finding right cruising speed for economical gas mileage
We just purchased a used 2008 Winnebago View with 5400 miles. Does anyone know a good speed to travel at to get the most out of the mileage? It is a V-6 diesel motor.
Forum Discussion
Time for a physics lesson. The force of friction is proportional to the square of the speed. It means doubling speed uses four times as much fuel. Going ten percent faster uses 20% more fuel per mile. You can see it on a graph here: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
This doesn't depend on the vehicle size or shape because it is comparing a vehicle to itself at a different speed.
Safety also increases non-linearly with decreasing speed because the energy to be dissipated in a crash is proportional to the speed squared - down to the speed of traffic. There is something magic about all the vehicles going the same speed: no passing means MUCH safer.
I mostly drive the MH on two lane roads. I like to go just a little below the speed limit but will speed up to go with the flow, then get off the road when opportunity presents and let all those folks in a hurry go on by.
This doesn't depend on the vehicle size or shape because it is comparing a vehicle to itself at a different speed.
Safety also increases non-linearly with decreasing speed because the energy to be dissipated in a crash is proportional to the speed squared - down to the speed of traffic. There is something magic about all the vehicles going the same speed: no passing means MUCH safer.
I mostly drive the MH on two lane roads. I like to go just a little below the speed limit but will speed up to go with the flow, then get off the road when opportunity presents and let all those folks in a hurry go on by.
