Want to save fuel on the highway?

[blacksleeper]

Try drafting. No, not as close as in NASCAR, but even 100 feet behind a big rig can save you 11% in fuel, and if you feel comfortable driving 50 feet behind a truck, you can save 28% in fuel (in theory). 41% at 10 feet but that's suicidal! Heard about this on Myth Busters. They actually used a Magnum to conduct this experiment. So I decided to try this with my V8 Magnum. Now normally, when taking it easy at about 65 to 70mph, my consumption is about 24 mpg. Today on the way home from work I drafted a truck at about 50 feet. My readout showed about 30 mpg at a steady 65 mph. I couln't believe my eyes. A 5.7L V8 getting 30 mpg??? Try it out...

[HCCAFan]

I've had to buy a couple windshields from doing this. Seems my car is a rock magnet.

[pudcan]

I know what you mean...every car i have owned has been a rock magnet when it comes to driving close to big rigs. I've lost way too many windshields. I try to avoid 18 wheelers like the plague....

[BUTWEET]

Nice thought, but I too would rather pay a few more bucks at the pumps than replace my windshield, headlights and repaint the front end.
Sliding under the big rigs trailer, doesn't thrill me either.

[FloridaRT]

Used that trick years ago when I rode motorcycles, the big rig would just pull me along.

Bad news: truckers don't like you that close behind them, tends to p*ss them off.

Bob

[blade]

I have been riding on my moto behind trucks and on a few separate occasions, a large tarp, a 2x4 and a sheet of plywood came flying at me....i don't ride behind trucks anymore.....

Used that trick years ago when I rode motorcycles, the big rig would just pull me along.

Bad news: truckers don't like you that close behind them, tends to p*ss them off.

Bob

[LX HEMI]

I've tried this in the Magnum after seeing it on "Myth Busters". I got 38MPG but i agree with the others. Rocks arnt too nice to the front.

As far as riding my motorcycle behind anything that close...Hells to the no! You never know what'll come out of under that thing. A tire, rim, wood, all kinds of debris that's bad news on 2 wheels! I've got to see way out in front of me on a bike. Everytime I'm on the highway and I see big objects in the road I think to myself "what if I was on my bike and didn't see that coming". It's a scary thought.

[BrotherB]

Used that trick years ago when I rode motorcycles, the big rig would just pull me along.

Bad news: truckers don't like you that close behind them, tends to p*ss them off.

Bob

I happen to drive a big rig and I most definately dont like a "dragger" behind my rig. You can save fuel, but the cost of a few pennies isnt worth it. If you cant see the trucks mirrors.... you cant be seen. Very dangerous position to be in, especially if the trucker has had enough and grabs the "johnson brake".
BrotherB.

[SyNyStR]

DITTO guys! And having your front fascia repainted costs over $300!!!

SyNyStR

[Redfox0099]

...this has got to be one of the most UNhelpful threads on the boards.

[miplank]

^lil harsh



Although I won't be trying it....Don't like following trucks at 80 mph

[Ultimatecarman45]

I have a SRT so if I want to save gas I don't drive it...lol

But, you can save some money, over driving a few hundred miles gaining 10mpg you saved about $4. But how many rocks were thrown all over the front end of your car, and windshield. You saved $4 and now have to spend $300 to repaint facia, possible new windshield another $300-$400 depending on options, plus the headlights, grill, mirrors etc.

I don't know of anyone that desperate.

[Redfox0099]

Why exactly is this thread in the Maintenance section of the knowledge base....does the guy who wrote it own a bunch of used front bumpers he wants to sell to us once we all get rocks chunked at our cars by 18 wheelers?

[bandaid]

Too much crap on the road up here. I go through at least one windshield per vehicle each year already.

[pir8magnum]

Just to add to the already long list of negatives here is the fact that when you're 'drafting' a larger vehicle like this, you also get reduced airflow to your radiator. I suppose the electric fans would kick on if it got too bad, but still - you might want to watch your temps if you're doing that.

The one thing people seem to not want to do these days to save gas, no matter how expensive it gets, is to slow the hell down. Everyone I know complains about gas prices, but when I get on the interstate everyone I see is going at least 80-85mph. Some cars are better at high speed efficiency than others, but generally speaking 60-65 is your best bet for fuel economy, yet you drive that speed on interstates around here at your own peril. Definitely contradictory behavior.