Fuel Mileage Information on Semi Trucks

by Richard Rowe
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Chris Rogers/iStock/Getty Images

Though the average tractor trailer fuel mileage of between 7 to 8 miles per gallon (MPG) may not seem impressive, it's a vast improvement over older designs that rarely saw better than 2 to 3 MPG.

Turbocharging

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Turbocharging increases a truck's fuel economy by applying torque only when it's needed. Modern turbocharged trucks regularly get more than 2 MPG better than identical non-turbo trucks.

Front Aerodynamics

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The pointier the truck is, the better fuel economy it will get. A good example is the Kenworth T2000, whose long, pointed snout helps to increase its fuel economy.

Rear Aerodynamics

Trailers that are "boat-tailed" (tapered at the rear end) are known to increase fuel economy by as much as 10 percent over traditional "box" trailers.

Transmissions

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The newest generation of automated manual transmissions consistently outperform manual transmissions of the same design, yielding an average 15 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Considerations

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Travel through very mountainous areas requires an engine which produces more torque for optimal mileage.

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