ANOTHER new guy with an MPG question

[tjaburke8]

Hi all,
I've wanted a truck for a while now and FINALLY got a Ram 1500 Lonestar Crew Cab with a 5.7L HEMI. I absolutely love it, and I'm having 0 buyer regrets!

But of course, there is the never-ending curiousity about better gas mileage. I was determining whether or not to get a bed cover, so I did some research. For every article I find that says bed covers improve mpg, I can find an article that says it's a myth (most articles that say covers improve MPG are on sites trying to SELL bed covers).

I've read more into various forums and, aside from bed covers, I see 3 things continue to pop up.
1) Cold air intake
2) Computer programmer
3) Free flow exhaust system

Although, after looking into these I've found many disagree with them as well.

I don't know enough about engines to make a best-guess decision for myself. So, any help?? ASIDE from the obvious - slowing down, light foot on the gas, using cruise control....what are some options? Are there any options worth the money it will cost?

Yes, I know I bought a HEMI, and really - I'm not complaining at all. I love my truck and will probably never drive anything else. I just thought if there's room for improvement, why not do it now while it's still new???

Any...ANY...constructive suggestions/help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Burla]

Throttle body or TB spacer, in theory they give better mileage. Stick with your 5w20 oil too. Just try and leave your bed down on a long trip, test if there is any mileage difference. That will give you info on a bed cover, but I can tell you from experience that a snug type cover wont give you any better mileage.

They sell tow balls for front bumpers, if all else fails you can pay a guy with a prius to tow you.

 

[SmokedRam]

I disagree on the TB spacer...not on these engines. On a TBI engine, sure...but on these all they're good for is a prettly little whistle.