Surburban Gas Mileage

[Betsey on the Rez]

Open to Ideas
I thought I was getting about 1/2 the mileage I should be, but was recently surprised on a long trip. Is it just my imagination that it gets better mileage with a full tank? Mine's an '89 and was a gift. I put some body work into it (more coming in Spring) and now it needs a Universal and one of the turn signals freezes up in the cold. It's definitely worth restoring but my only vehicle right now, so projects have to be short until Spring, when I can then take up to 5 days- unless I get another vehicle, which is the goal. I got some mechanic know-how in my genes from my Dad, but not a whole lot of experience and happy to learn. Need tool advice, too. Changing the headlight turned into a major project with hacksaw. Ugh, in freezing weather with no garage.
I really want to know if those magnet attachments really help and if this vehicle would be suitable for converting to an alternative fuel source.
I want to do a nice job, do it once, and make it the best vehicle it can be. Much to learn and do. I tend to be slow but thorough. Need it mainly for long trips and hauling stuff. It has served me well and deserves a little TLC back from me.
I need some basic tips and guidance, but learn fast and am pretty daring. If I mess it up, I can still walk to work, bank, store, etc. so life will go on.
Thanks!

[Boomyal]

It would kinda help if you gave a few stats. Mileage, motor, model, 4x4 or 2x4. Also, Suburban gas guages do not drop at an arithmetic rate. No, it does not get better mileage with a full tank.

[Betsey on the Rez]

Thanks. I've asked that gas mileage question many times and this is the first answer that makes sense! It is an 89 and of the heavier body frame type. The engine is 8 cylinders and there are about 90,000 miles. I put 15,000 on it this past year and did very little to it. Bad, I know, but it had to be done. It comes off the road this week and I am going back to riding a motorcycle until next fall. I need to collect tools and put up a shelter so I can work on it on rainy days. It now also needs a water pump and thermostat and has a bad back break light. All minor, but a good place to start getting back into mechanic mode with. It's been too long away from the wrench for me, but I think it's like riding a bike. I found a website that is about converting engines. They said to start with a lawnmower, so I think I will. Maybe a motorcycle after that and then the Suburban if it seems right to do it. I'm also taking time out to read my Haynes manual cover to cover. At least I will have the book knowledge before the weather gets warm.

[RahX]

as far as mileage goes gasoline is about the only thing youre going to get a lot of mileage out of. lpg, cng, alcohol and whatnot burn cleaner and are cheaper but the mileage wont be on par with gas. those big trucks like that uusally only get 11-12mpg.

[Betsey on the Rez]

12 is what I figured when I got the thing, so I guess I'm doing alright. Glad I live on the Reservation where gas is cheaper. God put me in the right place at the right time as usual. I still want to restore it, though. I want to haul stuff for remodeling old houses and apartments, and it seats twelve so I can haul lots of people, too and my Church group is quickly outgrowing the one van they have, so I thought it would be useful that way, too.
Still, it woul;d be cool to change over a lawn mower this summer. My bird watching environmentalist neighbor will be impressed. He uses the old fashioned cutter. Says the exercise is good for him, but his lawn looks like crap. Those old ones don't cut the weeds very well.
Thanks for the input.