Fuel-saving features

The EPA sets standards for new trucks that help cut down on fuel consumption and pollution. Some features, such as the reduced emissions engines first required in 2007, are mandatory in all trucks, while other standards are just recommendations.

The engine and transmission you choose are the most important contributors to your overall fuel efficiency, of course. As described in Choosing basic truck specs, matching the power and performance of your drivetrain to your typical load and type of driving is essential to getting the best performance.

After that decision, though, two of the most important factors are aerodynamic contours and idle reduction features.

Aerodynamics
Aerodynamic design is a very visible way to improve mileage. This includes roof fairings, gap reducers between the tractor and trailer, and aerodynamic bumpers and mirrors. Overall, good aerodynamics can improve fuel economy of highway trucks by up to 10%, which means thousands of dollars in savings over the course of a year.

Keep in mind that these savings are much lower on trucks used mostly in city traffic or at low speeds. In those cases, a traditionally styled truck might be a better choice.

Idle reduction features
Idling your truck’s engine all night to stay cool or warm simply isn’t an option any more. Not only is it against the law in many states, but at current fuel prices it’s also a huge waste of money. Manufacturers offer multiple solutions to this problem.

The most versatile option is an auxiliary power unit, or APU. An APU is essentially a miniature electrical generator powered by diesel fuel. APUs use only small amounts of fuel – according to Overdrive magazine, they typically use about 0.1 to 0.3 gallons per hour, as opposed to 1 gallon per hour or more for idling the engine.

Another power option is additional dedicated batteries. Some manufacturers offer battery systems that maintain a comfortable temperature in your sleeper for eight hours at a stretch. To avoid draining your main source of power, be sure that a battery-powered system is either completely separate from your starter battery or has an automatic shutoff.

In areas where heat is more important than air conditioning, consider a direct-fired heater. These skip the electricity generation, burning gas to provide heat directly. They’re less expensive and lighter than APUs, but they don’t provide cooling in hot weather.

Finally, more and more truck stops are offering shore power, an idea and term borrowed directly from the boating industry. By plugging your tractor into an external source of electricity, you can avoid taxing your batteries or burning diesel all night.