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.
I'm sure that is true for a car that has a 24 sq. ft. frontal surface area and a drag coeffient of .28. However our TC's have a frontal area of 104 sq. ft. and a drag co efficient in the .75 range. That makes for well over 10 times the aerodynamic drag.
With a 45 mph side wind, I found it better to be behind a big rig as he cuts a wind wake behind him. Always more than a safe distance away, I found it made for easier driving in those type of conditions.
If there is a direct 45 MPH side wind and you are behind a truck, that side wind will negate and advantage that drafting would give you. You would have to be very close to the truck to see any affect from the truck.
When flying a plane using vectors, one can see that a 45 MPH side wind makes a real difference on a plane. But if on the ground, that wind will certainly be so fast to the side that you will feel turbulence but not any advantage from the truck.
Safety still requires a safe distance from a truck to drive safely.
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.
Not in a TC but I came across Ks behind a double towing big rig for most of a tank of gas, about 2 seconds behind him and was getting a couple mpg gain. Thats on top of a 7mpg normal. But I never could get the same nice spot behind anyone else until I met up with him again a few hours later and got back in that same routine until he turned south at Salina. Something about his setup worked for me, I was comfortable there, and didn't have to crawl up his behind. Actually made the time go faster for me concentrating on how old dominion makes the world on time, I mean concentrating on keeping my distance and keeping track of my escape route being clear if he should slam on the brakes etc.
If it was a prudent thing to do, I suspect many truck companies would encourage their drivers to team up and drive in drafting style, as earlier mentioned. With the amount of road debris, that needs to be avoided, and possible damage/injuries from it, I would not do it. Yes, I have done it with my truck and race trailer, but only because I wanted to eke out the last few drops of fuel to get to a fueling station at Green River, Utah. (The station I had planned on stopping at was closed.) With a top heavy vehicle, such as my Truck and Truck Camper, I would not be able to do the maneuvers I could with a Gooseneck trailer.
With a choice, I would never do it. It is not worth the risk. It is not even worth talking about the citation one would receive either.
Even with computers it doesn't work safely. They have had the technology for 30-40 years but any lag at all with short distances and you have a rear end.
Tammy Mike & the Bilge Rat (AKA: Diego)
Ford F250 7.3L
1997 Sunnybrook 27' 5er
1995 Gemini Sail Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and 5er
sirdrakejr wrote: If there is a direct 45 MPH side wind and you are behind a truck, that side wind will negate and advantage that drafting would give you. You would have to be very close to the truck to see any affect from the truck.
When flying a plane using vectors, one can see that a 45 MPH side wind makes a real difference on a plane. But if on the ground, that wind will certainly be so fast to the side that you will feel turbulence but not any advantage from the truck.
Safety still requires a safe distance from a truck to drive safely.
Frank
I discovered that even at a safe distance the big rig did break up the side winds effect enough that whithout him in front it made for more diffucult steering. Not doing anything like drafting mind you, but, getting only an easier steering effect. I understand also what you are saying here but, somehow the big rig did break it up enough to make for easier steering even at the safe distance. Which is always a rule in my driving practices.
* This post was
edited 05/27/12 11:44am by covered wagon *
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