Return with a worthy new ride

Headed out on a 2000+ mile drive from Boulder CO to Minneapolis and back next week. Should have a lot more data.

Any tips on long Interstate driving. I've avoided drafting in the past, but I'm curious on trying this with smart CC.

 

With speed limits from 70-80 mph and drivers going even faster, good luck to you just staying alive!

That said, when I must go faster, I try to stick with any more-my-speed slower traffic. Some trucks make good candidates for safe-distance following. The wake is fairly large so behind it or in the next lane can still provide some benefit. I use a 2-3 second rule for following.

The negative that I hear about is the possibility of a rock being kicked up or debris falling from some trucks.

I would love to hear what others have to say. I need to pick up tips for a late November trip and one a month after that. Both are to the same place 450 miles away. It feels like the NJ Tpke is a good part of it. The other longer stretch is CT. Were I alone, I would go on secondary roads, but my wife will be along, plus a third (our dog) on the second trip.

 

Out in Eastern CO, WY, and SD the interstates are not crowded, I'm going to try 60-65 on 75mph roads. On the way back I'm gonna go from Minneapolis through Sioux City (lived there for 8 years) and then backroads through Nebraska.

 

I've found that many truckers don't want you following too closely. If they don't like it, they will let you
know by varying speed or slowing down to get you to pass. If you want to test the smart CC or the trucker's patience,
you can try it. I wouldn't want to test either. I don't mean to imply that you are going to follow too closely, but if he varies
his speed often , you will lose the benefits of "drafting" because of the frequent accelerations.
That said, I personally don't use the smart or dynamic cruise, even though my car has it.
Good luck.

Edit : what Bill suggested makes a lot of sense.

 

Got back with a round trip of 2019 miles.

FCD said 35.4, my odometer adjusted calculation 33.2.

Some observations

Smart CC only mildly beneficial maybe 2-3 mpg with best conditions. With more dense traffic truckers didn't seem annoyed as trucks were also participating. Only when it was just a Semi in lonely east CO and myself did I get any action to move along, slowing down or changing lane for no reason. Only twice and I got those messages. At most 200 miles of Smart CC.

Walked around Rapid City SD checking out the President's Sculptures through the downtown.

2nd day through Badlands, 30 miles of gravel road included, not good mpg even at 30-40 mph on gravel. Made it to Mitchell SD and quick stop at the Corn Palace, odd.

Worst conditions, Mitchell, SD to east of Sioux Falls, driving 60-65 and strong wind, headed E with wind NW, FCD 23 for 80 miles. Smart CC did not help at all with crosswind, started wondering if something wrong with the engine.

Turned N after Sioux Falls toward New Ulm and 60 mph and back to 40 mpg with less wind. Enjoyed a cold beer at Schell's Brewery then on to Minneapolis.

Heading back stayed off Interstate down to Sioux City, 60 mph expected better, 37 mpg, really 35. Similar from Sioux City to North Platte, some wind and gradual elevation increase.

From North Platte it was 70 mph interstate with elevation rise from 2800' to 5000'+. FCD 34.2, actual 31.7. Smart CC maybe got 2-3 mpg increase, followed someone for 80 miles 34 mpg, then sans semi for 100 miles at FCD 31, then back to following similar 34 while gaining altitude.

Thin mile high air is a big aerodynamic boost, final 30 miles off interstate at 55-60 yielded FCD 46 mpg, not possible at 1000' in midwest under same conditions.

 

Thanks for the full report.