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Old 12-05-2007, 04:36 AM   #1 (permalink)
Peakster
Master EcoModder
 
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Regina SK Canada
Posts: 407

Red Jeep Patriot - '07 Jeep Patriot
90 day: 25.14 mpg (US)

Beige Ford Ranger - '95 Ford Ranger XLE
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Arrow Video: Illustrating the Vast Importance of Aerodynamics (open hatchback experiment)

When my mother moved to her new home in South Regina, she no longer needed her kitchen table set. and thus gave it to me. I managed to stuff the 4 chairs and table in the rear hatch, but not without keeping the hatchback wide open.

Because it was late at night, I managed to be able to cruise at a speed of about 35 miles per hour on the Trans Canada Highway with my precious cargo, all the way home. What amazed me was how much of a blow to my gas mileage occurred, even at that snail-like speed. Because the Kitchen set was maybe only a 100 pounds, the culprit was simple gesture of opening up the hatch that robbed my fuel economy.

Here is a video of just how massive this loss can be when hauling something that requires a hatchback to be open:



Feel free to discuss.

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