Best way to get maximum MPG for long trips

[catgic]

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[bwilson4web]

Originally Posted by donee

...
The Graphs need updating to include SHM. ...

<AHEM> The graphs are complete because they are reproducible. The "SHM" advocates need to plot their own data. As my drill instructor used to say,"A grain of observation out weights 10 pounds of <an alternative> any day."

Bob Wilson

[davidhol]

I drove over 5,000 miles in three weeks last June (2008) and tried to keep it at 55 unless there was a lot of traffic and felt I was a hazard. We achieved an overall average of 53 mpg and were pleased that we could enjoy the scenery more than usual using the lower speed.

We drove from Roseville, CA to Zion Park, Denver, CO, Bloomington, IN, Minneapolis, MN then back through the Black Hills, SD to Salt Lake and then home.

I did get Pierre (pee-air) up to 85 for a few minutes over the salt flats West of Salt Lake City and was pleased with the handling and performance.

So, my advice is to sit back, relax and enjoy the countryside and the great mileage.

[pria]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Some of you went ALL out! haha

Well, I just drove 1000 miles in the Prius (rental) and didn't really worry too much about maximizing the MPG. Averaged around 41mpg which I feel okay with considering I was going 70-80mph (up to 9 mph over speed limit going with the flow of traffic).

A few questions as this is a rental car:

1.) How do you 'gather data'
2.) I just discovered that you dont need to press the unlock button to open the car as long as you are in range and don't even need to put the key in the ignition. greatest feature ever! (not really a question just a comment)
3.) What model do I have. This model has an aux in as well as a camera for reverse viewing. Is there a way to keep the camera on even when you are not in reverse? (I know it is an 08 prius)

I had some more q's but forgot. thanks again for all the great info!

lastly, I saw at least 10 prius' on the way up here

[catgic]

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[N3FOL]

Originally Posted by Indy John

This last Saturday the wife and I drove down I-65 to Louisville, KY from Indianapolis. We weren't in a hurry so we settled in a few car lengths behind a semi who was doing 64 m.p.h. and reset the MPG display. Outside temp. was about 85, little or no wind, and our A/C was set comfortably cool at 72. As we pulled into our hotel garage 95 miles later, the average m.p.g. display said 61.8.

Drafting semis was on an episode of Myth Busters. It works. I wasn't dangerously close IMO, but a little closer than a normal safe following distance would dictate. In my experience, similar speed and conditions without the semi would have resulted in mid-50s m.p.g.

We returned home the next morning with an extra person, more luggage, and a need to get back. I set the cruise to 75 and the bars read 46 to 47 all the way home in "clean air" (no semis).

FWIW

I try to avoid drafting behind an 18 wheeler. It is one of the best way to get a nice paint chip from flying rocks.

[N3FOL]

I drove my Prius on a nice 800 + mile run an stayed pretty much around 68 to 65 mph. My average mpg turned out to be 51 mpg.

[craigk]

Don't put on a rear bike carrier with 2 bicycles hanging out in the wind at 70mph! My usual 49-51 mpg highway dropped into the low 30's () on this past weekend's 500 mile highway road trip. I'm going to try to fit them inside the car next time!

(I don't think anything else was wrong, when I traveled at under 50 mph my fuel use was normal)

[usbseawolf2000]

Actually, it is very simple.

On long trips, you will be on the highway. This is when Prius spend about 75% of the energy pushing through air. There is no way around it other than slow down.

If that is not a choice for you, then second best choice is to drive in a group with other cars. This means drive behind other cars (or even better, large cars/trucks). Be sure to leave a safe distance in front. Do not travel alone in out open pushing through air by yourself. Think as if you are a bird on a mission of migration.

Typing this up reminds me of a joke. I'll throw this it in here.....

Why do birds fly south during winter?


You probably say because it is warmer. The anwer is because it is too far to walk.