How close behind a 18 wheeler do you have to be in order to get a good draft?

[psteng19]

 

[NogginBoink]

Close enough to put your life in danger, probably.

This sounds to me like a Really Bad Idea, no matter how high the price of gas is.

 

[imported_Pablo]

About 10 feet, at least in my jeep.

 

[akubi]

rock chips = :thumbsdown:

 

[Nohr]

Close enough that he won't be able to see you back there.

 

[mugs]

I usually slide my car underneath, like in The Fast and the Furious.

 

[fs5]

Originally posted by: akubi
rock chips = :thumbsdown:

agreed, whenever I see a truck I avoid it like the plague.

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: NogginBoink
Close enough to put your life in danger, probably.

This sounds to me like a Really Bad Idea, no matter how high the price of gas is.

No condoning it. Just wondering.

I know with cars, you have to be dangerously close but that's because the tail of cars swoop downwards.
Trucks are 13 feet high at the back end and I was wondering where the sweet spot ends.
Never seen trucks tested in wind tunnels before

 

[BatmanNate]

I can't pedal that fast, so it doesn't matter.

 

[thirdeye]

Originally posted by: NogginBoink
Close enough to put your life in danger, probably.

This sounds to me like a Really Bad Idea, no matter how high the price of gas is.

Agreed x1000000

 

[b0mbrman]

There are stories of people who avoid going to the doctor because of gas prices. Is driving behind big rigs that much less stupid?

 

[MisterJackson]

It all depends on the size of the vehicle you're driving. My 4runner is large, so I have to get pretty close.

I won't draft if it looks like a younger guy driving. Most of those guys have no sense. If I see an old timer behind the wheel though I'll flash my lights and pull in behind the trailer. The old timers are usually pretty cool about it. Plus they know where smokey lurks, so the know what speed to go.

If you do draft always tap your brakes two or three times after you're in front of him as a thank you, it's the rules of the road my friend.

 

[rh71]

saving gas money this way and that way is so overrated... unless you drive 100 miles a day.

What you typically save with these methods is chump change.

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: BatmanNate
I can't pedal that fast, so it doesn't matter.

pssst: "GRAPPLING HOOKS"

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: rh71
saving gas money this way and that way is so overrated... unless you drive 100 miles a day.

What you typically save with these methods is chump change.

But a penny saved is a penny earned.

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: rh71
saving gas money this way and that way is so overrated... unless you drive 100 miles a day.

What you typically save with these methods is chump change.

But a penny saved is a penny earned.

Go dumpster diving for bottles you cheap ass.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: NogginBoink
Close enough to put your life in danger, probably.

This sounds to me like a Really Bad Idea, no matter how high the price of gas is.

"There are stories of people who avoid going to the doctor because of gas prices. Is driving behind big rigs that much less stupid?"

"rock chips from trucks..."

need any more reasons why NOT to do it?!

 

[Demon-Xanth]

If you can drive up ON the trailer, then you'll get some gas savings!

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

My buddy did it once when we were on a trip...we were maybe 5 feet off the trailer....scared the hell out of me.

 

[Analog]

A big magnet and a boom to attach to the back of the rig. Then put your car into neutral and enjoy the ride. Gas milage = 8

 

[bleeb]

Pretty damn close. Good luck and tell us your findings.

 

[Newfie]

Originally posted by: Baked

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: rh71
saving gas money this way and that way is so overrated... unless you drive 100 miles a day.

What you typically save with these methods is chump change.

But a penny saved is a penny earned.

Go dumpster diving for bottles you cheap ass.

:laugh: :laugh:

 

[marvdmartian]

How close? Okay, do you know the signs they have on the back of the trailer, that say, "How am I driving? Call 1-800-xxx-xxxx"???

If you don't have to turn your head to read that, you're too far back!! :laugh:

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: mugs
I usually slide my car underneath, like The Bandit.

Fixed.

 

[PHiuR]

Originally posted by: MisterJackson
It all depends on the size of the vehicle you're driving. My 4runner is large, so I have to get pretty close.

I won't draft if it looks like a younger guy driving. Most of those guys have no sense. If I see an old timer behind the wheel though I'll flash my lights and pull in behind the trailer. The old timers are usually pretty cool about it. Plus they know where smokey lurks, so the know what speed to go.

If you do draft always tap your brakes two or three times after you're in front of him as a thank you, it's the rules of the road my friend.

are you serious?