msmith1199
Central, CA
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Joined: 10/07/2001
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b ubblerboy64 wrote:If you chart speed and fuel consumption on a graph. The line will not be straight but increased speed will always result in more fuel consumption. There might be a point on the graph that is more efficient from the stand point of time on the road as compared to fuel use but the laws of physics can't be changed. I hear these claims being made all the time that "I get better mileage at 65 then 60 miles per hour" or something similar. I'd love to have some one explain how that is possible. You have increased air resistance, but even if you had did not it still requires more energy to move any object at a higher rate of speed. Sure would be nice if it didn't.
Actually, there has to be a speed which provides the optimal mileage and slower isn't always better. For example, under the theory slower is better, if you drive at 5 mph you should get great gas milage. But the truth is your diesel engine at that speed is probably burning 4 or 5 gallons in that hour giving you 1 mpg. At 10 mpg you're probably getting 2 mpg (These are estimates, but I'm sure they're close) So at some point there is a speed where you get the optimal mpg and then it starts going in the opposite direction above that speed.
2004 National Tropi-Cal T-350, Class A, Triple slide, 330 HP Cat DP.
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BurmaShave
Minnesota
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Joined: 09/26/2001
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There is a really simple rule which applies to all compression engines: Higher BMEP = more fuel and air consumption.
This means it is throttle position, not RPM or vehicle speed which determines fuel flow, even more so with EFI vehicles.
Lugging at 1700 RPM with the throttle mashed to the floor gains you nothnig. If you can get 90 MPH at that same throttle position you might as well (shift gears)
Its that simple.
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SunflyerA
Andover, Minnesota USA
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Joined: 01/08/2004
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Last weekend we had a 35 to 40 mph tail wind on our way up to the lake. We drove a secondary highway and I kept the speed at 55. Very few towns or stops. On the way home same route and no wind at all.....we got 7.04 MPG. I get 6.5 driving into a wind at 65MPH....I thought this might be one time I would see some decent MPG's but no chance....I think I'm going to give it up and just drive it.
sunflyer
2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39S
350 Cat
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2cyber71
Pennsylvania
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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SunflyerA wrote:Last weekend we had a 35 to 40 mph tail wind on our way up to the lake. We drove a secondary highway and I kept the speed at 55. Very few towns or stops. On the way home same route and no wind at all.....we got 7.04 MPG. I get 6.5 driving into a wind at 65MPH....I thought this might be one time I would see some decent MPG's but no chance....I think I'm going to give it up and just drive it.
Try it again....almost every MH will get between 0.5-1.0 mile/gallon improvement....
a 12-15% inprovement will keep $$$ in your pocket.
2007 Itasca Ellipse 40FD
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Tom N
Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL
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Joined: 07/25/2005
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The only conveyance that requires one to keep their speed up is an airplane.
And the airlines are even flying slower!
"The people that don't believe in evolution are the ones who need it most!"
Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Indiana, PA
2005 Itasca Suncruiser 38R 38' 11"
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kahoona
Marathon, Conch Republic
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Joined: 09/27/2007
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We are off to see the country again. Last time I did not check the mileage bit this time I will. Ford/Coachmen says 12 for the 10 cyl beast bit I have my doubts. I'll report back. One thing though I sure did enjoy travel more at 60 then I did at 70. I did hate having all the other traffic flying by and soon decided to make time myself. This year I believe I'll relax a bit.
Kahoona
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jaameb
Tucson Arizona.. (home)
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Joined: 01/31/2002
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Tom N said..."The only conveyance that requires one to keep their speed up is an airplane".
As I recall, its pretty useful on a bicycle too...j...
Old Dogs Out Learnin' New Tricks
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kalynzoo
Los Angeles , California
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Joined: 12/30/2005
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You might even get to see the scenery and enjoy the ride more. I have always felt the drive was part of the vacation. Why rush? Happy Trails.
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StanleyandIris
Louisiana
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Joined: 06/17/2007
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Hi Everyone! We just returned from an 8,000 mile trip. DH keeps all the records. We drove 55mph. Will let you know when we I get the "official report". LOL
Do you all drive in MODE?
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HeyBC
on the road
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Joined: 06/19/2002
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Been driving 55-60 for the past three years. Found out real quick that dopping from 70-75 down to 55-60 jumped our mileage from 7 to 8-8.5. Have far more time than money and found we arrived more relaxed and enjoyed the trip a lot more.
Bruce & Nena
On the Road
2004 DSDP 4025
followed by a little Silver Wrangler
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