Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Wind at my back on '98 Dodge Stratus trip?

fud2468 · 09-11-2008, 06:41 PM

We're planning for a trip soon. We'll be going from Northern California to El Paso and back. On most trips I've gotten best FE by staying around 60mph (32-35mpg) but got as high as 38mpg at 65mph with a strong tail wind. I think that must have allowed the engine to rev closer to a "sweet spot".
I will not have made any eco mods by that time, but hope to time things to be able to drive with the wind, or at least with minimal headwind, as much as possible.
Of course, prevailing winds can change, but I know from experience within California that during warm afternoons, there's a strong north wind along at least 200 miles down the Central Valley, so we'll got on Highway 5 as we start out.
Does anyone know of a return route, such as north through Nevada, that would provide better wind conditions on the return trip? Or is it useless to even try to plan with wind in mind?
Thanks,
Ray Mac.

09-11-2008, 06:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
fud2468 EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Northern California Posts: 69 Thanks: 18 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Wind at my back on '98 Dodge Stratus trip? We're planning for a trip soon. We'll be going from Northern California to El Paso and back. On most trips I've gotten best FE by staying around 60mph (32-35mpg) but got as high as 38mpg at 65mph with a strong tail wind. I think that must have allowed the engine to rev closer to a "sweet spot". I will not have made any eco mods by that time, but hope to time things to be able to drive with the wind, or at least with minimal headwind, as much as possible. Of course, prevailing winds can change, but I know from experience within California that during warm afternoons, there's a strong north wind along at least 200 miles down the Central Valley, so we'll got on Highway 5 as we start out. Does anyone know of a return route, such as north through Nevada, that would provide better wind conditions on the return trip? Or is it useless to even try to plan with wind in mind? Thanks, Ray Mac.