JT95 Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 This may be a silly question, but while on the interstate, just how close do you have follow behind a semi in order to reap any drafting benefits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtsmiths Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 Within 1/2 trailer length ... the area of reduced pressure is a function of the length of the front vehicle. If you're close enough to reap any drafting benefit, your WAAAY too close for safety ... 'sides you can't see the road ahead; including the state trooper parked on the side of the road that is going to give you a ticket ffor following too closely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All_talk Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 Like mtsmiths said, its not a good idea for safety and the truck drivers dont like it much either. In most cars you can feel it, as you get closer you will enter a zone where you can fell the buffeting from the turbulence of the low pressure collapsing, you have to get inside this. You will find that being in this close will be VERY spooky at speed. I've done it one or twice, it is quite intense and takes nerves of steel (or stupidity) to stay there. Any minor gains in fuel mileage are surely offset by the real threat of DEATH. Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag Posted January 26, 2005 Share Posted January 26, 2005 I remember doing this a long time ago on my Honda 175. It really helped with such an underpowered machine, but I had to be on the tip of my toes at all time. Taking into account that a motorcycle has shorter braking distances than a car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT95 Posted January 26, 2005 Author Share Posted January 26, 2005 Yeah, I figured you would need to hang closer than what is safe/comfortable. I've heard people make references to drafting from semis and figured they weren't getting any benefits unless tailgating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 Yea, lots of good advice on this forum. I used to draft trucks when I was a teenager, 10 feet off the rear bumper. It works great at that distance. But like they said dangerous. I don't do it any more, I don't do most things I used to do as a kid. Greg.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Clark Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 If you do it with a friend, so to speak, both autos benefit form the draft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chip Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 This may be a silly question, but while on the interstate, just how close do you have follow behind a semi in order to reap any drafting benefits? If you're gonna do it, do it right. Get behind an ambulance when he's going on a call ! It's amazing how you can whiz thru traffic, red lights and all ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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