Neil,

I discovered the same with my Volvo V70 XC, and since it has an instant MPG
read-out computer.

I played around with the drafting thing, and with Cruise Control set at 65
mph and flat Ohio roads I-75, I got 34 MPG behind the semi and 27 MPG when I
moved to other lane.

Big difference!!!!

So. "don't be a draft dodger"

Good thing my Westy breaks better than a semi!  The view isn't as nice, and
you really need to pay attention while drafting.

Jack R.

  _____

From: Neil2 [mailto:vidublu@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 12:34 AM
To: Jack R.
Subject: Re: unbelievable mpg at 55 mph

I drafted a bit on a recent trip and wondered what the 'sweet' distance is.
I was about 2 van lengths behind the semis.  Any idea?

On 6/18/08, Jack R. <jack007@comcast.net> wrote:

The 2x - 4x applies big time.  On a recent trip I drove at 80 mph, and got
16 mpg... then on the return trip, I kept it at 68 mph, and got 20 mpg.
2.1L Westy.  The wind resistance really plays a big roll in our "less than
aerodynamic" vans.  Drafting really helps too!

Jack R.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Anthony Egeln
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 2:44 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: unbelievable mpg at 55 mph

His is a 1.9 TD DIESEL......can't compare that to your 1.9 L gasser...apples
and oranges and all that.

Anthony
'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)

--- On Wed, 6/18/08, Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
From: Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: unbelievable mpg at 55 mph
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 1:43 PM

Sweet!

I did 20 mpg cruising around Atlanta at 60-65 mph... not bad for a wheezy
1.9L, eh?  But 36 mpg... that is AWESOME for a Vanagon!

Chris.

On Wed, Jun 18, 2008 at 8:55 AM, Mark Thoma <mpthoma2003@yahoo.com>
wrote:

> hey everybody,
> for what it's worth.  drove back from rockford to springfield, il last
> night.  i've driven the same trip many times and know my 1.9td van
gets
> 27mpg at 65mph.  this time i drove at 55mph just to check mpg.
conditions:
> cool, dry, no wind.  to drive the slower speed i only needed 2.5-3 pounds
of
> boost compared with 6 pounds of boost to run at 65mph.  the engine is
> intercooled and i'm running 15in wheels, with an air cooled trans.
filling
> up as i got on the interstate and then again as soon as i arrived in
> springpatch i was astounded to discover the van had covered the 200 miles
on
> 5.5 gallons of diesel fuel.  in other words 36mpg!!!!!!!!!
> i don't believe it either but thought i'd throw it out there for
public
> consumption.
> thoma
>

--
Neil2
'82 Diesel Westy (Duckie)