Where's the Eco's sweat spot?

6647 Views 17 Replies 9 Participants Last post by 10%More, Nov 4, 2014

EricSorensen

Discussion Starter · Oct 31, 2014

The freeways in So. Cal are not conducive to much cruise control and it's a bit hilly so I haven't had much run time to find the best place to set cruise control and see where to go to get the best mpg. 55mph seems to get about 37mpg but that REALLY pisses everyone off......LOL 65 seems to get about 32mpg. I have not had a chance yet to get above 65 but I might tonight as I'll be out after midnight. So for those of you who do a lot of Hwy driving what is the best setting for mpg?
I have also found out that when driving in town in stop light traffic if you get up to speed and then take your foot of the gas and then just press enough to cruise at the speed you need it kicks the tranny down a gear or two and greatly increases the MPG. For a while I was getting about 15 MPG and couldn't figure it out till I did this. Just a small change in driving style helps tons with the MPGs.

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mustangshawn1991

· #2 · Oct 31, 2014

This is my explanation. Yes 55-60mph is the sweet spot, and yes it really makes everybody mad around me, but I'm ok with it.
2014 RAM 1500 ECODIESEL 3.0L VMMOTORI REAL TOWING MILEAGE - YouTube

CJnOC

· #3 · Oct 31, 2014

I too live in SoCal. I typically only use cruise control when driving out of the area, usually to Nevada, then I set it. But as for speed, I typically drive the flow of traffic, so when we get our ED, it will be going 65-75. I understand it's not the sweet spot, but I'll still be getting better mileage than a typical v-8 gas pick up... And that's worth it!

firemist32

· #4 · Oct 31, 2014

yeah coax it into 8th gear at 55mph and that will be about as good as it gets

zoomie

· #5 · Oct 31, 2014

This is an interesting article about a group of guys that are into hypermiling. You'll find some tips you may be able to use here.

Hypermiling a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel to 38.1 mpg

Haulin

· #6 · Oct 31, 2014

zoomie said:
This is an interesting article about a group of guys that are into hypermiling. You'll find some tips you may be able to use here.

Hypermiling a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel to 38.1 mpg

Awesome thanks for posting it.

ED_Lover

· #7 · Oct 31, 2014

mustangshawn1991 said:
This is my explanation. Yes 55-60mph is the sweet spot, and yes it really makes everybody mad around me, but I'm ok with it.
2014 RAM 1500 ECODIESEL 3.0L VMMOTORI REAL TOWING MILEAGE - YouTube

You're ok with making everyone around you mad? So put another way, you'd be ok with me forcing you to drive the way I see fit because I'm ok with that? Or does this only work in the direction where you dictate the speed?

mustangshawn1991

· #8 · Oct 31, 2014 (Edited)

I pass people at that speed and people pass me, if I drive 75mph in cruise, most people still pass me, even semi trucks.
Have you ever driven on a highway? The minimum speed is 45mph, getting mad &#55357;&#56864; is is not my fault. I'm not mad when I'm driving. I'm smiling at the purr she makes, and the doubled fuel mileage. People on the highway get mad no matter what, theres nothing I can do about that, but driving slower makes the faster cars pass me faster
And apparently I'm not the only one driving 55

Reactions: 1

10%More

· #9 · Nov 1, 2014

Welcome Shawn. Always like your posts and videos. Keep those tires rolling.

(Captainmal)

mustangshawn1991

· #10 · Nov 1, 2014

Thanks for the comments capt. I really appreciate them. Hey have you posted pics of your CB system?

Accused

· #11 · Nov 2, 2014

if you're getting upset on the freeway you need to consider where your life took such a tragic (read insignificant) turn that the speed limit infuriates you...

ED_Lover

· #12 · Nov 2, 2014

Accused/Shawn, it's those that choose to drive 45 MPH in a 55MPH zone on a 2-lane highway that "infuriate" me. Towing a large, wide load? That's understandable. Trying to save $0.25 in diesel? Not understandable and quite selfish. It's when you can't pass that people get pissed. Maybe MN is the exception, but if people can pass you they couldn't care less what speed you go. Now if you're going 45MPH on a freeway where traffic is going 75-80MPH, you're a hazard and should really think about whether you belong on the freeway.

10%More

· #13 · Nov 3, 2014

Shawn,

Think I posted those pictures here.

Running 55 mph, like many do, is fine when towing. I pull my toy hauler at 65 on 70 mph interstates where literally most are running in the low 80's.

Oh so many totally ignore the speed limits and run speeds that are a threat to me and everyone else on the highway. I look at them as the enemy and they sure cause horrific accidents.

Wish we all would run 55 mph and stick to it. Bring back "Dutch" Regan.

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ED_Lover

· #14 · Nov 3, 2014

No one, me included, is advocating for exceeding the speed limit. Being able to consistently get close to it on two-lane roads would be a nice change though. You'd be surprised how many accidents, while probably not serious, are caused by slow drivers on the freeway.

EricSorensen

Discussion Starter · #15 · Nov 3, 2014

I'll stick to going with the flow out here. You'll never know who you piss off and it's not worth it. Just the other day I saw a guy stop on the freeway in front of a Simi (simi was honking his horn) and get out of his car to confront the simi driver. So here we have a car vs. simi and no one knows if the other guy is armed. There are too many people out here with attitudes and easy access to Pharmicuticals. Not a good combo.
Eric

zoomie

· #16 · Nov 3, 2014

For me speed is not the issue, it's blocking any passing lane. Drive whatever speed you want and if I come up behind you at a faster speed, I will check the passing lane, signal and go around you, then (the most important part imho) I'll pull back into the right lane so others can pass me if they want.

If I'm using cruise control and I barely catch another car going 1mph slower than me, I'll speed up, pass, get back in the right lane and continue with my cruise control on.

I think people get frustrated when someone is blocking the passing lane, driving side by side with another car for miles without thinking about other drivers.

just my humble 2c

Reactions: 1

EricSorensen

Discussion Starter · #17 · Nov 3, 2014

Zoomie I agree 100%. Most people seem to get it but there seems to always be 1 person who is doing 55 in the fast lane and wonders why he's being told he's "number one" and can't figure out when we changed the proper hand signal for number one to use the middle finger. Maybe it's so he can see it easier than the index finger.....lol
Years ago we used to flash high beams to people who forgot to turn their lights on until Gang Bangers used that as a signal to shoot at cars. Part of their initiation plan was to shoot drivers flashing their high beams at cars so most of us have stopped that practice. There is always someone out there that has to ruin things for everyone else.

10%More

· #18 · Nov 4, 2014

Never heard about that "gang bang" shooting practice at flashing lights. From reading these comments I think many are afraid to be with others. I agree. Mental illness abounds in this world because we let it.

Traveling in the passing lane is illegal in Florida and many other states. I have gotten "in the face" of two police officers to get an explanation of why they do not enforce that rule. Showed one the law in print. One did not know the law. The other said he was just to busy to deal with the constant violations he sees.

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