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Better gas mileage?

Brandon32689

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jeff816 Enthusiast

jeff816

Posted
Posted

Brandon, I am in the same boat as you pulling my Ranger and 4wheeler even at lower speeds. My problem is pretty much my trailer. The rear ramp/gate is a giant wind grabber. I have found that if I can get behind a semi, bus, or similar that is maintaing a speed I like, it helps the mpg dramatically. Guess thats why the nascar guys do it all the time.

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Brandon32689 Enthusiast

Brandon32689

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Brandon, I am in the same boat as you pulling my Ranger and 4wheeler even at lower speeds. My problem is pretty much my trailer. The rear ramp/gate is a giant wind grabber. I have found that if I can get behind a semi, bus, or similar that is maintaing a speed I like, it helps the mpg dramatically. Guess thats why the nascar guys do it all the time.

Haha I know what you mean man. I have been up in the air about trading it in for a diesel but not sure I want the diesel maintenance.

 

 

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patriot Enthusiast

patriot

Posted
Posted

Tarp the whole trailer and see how that does for you. It should cut your drag quite a bit, and tarps are cheap.

jeff816 Enthusiast

jeff816

Posted
Posted

I thought about a diesel too. They were just out of the $ I wanted to spend. And figured at the end of the day, even with the poor milage towing at times , the gas motor would be cheaper in the long run.

Brandon32689 Enthusiast

Brandon32689

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I thought about a diesel too. They were just out of the $ I wanted to spend. And figured at the end of the day, even with the poor milage towing at times , the gas motor would be cheaper in the long run.

That's what I'm thinking I keep going back and forth on it man. Do you guys think a 1/2 ton 5.3 is capable of pulling say a 24 foot enclosed trailer

 

 

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Tarp the whole trailer and see how that does for you. It should cut your drag quite a bit, and tarps are cheap.

I'm going to try that next time

 

 

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TxTruckMan Senior Enthusiast

TxTruckMan

Posted
Posted

Speed limit is 75 mph, I stay with traffic why go 10 mph under the speed limit at some areas it's even 80.

 

 

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That's the LIMIT, not the REQUIRED speed. Do you have any idea what your braking distance is at 75-80 mphs with a large load? Probably >50% longer than when unloaded. Travelling at those speeds with a large load is dangerous and unrecommended.

beard_up Enthusiast

beard_up

Posted
Posted

Failure to reasonably maintain the speed limit can be just as dangerous and is also illegal. FYI...

 

The minimum speed on US interstates is 40mph. So, unless he is in the left hand lane, then he's not breaking the law by driving safely.

 

 

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Brandon32689 Enthusiast

Brandon32689

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That's the LIMIT, not the REQUIRED speed. Do you have any idea what your braking distance is at 75-80 mphs with a large load? Probably >50% longer than when unloaded. Travelling at those speeds with a large load is dangerous and unrecommended.

Yes I figure it will take longer to stop I do not ride anyone's ass and stay a safe distance from people and in my lane.

 

 

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txab Senior Enthusiast

txab

Posted
Posted

This thread has gone past being constructive thanks to a couple of people.

 

 

:nono:

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