[tjthorson]

I think this qualifies as tech. i have been travelling for work lately a lot more then I want to - but the company pays me mileage at .48/mi. My 05 TJ is my daily driver - 32's, 3.73, auto - and it typically averages around 14mpg during normal driving. While on the highway, because of the gears, on big hills or high winds, the trans usually downshifts out of OD because the gearing is too high to push the jeep at 70mph. On some of my trips if I am in a hurry and run at 70-75mph, I am usually in 3rd all the time and get about 12-13mpg.

The past two trips, one to St Louis and one to Indianapolis (from the Chicago burbs) - I have been averaging 24 mpg with my little Jeep. HOW?

No, no cylcones, tornados, magnets on the fuel line, bilge blower turbos, or Acetone in the tank.

I drafted. Each time, I find myself a big rig doing the 65-70 range, and plop my little Jeep right in behind him at about 3 carlengths away. You can tell the sweet spot because the softtop begins to "wave" a little when you are in the groove. i usually tell them on the CB what I am doing so they dont freak out. Because of my tires and gearing, I turn about 2000RPM at 70mph. if another rig comes by going faster, just jump in behind him. And yes - I did put in the correct 32 tooth speedo gear so my odometer is accurate. Since the lift and tires went on, I usually get around 190-230 miles per tank. Today, leaving with a full tank and drafting all the way to Carmel (Indy) Indiana - I was still above a half tank after 198 miles. It was 8.015 gallons to fill it. That's over 24MPG!

It always kinda made sense that it would work - but I think the lack of aerodynamics in the Wrangler REALLY make this strategy work out.

Its kinda nice just doing the speed limit - no worries about tickets - and getting .48/mile and getting 24MPG is pretty sweet!

[jeeptj19992001]

splat.....

[ThUmPeRcOn]

Don't get behind my trucks your drafting kills the truckers gas milage and if the driver is an owner operator he is paying for his own fuel and will brake check you .. I am not trashing you GOOD IDEA to let the truck know your doing it. But be careful!!!!!

[tcox]

what about the failing to maintain a safe distance ticket?

[98tjsahara]

haha, whenever I have to go to town (30 miles of highway) I do the same thing. Never actually checked to see if mileage improved but im sure its doing something since you can barely hear any wind noise when your behind them.

[Beefstew]

Originally Posted by OUR-00-TJ

Don't get behind my trucks your drafting kills the truckers gas milage and if the driver is an owner operator he is paying for his own fuel and will brake check you .. I am not trashing you GOOD IDEA to let the truck know your doing it. But be careful!!!!!

Im sry, i fail to see how it hurts the truckers gas millage...

[jmreagan]

Yep, the jeep's aerodynamics are most of the cause for crappy mileage. 3 car lenghts away is a little close for me though. Have you had any angry truckers hit the brakes on you? That is awesome mileage though!

[hilhil45]

Originally Posted by wetsfeeB

Im sry, i fail to see how it hurts the truckers gas millage...

x2

[rugger81]

Originally Posted by jmreagan

Yep, the jeep's aerodynamics are most of the cause for crappy mileage. 3 car lenghts away is a little close for me though. Have you had any angry truckers hit the brakes on you? That is awesome mileage though!

I'd be willing to bet any jeep, regardless of any logical tire size/brakes, can brake better than a fully loaded semi-truck. As long as you are halfway paying attention, they could slam on their brakes to a stop and you would be just fine.

[DevinB]

It was my understanding that drafting helps both vehicles involved? You save from not pushing the wind, the truck saves because he no longer has the drag behind his trailer. Looks like Mythbusters needs to take a longer look at this issue.

[rpg1520]

I've been doing this for years, never had a problem with the truckers. You'll feel the difference when you get into the right spot, you can let up on the gas a little and it stays at the same speed.

This works the best when you are headed into the wind.

[Chris @ GATR]

Sounds like an unsafe habit to get used to IMO.

[will228]

it is not true that it hurts the trucker it actually helps them. Drafting saves fuel for the tailgating driver but also for the trucker. The drafter gives the trucker little high pressure push.

[M2LJ]

Actually, due to the "aerodynamics" of the Jeep, I find a lot of people draft behind me!

Cheers! M2

[DTrem08]

and just what do you say to the trucker over the CB?