Quote:
Originally Posted by 2009Prius
I have to say the increased rolling resistance due to increased mass is bad for highway cruising; bad for any cruising for that matter.
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Usually. You are right under most circumstances, but not all.
Let's say you live at sea level. And you drive to a place that is 100 or more miles away that is at a much higher elevation, more than 1000 feet. You will burn more fuel going there than coming back, assuming that all other factors are equal.
Now, if you are fortunate enough that you leave with your vehicle empty (including a half-empty gas tank) and return with a full tank of gas and a 1000 pound load in it from that higher elevation, it will work to your advantage. It's all downhill from there, essentially, no matter how you slice it.
But if you have to leave with a full load, driving to a higher elevation, and you must return with it empty, the prevailing forces will be working against you.