40 + mpg out of a mid size truck?

[roflwaffle]

It ain't too bad. Potential energy is mgh, so there's about 7kWh worth given the mentioned conditions. Assuming 20% average engine efficiency that's roughly equivalent to an extra gallon of gas.

[aerohead]

From Road&Track Mag.,May 1992,the Goodyear tires constructed for the GM Ultralite had 70% less R-R than the typical steel-belted all-season radial of the day.
I spoke with Paul Bowers,Chief of design for Goodyear about granting a manufacturing license for the technology.He told me,that while Goodyear had manufactured the tires,the design was the property of GM.
In a letter to GM,I inquired about the possibility of a licensing agreement from them,to allow Goodyear,or any other tire manufacturer to produce the low R-R tires.
I received a polite letter from Mr. Chuck Leahy,of GM's legal affairs thanking me for my interest in their tire technology,and in so many words left my quest for their tire closed-ended.
Had such technology been available,the 70% load reduction would have translated to a bolt-on 14% mpg improvement,3.5 mpg in the case of my T-100.
35.5 mpg at up to 75 miles per hour would be common with these tires."Highway" mpg would be even higher,as it is derived at an average 48.6 mph on the dyno.
With additional aero mods,I believe the quest for a 40-mpg mid-size truck is within the realm of the doable.A set of those tires would really help!

[Christ]

Wonder if that information will be released in the "restructuring" of GM affiliate companies?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Christ

Wonder if that information will be released in the "restructuring" of GM affiliate companies?

It's something to think about isn't it?
A thought that has crossed my mind,is that these super-donuts,while having remarkable R-R attributes,may have nothing else going for them.
They might do great in a straight line and kill you in a curve or in inclement weather.Without access to them it's a bit awkward to appraise their overall performance.
The other aspect,and this is from a Saturn parts guy in Los Angeles whom I'd phoned to see about purchasing a set of OEM EV-1 tires; he said in affect,sure they'll save you fuel,but the treadwear index is so bad,you'll end up replacing them in half the time ( mileage ).Economically,they made no sense.
Personally,I would have been willing to take the hit just out of curiousity.
We know what happened to the car and all it's parts.I was also after an EV-1 windshield,probably the lowest drag piece of glass on the N.American continent.What a loss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Christ]

Probably worthless information, but I read somewhere that the EV1's glass was polished to reduce glare angle and friction drag... truth?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Christ

Probably worthless information, but I read somewhere that the EV1's glass was polished to reduce glare angle and friction drag... truth?

I've never seen nor heard anything like that.I do believe the glass had something like a low-emissivity coating and UV block to help reduce solar load into the cabin to spare the heat pump some work.Reverse in the winter.
As far as special polishing for drag reduction,that wouldn't jive with boundary layer theory or Reynolds number considerations.The view out of the cabin in the EV-1 is distortion free.The glass is optically first-rate.The plastics chosen for the interior( ie.dash/A-pillars) WERE probably carefully selected with internal reflection considerations in mind.

[Christ]

Maybe I got some information mixed up while reading, or maybe it was a GM zealot trying to up the hype about their "attention to detail" or something... thanks for clearing that up.

Regarding boundary layer and polished glass, I actually knew that, but at times, I'm not so sure that companies like GM really do.

[lunatech]

I used to have a Dodge Rampage. Similar to a Brat. I got about 50 mpg with it on the hwy. As far a being able to haul heavy loads it's not that great, but large awkward things fit nicely in the bed, and interior space was quite good for me, I'm 6'1". Really the transmission was the greatest pita of all things, I went through 4 of them in 200,000 miles. FWIW it's something to consider, however they were only made from 1982-1984.

Cheers,

Robert.

[msirach]

Originally Posted by landscaper52

C'mon guys...I've been driving trucks of all sizes for 30+ years now, and I've never seen a full size truck, loaded, get 25 mpg ever.

Unless you take that full size and load it on the back of an 18 wheeler, no one is getting that mpg out of a fullsize truck, it just aint happening.

Unless your driving style is engine not turned on, coasting down a hill, or parked in your garage it just ain't kosher.

It's a nice thought, but it defies logic, engineering, and truth.

As PT Barnum said many times...

It is possible to get 25+ mpg out of a full size truck. I have done it with a 04 Ford EC 4x4 hauling furniture. Tire Pressure, Scangauge, hypermiling all make it possible. I have a 96 Mazda B4000 EC 4x4 automatic that I consistently get 25 per tank. It always has 300+ lbs. of tools in it. I run the large tires at 60psi. A 4cyl, 5 speed Ranger is good for 40+ mpg also. You are right. To get the best mpg, a car is a MUCH better candidate.

[JacobAziza]

It is possible to get 29-30mpg in a full size truck.
Did it last night: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post144152

Of course, this was not using it "as a truck". Using it as a truck, I only average about 25.
To get the best mpg, a bicycle is a MUCH better candidate.
Infinity mpg.