Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Reverse drafting: how to slow down on the hwy and not hold up traffic

RH77 · 01-23-2008, 11:58 PM

On my most recent long distance trip, I followed a Tractor-Trailer hauling grain, which emulated my average commute (limit = 70 mph, truck was driving 60, slowing to 55, up to 65-70 on downhill). Behind me was another semi that would gain and loose on hills.

This was a great situation. I could DWL on the hills with the truck ahead (little-to-no drafting: 4-second following distance), and the truck behind used the truck ahead as the "cause for slowdown". Eventually, the semi behind became impatient and passed us both on a long downhill.

I prefer to follow the transport ahead, if too momentum isn't lost on my part, on the uphill side. This best works with 3 lanes. Passers can pass, and those who enter/leave the highway can do so without impingement. I get pretty nervous with large trucks on my arse after a while -- especially when they can't pass. If I can read the rig's brand name in my mirror, then that anxiety builds...

RH77

01-23-2008, 11:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
RH77 Depends on the Day Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Kansas City Area Posts: 1,761 Teggy - '98 Acura Integra LS Sports Cars 90 day: 32.74 mpg (US) IMA - '10 Honda Insight EX Team Honda 90 day: 34.76 mpg (US) Tessie - '06 Acura TSX Base 90 day: 28.2 mpg (US) Thanks: 31 Thanked 41 Times in 35 Posts	Trucking and You On my most recent long distance trip, I followed a Tractor-Trailer hauling grain, which emulated my average commute (limit = 70 mph, truck was driving 60, slowing to 55, up to 65-70 on downhill). Behind me was another semi that would gain and loose on hills. This was a great situation. I could DWL on the hills with the truck ahead (little-to-no drafting: 4-second following distance), and the truck behind used the truck ahead as the "cause for slowdown". Eventually, the semi behind became impatient and passed us both on a long downhill. I prefer to follow the transport ahead, if too momentum isn't lost on my part, on the uphill side. This best works with 3 lanes. Passers can pass, and those who enter/leave the highway can do so without impingement. I get pretty nervous with large trucks on my arse after a while -- especially when they can't pass. If I can read the rig's brand name in my mirror, then that anxiety builds... RH77 __________________ *“If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research” ― Albert Einstein* _ _