheel pants, cruise prop, etc help it a great deal. I even use synthetic motor oil to reduce friction.
Anyway, I rather get a kick out of all the posts on this site in the "trucks & trailers" category, where guys are describing their rigs. It's amazing to me, how so many seem resigned to using their 3/4 and 1 ton gas-hog trucks, to pull around their loads. DETROIT has sentenced us to many years of extremely wasteful fuel use. The technology is there; they refuse to put it to use. Our rat-race society is to blame also. Most of us MUST have hundreds of horsepower, to be able to "race around" when desired.
Gee, if there was enough interest, and a central geographical location, I would enjoy putting on a seminar for the entire Tractorbynet family, entitled "achieve 20% higher fuel economy in whatever you drive". Or maybe I could begin a series of threads in the appropriate category.......