Speed vs. MPG in Real World

Yes, the "draft" from a semi will cut the air drag on your vehicle, thus increasing mpg. But I'd be careful about following close enough for this to be very much benefit, since the stopping distance with your TM attached is noticeably greater than without it and, in any case, you don't want to have to do max braking with the TM (or any trailer) in tow.

Drafting

I worry about "drafting" for a different reason. Have you noticed all the "gators" along the highway? You know, those treads thrown off vehicle tires. They weigh up to 80 pounds. One coming into the windshield could really spoil a person's day. That thought, more than anything else, has kept me from drafting.

Another thing about "drafting" is that you'll notice the racers don't do it for too long. The drafting car has a tendency toward heating up due to lack of proper air passage through the radiator.

Originally Posted by Keith Wire

Has anybody else noticed a substantial increase in milage when following a semi truck?

There was an episode on Myth Busters that documents the mpg gain by drafting behind a big rig.

They also documented that you do not need to tail gate. You get the advantage even when following at a safe distance, the customary one car length for each 10 mph of speed.

[Bill]

Interesting, Wayne, and I can almost believe it. But my experience has been that when I am 6 car lengths back, I get terrible buffeting from the vortex behind the truck. In fact I almost lost a couple roof-mounted kayaks one day when the buffeting was extremely bad. Do you recall if MythBusters had anything to say about that?

Bill

[Keith Wire]

First, I absolutely do NOT tailgate, with or with out the TM. I'm the guy who slows down when somebody pulls in between me and the vehicle in front of me. I always keep a safe distance.

And just like Wayne says, you really don't have to follow them close to notice the advantage. The big rigs punch such a big hole in the air it goes back a long way behind them.

And finally, I normally won't do it anyway. I hate following somebody at all. I'm a "gawker" most of the time. I see more hawks, deer, and other creatures than anybody and don't want anybody right in front of me... .

Keith

We recently took a trip with our TrailManor to the town of Big Bear Lakes, a local mountain "resort". Our mileage going up was 12.9, while coming back it was 25.2. After much thought and study, I deduce that gravity has a significant influence upon mileage. And if I could go downhill while drafting a large semi, mileage would likely be off the chart. The mind simply reels...

Leon -- becamping is right.. It is the criticism that I received when I first got on the site which prompted me to not become a member. Maybe one day...
I too enjoyed the relevance of gas mileage. And I guess I do expect some criticism posting replies and not being a member.

[Texas_Camper]

OK I retract my posts....
It's done... they're gone..
Now are y'all satisfied?????

[Denny_A]

Originally Posted by Texas_Camper

OK I retract my posts....
It's done... they're gone..
Now are y'all satisfied?????

Leon.

Not me. The thin-skinned and politically correct are out to sensor the world. I stand by my TIC (Tongue-in-cheek) response in this thread.

Note to ddnavar. .......If at first you don't feel warm-and-fuzzy, remember "free speech" does NOT include the right to never feel offended. Offended by one you condemned all!

Denny_A