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Traditionally, we have heard that users of vocational trucks are more concerned about performance than fuel economy. But with the volatile price of diesel fuel, anything you can do to reduce fuel consumption is worth a second look.

There are several variables you can control when it comes to fuel efficiency. According to Kelly Como, on-highway segment manager, Sterling Truck Corp., the three main areas of focus include vehicle specs, driver education and maintenance.

Spec it right
Engine size, gearing and weight are just a few factors that impact fuel consumption.

Engine size ranks among the most important factors. "A good match between the engine and the payload is significant," says Steve Matsil, global vehicle chief engineer, General Motors.

If the truck engine is too large for the application, you add unnecessary weight and upfront cost, plus you can burn more fuel while under-working the engine. Drivers are also more prone to use the excess horsepower, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

If the engine is undersized, it will be overworked, leading to increased engine wear and poor fuel economy. "If you are constantly in an underpower condition - meaning you are putting out the maximum horsepower of the engine to accelerate to cruising speed to move into traffic - you are always in a two-pedal position either off or on the throttle," says Matsil. "I suspect that you will not get the optimum fuel economy."