Squeeze more MPG (Truck) and less GPH (Boat) fuel burn.
- Dave LeGear
- Dec 10, 2025
- 6 min read
Fantastic news—fuel costs are finally dropping (Amen)! But here's the exciting part: these same tips and tricks below can help you Squeeze more MPG and even more money or at least slow down your spending it, on fuel!
For your SUV/Truck so you put more fuel back into the Boat:
1. Check your air filter:
A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, and nearly one in four cars needs a new one. It can save 28 cents a gallon or carry you 23 more miles on a typical tank. I am a big fan of the K&N filters that I can clean and reinstall for this reason... Also, dirty throttle bodies (Truck and Boat) can cause issues with higher than expected or jumping idle speeds and an air restriction into the engine, which is just as bad. Need an example of restricted Air Flow and Power output? Go jogging with your hand over your mouth and see how much effort it takes?
2. Straighten out:
Improper alignment can cause your engine to exert more effort, decreasing fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Correcting this issue is akin to saving 28 cents per gallon and simultaneously reducing expensive tire wear. Additionally, when was the last time you checked the wear pattern on your boat trailer tires? It's possible that the axle(s) may not be properly aligned, causing similar effects. Furthermore, upgrading to radial tires on your boat trailer if they do not have them now, can enhance fuel efficiency. A friend of mine experienced significant fuel savings on a trip to The Keys and back after installing radial tires on his triple axle cat hull trailer, thanks to their lower rolling resistance.
3. Tune-up:
A well-tuned engine can boost mileage by 4 percent, equating to a savings of about 11 cents per gallon. While the term "Tune-Up" may seem outdated in the era of fuel-injected, computer-controlled engines, the effect of worn spark plugs remains significant. Additionally, examining other ignition components like plug wires, distributor caps (though they are becoming rare), and loose or dirty ground wires is important, as these issues can decrease performance and increase fuel consumption. This happens because, without realizing it, you'll press the gas pedal harder to achieve the same level of performance.
4. Pump them up:
It is reported that more than one-quarter of vehicles have improperly inflated tires. The average under-inflation of 7.5 pounds costs drivers 8 cents a gallon of gas. This also applies to your boat trailer tires, and if you need a reminder, let out about 20 psi of air from your bicycle tires, and then go take a ride!
5. Check your fuel cap:
It's estimated that one in six cars on the road has broken or missing gas caps, which reduces gas mileage and could harm the environment. Fix it and save and estimated 2 cents per gallon.
6. Lose weight:
For every 100 extra pounds carried around, your vehicle loses 1-2 percent in fuel efficiency or roughly 4 cents per gallon. This figure does not apply as much, or as quickly, to your pickup or SUV as it would a car since they are geared lower. But, once you get into the 200 to 500 extra pounds range, it can... Also, covering up the truck's bed to clean up the airflow (mostly at 35 mph and higher) can return a reported saving of 5 to 15% and pay for the installation of the cover over time.
Just don't tell your Spouse, "Dave says you have to stay home so I can save on fuel," I am not taking the fall for that one! 😊
7. Don't speed:
For every five mph you reduce your highway speed, you can slash fuel consumption by an impressive 7 percent! Just ease off from 70 mph to 65, and you’ll save about 19 cents per gallon. Even when towing, especially in flat areas like Florida, driving under 70 mph allowed my Xterra to pull the Skiff smoothly in overdrive, unless I hit a grade or need to pass. When towing, my fuel efficiency only dropped from around 20 mpg to about 18/17 mpg, despite hauling an extra ton behind me. Let’s face it, most SUVs are about as aerodynamic as a brick, and the only way I’d ever outrun a Porsche or BMW is on a golf course! So, in my opinion, it’s both foolish and unsafe (even though my SUV can handle it) to try and push much past 70 mph while towing a boat. Plus, it’s all too easy to lose control if you’re not careful. So, slow down and stop trying to race like it’s the "24 Hours of Daytona" every day. You’ll save money and stress at the same time!
8. Drive smoother:
The smoother you accelerate and decelerate, the better your gas mileage. By driving more smoothly, consumers who drive erratically can pocket the equivalent of 48 cents a gallon. Driving your truck as if it were pulling the boat all the time and the extra space you allow to speed up and slow down helps.
Pay attention to don't walk signs flashing as you near the next intersection. Most flash ten times before the light changes to yellow. If flashing, and you are too far to make the light safely, then start coasting... This saves not only on fuel but also on brake pads and extends their replacement intervals simultaneously.
9. Don't idle:
Turn off the engine if stopped off the road for more than 90 seconds. For every two minutes that you don't idle, you'll save the equivalent of nearly 1 cent per gallon (it all adds up). I also do not start my mine when I first get into it. I take down the sunshade, lower the windows, and put on my driving glasses and seat belt long before I start the engine. The only thing I don't do before starting is crank up the Tunes or soundcheck the next Flats Nation Podcast. This way I at least give the engine a few seconds to turn the oil over before driving away as I fire up the sonic vibes...
I also do not hammer on the gas pedal for the first few minutes or so for the same reason... I like the engine to get to FOT (Full Operating Temp) if possible, before I do any serious snapping it around. When shutting down, I turn the engine off first, then (without opening any doors) I put up the windows and do other needed items. I often see people leave the engine running while doing such when in most cases, no need.
10. Run quality fuel:
And track how your engines (both automotive and outboard) are using it at each tank fill. I posted some Excel sheets that you can download and use. They can track Truck and Boat engine fuel usage under various conditions... After a while, you will better understand which fuels perform the best in (your) engine. Just remember, that burning "more" of a lower quality and or lower octane fuel than what your engine needs for those conditions, is of no savings and may actually cost you more in the long run.
Those sheets are also an excellent way to track maintenance and service work in the comments sections simultaneously. Having and presenting such records can also help increase your asking price and value at resale time!
For the Skiff:
1. If you don't already have one, install a fuel burn gauge/readout for your Outboard:
These will demonstrate the most effective way to trim for lower GPH rates! Consider this in your upgrade path, as it will provide an excellent ROI (Return on Investment) when installed either individually or as part of a planned gauge upgrade package.
2. Never drive a Boat where you can drag it:
No matter how much fuel your tow unit uses, it’s usually way less than what your Skiff or Bay Boat would burn for the same distance. Plan your trip to the closest ramp near your fishing spot and launch from there. This way, you can enjoy the A/C a bit longer and stay out of the weather until it's time to "Pick a fight" with one of these Monsters below... You're going to need all the energy you can get! 😎
I hope these tips with you to help save some money on the Truck fuel tank! And if nothing else, channel those savings into the Skiff—it's way more fun to pilot anyway!😁
And, all part of the 1st rule in making money: don't spend it...
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go by clicking Here:
Represent "The Nation" and enhance your stealth on the water by choosing our readily available Flats Nation Technical Wear. Explore our latest Casual and Technical collections by clicking Here:
Tight Lines, and God Bless!
Dave and the Team
