Uh Oh.....MPG controversy....

[85_Ranger4x4]

I said before that ford needs to change their testing speed from 55 mph to something more common but was basically told I don’t know what I’m talking about because “everyone” drives 55 mph.

They have to have a baseline, the speed limits on most highways is 55mph. Nobody drives it and everybody drives like they are playing GTA... which doesn’t help for accuracy.

 

[Dirtman]

Actually mythbusters tested this.

They found the air actually rotates in a circle (like a sideways tornado) behind the cab actually HELPING aerodynamics. Proving also running with the tailgate down makes MPG worse by negateing the circulation effect.

All they woulda had to do is throw some loose hay in the bed, open the slider and drive 30mph to realize that infact, the air does swirl

I've had the same empty beef jerky bag swirling around my bed for 6 months... little fella just never quite makes it out.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I've had the same empty beef jerky bag swirling around my bed for 6 months... little fella just never quite makes it out.

That doesn't work quite so well with a long box though. There isn't enough cab/bedside to stabilize the air in the bed.

 

[Ranger850]

I know, when I had my 08 Sport Trac, I had to put 2x4's in the bed, in the little slots, to add turbulence. If not, as soon as I opened the back glass, whatever was in the bed would go straight to my dashboard. Adding a bed cover HAS to improve mpg, right? Did Mythbusters add that variable to their wind test?

 

[pjtoledo]

the EPA dictates the testing, drive cycles, simulated conditions etc.

darn, a couple posts slipped in, I need to type faster.

 

[Dirtman]

I had one of those heavy rubber bed mats once. At 70 it would float up off the bed but didn't fly out... just acted like a magic carpet. I took it out though so it didn't kill someone.

@Ranger850 No I don't think they tried with a tonneau cover, it was just about the tailgate up or down myth.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I had one of those heavy rubber bed mats once. At 70 it would float up off the bed but didn't fly out... just acted like a magic carpet. I took it out though so it didn't kill someone.

Try going under one of those car wash blow dryers with one.....

They dont just float

 

[Ramcharger90]

Spill some coke in the bed then throw that mat down it wont go anywhere Ive only got my little 2.3 up to 90ish once im guessing since the speedo only goes to 85. It was a beating and a down hill on the interstate and then I got passed by a JB hunt truck going up the hill but that mat will stay... lol

 

[TimberWolf2018]

F. If you drive it backwards does it take miles off?
G. What color does pizza smell like?

Anchovy of course

 

[sgtsandman]

They have to have a baseline, the speed limits on most highways is 55mph. Nobody drives it and everybody drives like they are playing GTA... which doesn’t help for accuracy.

Around here, most US and State Routes are less the 45. Probably because of the old, narrow, twisty roads and the hilly terrain. The Interstates are all pretty much 65-70 mph. At least if you stay out of the immediate Pittsburgh area. Most everything there is 55 mph.

Granted, what you say is true though. You drive 55 mph where it is marked as such and you're likely to be rear ended. Heck, I often get blown past when driving on the Interstates....

 

[TimberWolf2018]

All of my Rangers have always gotten the best mileage at right in around 90 Kph which is 55.9 mph.
I dont think it is a mystery as to why....

 

[sgtsandman]

All of my Rangers have always gotten the best mileage at right in around 90 Kph which is 55.9 mph.
I dont think it is a mystery as to why....

That has been my experience with just about any vehicle I've owned. 55-60 mph seems to be the mpg sweet spot.

 

[Ranger850]

What Kind of Fuel Economy Does the 2019 Ford Ranger Get in the Real World?

We've tested the mpg of three different Rangers, including one on our 75-mph real-world highway test. Here are the results.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[adsm08]

That has been my experience with just about any vehicle I've owned. 55-60 mph seems to be the mpg sweet spot.

I'm told that the late 90s Suburbans were closer to 70.

 

[sgtsandman]

I'm told that the late 90s Suburbans were closer to 70.

Probably needed in order to create enough of a bow wake to overcome the brick like aerodynamics a Suburban has.