Simple question regarding fuel economy...

[Simple_serf]

So I remember not too long ago, speed limits were reduced (Remember 55?) to save fuel. Why are we not doing this today?

I have noticed many trucks going 55 now...btw.

Just wondering what you guys think.

 

[bbbb51]

Well here in new mexico most of the freeways are 75 but there are alot of ppl that keep it to 65. I just drove to vegas a few weeks ago and most of the vechicles were doing closer to 80.I think if u wanna drive 55 thats great as u do save gas, but leave the speed limit where its at now.

 

[Evan]

Gas isn't in short enough supply yet.

 

[MAKG]

Much like Prohibition, a seemingly arbitrary law eroded the government's authority. EVERYONE sped during the 55 MPH speed limit. There were even movies about that....

That is why it's a bad idea.

FYI, in many places (including all of California), all vehicles with trailers have a 55 MPH speed limit. Large trucks even have speed limits on the Autobahn (100 km/h, just over 60 MPH).

 

[pickup]

As for saving gas, it all depends on what your vehicle is geared for. I have been a trucker for 22 years, and have had companies try and force me to run 55 (they get cheaper ins. rates and co. trucks were geared for that). My trucks were geared to run 75 mph @ 1450 RPM. Thats where they got their best fuel economy.
A pickup with tall gears might be lugging the engine at 55, where it might be right in the band @ 70. It depends somewhat more on RPM's than MPH.

 

[Hahnsb2]

So I remember not too long ago, speed limits were reduced (Remember 55?) to save fuel. Why are we not doing this today?

I have noticed many trucks going 55 now...btw.

Just wondering what you guys think.

Because driving 55 is lame... I do at least 65 in all 55 MPH freeway zones to keep with traffic and to actually get somewhere, my B2 cruises really well at 65-70MPH.

 

[Ranger1989]

The idea is sound, but whoever made for that to happen would never get another term.

 

[chico4554]

i cruise like 62 on the highway. I get about 34 mpg in my peice of shit

 

[Insanejughead]

I noticed that right around 70 mph is my optimum for my 2.3 manual geared 3.73 with stock wheels/tires. I usually end up doing between 75-80mph though.

I also improved it once I took the topper off.

 

[pillen140]

Much like Prohibition, a seemingly arbitrary law eroded the government's authority. EVERYONE sped during the 55 MPH speed limit. There were even movies about that....

That is why it's a bad idea.

).

and a kick ass van-hagar song!

 

[Bent Bolt]

I've noticed when I'm on a 4 lane highway, I tend to want to drive alot faster, say 120-130 KPH. But on the 2 lane middle of farmer fields, I feel content driving 100 or even 90 KPH.

Just an observation.

 

[hades]

Quite a nice idea. But I'm comfortable with he speed limit right now.

It's just really up to the person.

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[Simple_serf]

Just figured I'd ask.


As to speeding...With the limit at 65 EVERYBODY passes you, when i was out west, with a 70 speed limit, every body passed me. Honestly , I think that everybody speeds anyhow, no matter what the limit.


I found I get about 2 more mpg going at 55 rather than 65... My 2.5 is generally happiest right around 3k, it has never been good much above 68-70...we have too many grades, even on the interstates...I don't bother with overdrive...I loose alot of milage there, even if the speed is high enough to keep the engine in the power band.

 

[VaGent]

Makes no difference what the poseted speed limit is or where, there is always someone in BIG HURRY to get somewhere who thinks the laws don't apply to them. I drive 185 miles daily on a 4 lane interstate highway & always at the same time of day & I see the same people driving faster then everyone else every single day no matter what. They are always on their cell phones talking to whoever, NEVER use a turn signal, always running up behind someone expecting everyone to get the hell out of their way because they are in a hurry, salm on brakes causing everyone else to do the same & then as soon as they have barely enough space to pullout into another lane, they jump & go & do it all over again. This continues for a distance of 52 miles until they get off the interstate.

There are some people who think & believe firmly they have MORE rights on the road then anyone else & everyone should get out of their way no matter what. It's people like this who im my opinion should never be allowed to drive a skateboard. Why do they think they have the right to do whatever they want to do when they get behind the wheel of their vehicle? It's because they care only about themselves & what it is they want to do & to hell with everyone else. And then some people wonder why there is as much "road rage" on the road as there is? And the real problem is the MAJORITY of the speeders & IDIOTS are from out of state to begin with.

 

[ZMan]

Makes no difference what the poseted speed limit is or where, there is always someone in BIG HURRY to get somewhere who thinks the laws don't apply to them. I drive 185 miles daily on a 4 lane interstate highway & always at the same time of day & I see the same people driving faster then everyone else every single day no matter what. They are always on their cell phones talking to whoever, NEVER use a turn signal, always running up behind someone expecting everyone to get the hell out of their way because they are in a hurry, salm on brakes causing everyone else to do the same & then as soon as they have barely enough space to pullout into another lane, they jump & go & do it all over again. This continues for a distance of 52 miles until they get off the interstate.

There are some people who think & believe firmly they have MORE rights on the road then anyone else & everyone should get out of their way no matter what. It's people like this who im my opinion should never be allowed to drive a skateboard. Why do they think they have the right to do whatever they want to do when they get behind the wheel of their vehicle? It's because they care only about themselves & what it is they want to do & to hell with everyone else. And then some people wonder why there is as much "road rage" on the road as there is? And the real problem is the MAJORITY of the speeders & IDIOTS are from out of state to begin with.

same goes for the people who do 10 under in my opinion.