I do. I do understand exactly how ya feel. Especially with a few children.And their children. I do get the point. Under the hood, you'll find the information and key to the best, least expensive answer I have found, legally, working with these trucks as a professional. The decal has engine size, plugs, all id's, and specifications. Keep all the components clean, intake air, fuel, oils, wiring, all black ground straps should be cleaned annually. The battery is important tire size, condition, air pressure, all must be kept right and safe. All weight and tire requirements are found on the drivers door, you'll see it on the opening panel. Air pressure should be adjusted for each season and operating temperature. Acceleration from a stop, is the biggest fuel requirement, especially in a winter like MN. has.
One time I carried a gallon of fuel a mile just to carry myself a mile to fill up my tank. It cost plenty for the fill-up. And the walk. But it was then that I began to feel very relieved. I was 17. I hope this helps you because it certainly helped me. I worked, and tried keeping everyone's car or truck as efficient as possible. And I'm sure you will also. The time you spend can make you very tired. But look at your family, and give them, and the air, the best you can. Safely. At any price.
The engine, it's compression, the transmission, their mileage, efficiency, suspension, weight, inertia, and how you deal with and drive with are some of the most inexpensive ways to increase fuel economy. There will always be someone or something that will claim better fuel economy. This is part of it, and it's cost is something you must consider. If you could buy better fuel economy by changing a computer program, I am quite sure the company that manufactured one of the best all round sport utility vehicles in this country would be using it already, and they are. It's all about the air we breathe. A law and it's expensive requirements, a fact I thought every state had to deal with. Since smog's discovery in the early sixties at Cal. Tech. If you don't require anything your truck is equipped with, remove it. For a 2003, your MPG is excellent. Thanks
It's more of an expense. Fuel economy. Having no way to get anywhere is more of a dilemma. And i hope it never happens to a nice guy like yourself, good luck. Great truck.