RayChez
Barstow, Ca. USA
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Joined: 09/13/2003
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Do not recommend it. It is not worth taking the turbulance and if he slams on the brakes, you will rearend them.
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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mike4947 wrote:
But as a former OTR driver I can say if you try it don't be surprised if you see repeated brake lights on the semi. The driver knows what you are doing and also knows it's unsafe for him as well as you.
I would also think that any gains you see by tailgating, will be seen as loses by the trucker up ahead....you are in a sense, pulling on him. That would probably be why they also try to discourage you from doing it.
Personally, I'd rather stick to a safe distance, moderate speed, and not worry quite so much about it.....I'm gonna get there eventually!!
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie 
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008
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fourfurz
Memphis
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Joined: 03/23/2008
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Not exactly the same thing but I do notice about a 10% increase in MPG when traveling on a road with dense but fast moving traffic. In effect, the entire air mass near the road is adding a tail wind. Not something that can be planned though.
2007 Mountain Aire 4528
2006 CRV SE
Based in Memphis area
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weathershak
Delaware
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Joined: 12/11/2006
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I mentioned about this about a year ago and received some colorful responses. I stated that I used the 2 second rule and was told at least 4 seconds behind. I loved that one. I haven't witnessed anyone, including RV's doing anything close to that distance. You all know how people travel on our fine interstates. I will usually follow a Walmart truck, I can just make out his mirrors, and they are excellent drivers which maintain the speed limit, not 10-15mph over. I have always had an improvement in gas mileage doing this, and will continue to do so. In the past 5 years of doing this, I have NEVER had a complaint from ANY truck driver or from law enforcement. probably because I am traveling a safer distance then 90% of the other driver out there. JMHO..
Don't like the view?? Then change it and Go Camping 
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henw
Florida
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Joined: 06/07/2007
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I drafted a friends van on my bicycle. 2-3 feet. Easily cruised at 45-50 mph on the flats. Drafting works.
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stevelv
FullTimers at Last!
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Joined: 05/24/2006
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I invented a tool to make this safe.
It involves a length of bungie cord, a couple of grappling hooks and an unsuspecting truck driver and his rear protection bar
I reckon 20mpg is possible.
RV Park Finder
Fulltimers
2002 Beaver Santiam 38DST + Banks + 99 Jeep GC
DH,DW,Jake and Indie
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chastho
arkansas
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Joined: 07/27/2005
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Have you seen all of those alligators on the road? You know where they come from? What do you think will happen when a retread comes loose in front of you. You can buy a lot of gas for the price of the damage that will occur. And if it happens to come thru your windshield you won't have to worry about buying anymore gas.
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JALLEN4
OHIO
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Joined: 10/02/2003
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IS THIS REALLY A SERIOUS CONVERSATION OR JUST A QUESTION ABOUT THEORY!!!
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KOG
Winterville GA
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Joined: 01/31/2001
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This does not increase drag on the truck, but decreases it by filling in the vacuum behind the trailer. Same thing as drafting in NASCAR. Doesn't decrease to drag on the front vehicle as much as on the rear, but it does work for both.
I like stevelv's tool idea. Maybe I'd draft with that, but I don't now.
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John3872
Iowa
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Joined: 08/18/2007
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Probably not the smartest thing to do to save a few dollars. However, You may need to bump draft to get around the leader.
2001 GMC 2500 6.0L
2006 Rockwood 8281SS
Reese 16K Fifth Wheel Slider
DrawTite Brake Controller
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