View Single Post
Old 09-02-2013, 09:04 PM   #23 (permalink)
sbestca
EcoModding Lurker
 
sbestca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 43

Big Blue Caravan - '12 Dodge Grand Caravan
90 day: 21.72 mpg (US)
Thanks: 6
Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts
With my 2012 Grand Caravan there is no point in putting the transmission in neutral any more. With the 6 speed there is little holdback in gear and it usually shuts the fuel off when you let off the throttle. There is little point in exceeding 90kph/55mph (due to wind drag) or dropping below 50kph/30mph (due to downshifting). Hills are best handled by cresting at 50kph and accelerating to 90, then letting off downhill, then accelerating to 90kph at the bottom and holding just enough pedal to crest at 50kph again. This is a different technique than other vehicles I've had.

Ironically I followed a heavily loaded cube van who was following this pattern due to his load. By drafting him (at a safe distance) I was able to break 40mpg(imp) on a tank. By slowing down to no more than 100kph, P&G, and drafting I am regularly seeing tank averages in the 35+mpg(imp) or 7 L/100km range on highway driving.

Steve
__________________

  Reply With Quote