Drafting a semi
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
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Drafting a semi
Just got back from an 400 mile road trip. On one long 300 mile stretch, I got behind an 18 wheeler headed to Florida heading down I75. I was on my way to Tennessee, so I tucked in behind him, about 1 car length and cruised. With his draft, I was able to travel nearly 300 miles tucked in right behind him. My hand calculated trip average was 22.5 mpg. Average speed was about 66 mph. With $4 diesel prices, I was stoked! 2005 6.0 4X4
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
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It sure does help.... ad it actually helps both of us if done closley,...
but I always worry that the driver may not like to be followed that way -
so I usually stay further back since he has enough to worry about in front much less in back
but I always worry that the driver may not like to be followed that way -
so I usually stay further back since he has enough to worry about in front much less in back
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 89
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From: Wilmington
reminds me of this story from car & driver years ago....honda insight tucked up behind an excursion to win a gas mileage challenge
How We Won the Insight Fuel-Economy Challenge. Without Cheating. Much - Road Test - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver
How We Won the Insight Fuel-Economy Challenge. Without Cheating. Much - Road Test - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
One could get a cheapo CB from walmart and ask the truck driver if they mind you drafting. Some do, and some do not. I never cared, as long as they asked first, and they let me know when they left my draft.
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Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Media PA
With permission = Drafting
Without permission = Tailgating
Either can get ya ticketed (or worse).
Just sayin'
Without permission = Tailgating
Either can get ya ticketed (or worse).
Just sayin'
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We sure do have a bunch of high and mighty drivers around here (William, 85E). Any of yall criticizing me ever speed? Not even a little bit? Ever rolled a stop sign? Ever been in an accident that was your fault? I don't even want to ask about a DUI! Geez, must be nice to be so amazingly perfect behind the wheel. The trucker knew what I was doing. We actually had a symbiotic relationship. If he was passing somebody and wanted to get over into the left lane, I would slide over and then make some room for him. When I finally went around him near my exit, he waved and gave me a thumbs up.
I felt perfectly safe the whole time and saved some fuel. Get over it. Some of you people need to get a life.
I felt perfectly safe the whole time and saved some fuel. Get over it. Some of you people need to get a life.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From: Toulon,Il.
Tailgating that close Is a good way to loose a life, maybe one of your childrens. Even if the driver of the truck knew, it was STUPID. You have absolutely NO visibility that close and for 300 miles your reaction time deminishes alot due to lack of senses. Sorry no one in my families life(including mine) is worth risking for a lousey 20 bucks. If your that desparate to save 20 bucks get a Hybrid. Having driven trucks for 19 years I've seen way to many accidents( and sheets over bodies) to advocate anything like that. Your other points about speeding and rolling stops aren't realy relevant. I don't think the legality of the issue was much the criticisum as was the inherent risk to anyone around if that truck had to stop and you couldn't, due to no reaction distance, therefore risking all around. You shoulda wasted the 20 and been wiser.
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So you are saying traveling in one of these big trucks at 85-90 mph, as many people on this forum often admit to, is not dangerous? I don't see them getting anywhere near this kind of criticism. Seems drafting is a major sore subject with truckers, hence all the BS. I had no accident. I got no ticket. I'm not going to sit here and argue with any of you. I simply made a post on my improved fuel economy with no harm done. I'm out. Please go back to walking on water.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
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We sure do have a bunch of high and mighty drivers around here (William, 85E). Any of yall criticizing me ever speed? Not even a little bit? Ever rolled a stop sign? Ever been in an accident that was your fault? I don't even want to ask about a DUI! Geez, must be nice to be so amazingly perfect behind the wheel. The trucker knew what I was doing. We actually had a symbiotic relationship. If he was passing somebody and wanted to get over into the left lane, I would slide over and then make some room for him. When I finally went around him near my exit, he waved and gave me a thumbs up.
I felt perfectly safe the whole time and saved some fuel. Get over it. Some of you people need to get a life.
I felt perfectly safe the whole time and saved some fuel. Get over it. Some of you people need to get a life.
There are too many uncertainties on the road for anyone to be driving around basically blind.
As far as being perfect, you're really barking up the wrong tree there. You described a specific situation, and I commented on it.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 13,011
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From: Here in No. Calif
We sure do have a bunch of high and mighty drivers around here (William, 85E). Any of yall criticizing me ever speed? Not even a little bit? Ever rolled a stop sign? Ever been in an accident that was your fault? I don't even want to ask about a DUI! Geez, must be nice to be so amazingly perfect behind the wheel. The trucker knew what I was doing. We actually had a symbiotic relationship. If he was passing somebody and wanted to get over into the left lane, I would slide over and then make some room for him. When I finally went around him near my exit, he waved and gave me a thumbs up.
I felt perfectly safe the whole time and saved some fuel. Get over it. Some of you people need to get a life.
I felt perfectly safe the whole time and saved some fuel. Get over it. Some of you people need to get a life.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 364
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From: mt.prospect
This is rediculous. I see truckers drafting each other sometimes 10 of them all lined up.Probably alittle more distance between each other, like 40 feet.
I think the poster was trying to prove a point that aerodynamics play a huge part in fuel mileage. People on here explaining what police would do if they saw someone driving close makes me laugh. COME TO CHICAGO!!
I think the poster was trying to prove a point that aerodynamics play a huge part in fuel mileage. People on here explaining what police would do if they saw someone driving close makes me laugh. COME TO CHICAGO!!