RichieC
Gig Harbor - Cave Creek
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Joined: 01/15/2005
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Mythbusters did an episode testing that theory using an auto.
They have not yet published it to internet video.
As a side note, they have published the "pickup truck tailgate removed makes better mileage theory" which the shade tree engineers might find interesting.
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rehoppe
Denver & Nathrop Colo or somewhere else
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Joined: 01/30/2009
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The only way I will stay that close is with a 'Tow Bar'.
If somebody pulls up behind me that close, I just slow down.
It's just NOT worth it. The scenery sucks, REALLY BAD!
so no
Hoppe
2011 Dodge 1500 C'boy Caddy
2000 Jayco C 28' Ford chassis w V-10 E450
Doghouse 36' or so Trophy Classic TT
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bcbigfoot
Okanagan
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Joined: 02/12/2006
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I tend to drive the same speed (with the flow) as most trucks 55 to 60mph so I get alot of tractor trailer units passing me, and I also have a scangauge (accurate for for checking instant MPG).
When a tractor (semi) with high cube van first pulls in after a pass I can see as much as a 2 mpg increase, as he pulls a away, that increase will drop to 1/2 mpg until approx 2 tractor trailer lengths or 150ft, then there will be a sharp drop of 1 mpg down so that I'm down 1/2 mpg below my average mpg. This will last for approx from 150 to 200 feet, then return to normal averages.
Edit: This what I see with calm wind conditions.
2002 Dodge 3500 2wd dually, cummins, 4.10 gears, 10500gvwr, Rancho 9000's shocks
2005 Bigfoot 259.6E, 80watt solar, 7100btu aircond.
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Kemahsabe
Kemah, TX
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Joined: 07/10/2006
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Steeljag wrote:Works great while cycling at 12" ..........in a RV......not me !
You can really feel it on a bike, but as noted by Steeljag you've got to be really close.
Many years ago I drafted a semi in a Corvair. I was less than a car length off his rear. I could almost take my foot off the gas!
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sleepy
Oak Ridge,Tennessee
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Joined: 04/07/2003
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My truck has almost 70,000 miles... all with our Lance 1161 truck camper aboard and traveling.
We have averaged 15.1 mpg for the life of the truck... at a maximum of 58 mph... we take a big fuel hit when above 60 mph. We also take a fuel hit at speeds below 48 mph. At 70 mph we take a huse hit on yjr diesel...
... where would we go that required 70 mph... we usually take 2 months to drive coast to coast
It took us 31 days starting the 8th of March this year to go 18 miles further west into Pensicola and another 5 days to get to Fort Morgan.
Jim (boaty call)... you have all kinds of time on your hands right now... kick back, get in the chillin' out zone... smell the roses or the pines.... not someones exhaust.
sleepy
2003 Lance 1161,/slideout/AGM batteries/255W Solar/propane generator/Sat dish/2 Fantastic Fans/AC/winter pkg
AirFoil, Trimetric, LED lights, Platcat vent heat
2003GMC K3500 LT/Crewcab/duramax diesel/allison/dually/4x4/OnStar/front reciever mounted spare
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fuelhauler
Southern Oregon
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Joined: 07/25/2006
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Yea I get idiots trying to draft me on a daily basis. I dicourage them by letting off the throttle & letting my jake brake slow me way down. With no brake lights showing they get the idea real fast that I don't like them sitting that close behind me when I'm haulin 105,500 lbs of truck & trailer loaded with 11,600 gal. of gasoline. All it would take is for me to have to make an emergency stop & they would run into my trailer possably breaching the tank which would result in us making the 6 oclock news with a big fire ball.
So as you may have figured out by now I'm against tailgaters whether in my work truck or personal vehicle. If you can't afford to drive the rig you own stay home.
2005 Dodge q/c 4x4 dually six speed pac brake
2006 bigfoot 10.6
2003 Everest 32' 5vr (SOLD)
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Joined: 11/18/2001
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Even in the days when I was tempted to draft, I would not ever even think about doing it with a tanker truck. If it wasn't a big box truck, it didn't happen. But then, I only tried it twice and that was enough to cure the itch.
Frank
2011 Palomino Maverick 1000SLLB on a 2004 Dodge Quadcab CTD Ram3500 SRW long bed equipped with Timbren springs, Stable Load bump stops, Rickson 19.5" wheels/"G" range tires and a Helwig "Big Wig" rear anti sway bar.
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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fuelhauler wrote:... If you can't afford to drive the rig you own stay home.
Interesting concept. Certainly worth considering.
I guess we all have our own ideas as to what is safe. Personally, I do not see tailgating anywhere on the safe list.
Wayne
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Matthew_B
The boonies near Dallas, Oregon
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Joined: 08/18/2005
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Mythbusters did a segment on drafting. They found that it didn't make much difference until you were around 10 feet back. That's WAY to close to ever consider doing.
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sabconsulting
High Wycombe, UK
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Joined: 10/10/2010
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Matthew_B wrote:Mythbusters did a segment on drafting. They found that it didn't make much difference until you were around 10 feet back. That's WAY to close to ever consider doing.
That corresponded to my experiences - and driving that close is akin to driving 'using the force'  - "Reach out with your senses Luke - feel the tanker driver in front as he goes for the jake brake".
Steve.
'07 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab diesel + '91 Shadow Cruiser - Sky Cruiser 1
'92 Suzuki Samurai 4x4 1.6
'09 Fiat Panda 1.2
'10 Citroen DS3 1.6 turbo
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