Hi,

While looking for something else, I came across this interesting paper:

http://www.everytime.cummins.com/eve...Whitepaper.pdf

Long haul truckers have a similar interest in fuel efficiency and though there are some differences, many of their techniques apply to what we try to accomplish. For example, cresting a hill at the minimum possible speed and letting gravity handle the subsequent acceleration.

Bob Wilson

 

Yep, a lot in common. Low Rolling Resistance tires, tire inflation, streamlining (keep that hybrid clean), fuel and lubricaton choices, lubrication levels, systems management (A/C instead of air in our case), long range anticipation of stops, grades and speed changes, constant RPM operation in cruise, use of small grades.

Gosh, I now know how to talk to a trucker -- can't wait for the next "choke and puke" stop in the Interstate.

 

Dont forget the go go juice.

 

Thanks for posting, that was an interesting read.

I was most surprised by the results of blacktop versus concrete. Obviously polished concrete is the way to go, but I would've thought fresh blacktop would be fairly smooth. Guess not

 

Wat gogo juice?

 

Haven't you noticed the trucks wheels sinking into that nice smooth black-top on a hot day! H

 

interesting read. I guess when you only get 6mpg, every little change helps.

 

I think that is a great article.
I think if you look at everything as a % most tips will apply.

I liked the part of for each 10'F lower temperature, wind resistance increases by 2%. Me at 0'F is 14% more wind resistance than someone in say, Jupiter Florida with 70'F. That's not counting the fact that the oil is colder, engine is colder, batteries are colder, winter fuel.... etc....
I also liked the fact the bald tires get better MPG than new ones!

 

I wonder what kind of mileage, the crooks in those police chase videos get. Doing 85+ mph with four flat tires after running thru spikes, and the muffler scrapping against the pavement....

 

I noticed lower MPG on blacktop too. I always thought that rather weird as it seems concrete has better traction for stopping and better mpg. I'm not a fan of blacktop at all. Its only advantage seems to be its better in the rain.