Date:         Mon, 26 May 2008 23:45:49 -0400
Reply-To:     pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Increasing fuel economy/decreasing con$umption
Comments: To: Don Hanson <dhanson@gorge.net>
In-Reply-To:  <000701c8bcf0$d345d080$4001a8c0@gateway.2wire.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

We got back to New Jersey today from cape cod.  Mileage on the way there was
21.8mpg, and on the way back, 21.5mpg (I've checked odometer against mile
markers, gas is measured by the pump).  I drive at 55-60.  I'm sure that if
I was driving 65-70, I'd lose at least 15% off these numbers.

With prices this high, though, our planned cross-country westy adventure is
going to be pricy!  Anyone think we'll get a pre-election oil-price drop in
time for August?

-Wes


On Fri, May 23, 2008 at 12:19 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson@gorge.net> wrote:

>  As an experiment, my last two full tanks of gas I've reduced my speed to
> see what real effect it might have for me, the way I drive my 84 topless
> fake Westie with an Inline four rabbit motor w/5sp.  As I have been driving
> for the past year and a half, I get about 23 mpg.   That is running at
> 65>75mph down the highway and using the "go pedal" without regard for
> economical driving practices.  Very consistent fuel consumption over about
> 30k miles during that time.
>  So I reduced my highway/freeway speeds down to 55 max for these past two
> tanks and my fuel consumption dropped, as we discussed onlist last week.  I
> got another 1.5 mpg on both tanks at the lower speed. (one free trip into
> town, per tank)  Thinking about it, I've decided to revise my driving to
> the
> lower speed/fuel consumption.
>  What, if I speed home I may get to catch the last few minutes of 'American
> Idol' on TV?  If I go a little slower, I may have to settle for watching
> 'Dancing with the Stars' instead (joke)
> ...And I don't really mind being in the drivers seat of the van..
>    Don Hanson
>