Just to help put things in context, head over to success stories to this thread.
https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...ord-40544.html
After my record setting cannonball run some questions were asked. One being how far could the car have gone with the current 3 auxiliary tank setup. Intrigued by that question i started doing some math. With basic hypermiling techniques, in theory at least, near 6000 miles is possible with the 107 gallon capacity of the car. That soon evolved into discussions with my virtual spotting team that a nonstop double cannonball is possible.
Plans are being made to attempt exactly that in October of 2023.
Background:
The C2C2C (coast to coast to coast) has been done by a few elite teams. The current record for such a feat is 65:19. The route is from the red ball garage in NYC to the portofino hotel and marina in Redondo Beach, CA and back. My plan is to attempt it nonstop. A nonstop run in the world of cannonball is defined as zero fuel stops, or a “single tank” run. Logistically a true nonstop is impossible due to stop lights/signs, toll booths, LA traffic, etc.
The car:
2017 prius equipped with a custom made aluminum 100 gallon auxiliary fuel tank. Its the same car that has completed 2 cannonball runs. It is nearly 100% stock in every way. The only modification is a set of helper airbags in the rear coil springs to help with the weight load. That is the only modifications to the car as it sits today.
The plan:
The previous cannonball runs were done solo with myself as the driver. 80ish hours to do a double run means a team of drivers will be required. A solo double would be foolish and dangerous. A second vehicle will be utilized for this run. A Toyota Sienna hybrid minivan will be utilized as a multipurpose vehicle. It will serve as a mobile command center, sleep platform, drafting partner, etc. a 5 person team is already signed on. They are comprised of cannonball veterans and my spotting team from previous runs. The fuel tanks will be sealed upon filling at the start. With appropriate tamper proof methods and documentation to verify this. The drive will be a mind numbing and slow one. No speed laws will be broken. Hypermiling techniques will be used.
Fundraising activities:
The Brock Yates Memorial Fund will be the designated charity.
https://act.alz.org/site/TR?pg=fund&...60&pxfid=92686
Brock Yates conceived the modern day Cannonball and was the inaugural winner with Dan Gurney as his codriver in 1971. More on Brock Yates here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brock_Yates
The entire run will be live streamed. Many cannonball veterans will be invited to meet up along the route and drive the car for as long as they wish. They will engage their social media platforms and help generate fundraising interest. The goal is to raise $10,000 dollars minimum.
Why am i presenting all this here?
Im asking ecomodder community to assist with advice, tips, etc on simple modifications that can lower the fuel consumption for the run. Some basics will already be applied. For example, use of ethanol free fuel, removal of the passenger side mirror, etc. maybe even a video to share with the drivers unfamiliar with hypermiling on how to maximize every drop of fuel to ensure success. Just to be clear, im not asking for any financial help at all. Just solid advice from this experienced group. I will personally fund this run.
So there you go, the rough draft of the plan. Share your ideas, ask questions and give some input on what modifications could be utilized to improve the fuel economy and help guarantee success.