Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Will moving the mass of a vehicle forward while it is travelling, cause it to coast farther ?

Cd · 01-24-2023, 12:28 PM

I did look this up online, but am not seeing this specific question.
I was seeing that 'Redneck' entered his dually pickup in the Green Grand Prix.
No aeromods at all. LOL
It got me to wondering though what would happen if he had a weight in the back that he would slide forward as he began a coast.
Besides causing the front tires to blow out and the rear to lose grip and spin out, what would happen to the truck ?
I'm guessing nothing at all.
The vehicle would not coast farther, since the object being moved forward in the bed of the truck is part of the truck itself.
What law of motion is this ?
I have a learning disability, so please pardon the childish questions.
This does make me think of an amusing incident in my family.
A relative of mine tricked out his van ( late 1970's ) when they were a thing.
Brand new mag wheels and tires, shag carpet, and to top it all off, a waterbed.
He was feeling good and cruising along at a good speed.
Suddenly, he had to slam on his brakes for a red light.

The van came to a screaching halt, blowing out the front tires, and releasing over 100 gallons of water as he opened his door.

01-24-2023, 12:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cd Ultimate Fail Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin,Texas Posts: 3,585 Thanks: 2,872 Thanked 1,121 Times in 679 Posts	Will moving the mass of a vehicle forward while it is travelling, cause it to coast farther ? I did look this up online, but am not seeing this specific question. I was seeing that 'Redneck' entered his dually pickup in the Green Grand Prix. No aeromods at all. LOL It got me to wondering though what would happen if he had a weight in the back that he would slide forward as he began a coast. Besides causing the front tires to blow out and the rear to lose grip and spin out, what would happen to the truck ? I'm guessing nothing at all. The vehicle would not coast farther, since the object being moved forward in the bed of the truck is part of the truck itself. What law of motion is this ? I have a learning disability, so please pardon the childish questions. This does make me think of an amusing incident in my family. A relative of mine tricked out his van ( late 1970's ) when they were a thing. Brand new mag wheels and tires, shag carpet, and to top it all off, a waterbed. He was feeling good and cruising along at a good speed. Suddenly, he had to slam on his brakes for a red light. The van came to a screaching halt, blowing out the front tires, and releasing over 100 gallons of water as he opened his door.