34 MPG in a Ford Super Duty pickup

[rwarn17588]

Very impressive. The guy who did it, whom I've corresponded with about hyper-miling with Honda Insights, got 28 mpg in the same truck in a trip from Phoenix to Chicago.

http://www.thefordstory.com/green/journalists-squeeze-2011-ford-super-duty%C2%AE-for-impressive-fuel-economy/

[RecycleMichael]

I seem to get stuck behind hyper-milers on the on ramp to the highway. They want to get up to speed a little slower than the rest of us and often create dangerous driving conditions.

[Red Arrow]

It must be the new physics where you can blend into traffic seamlessly while going 10 to 15 mph slower than the through traffic.  Then, to make up for going slow at the entrance ramp, you step on the brakes to make sure you are down to exit ramp speed before entering the exit ramp. (Exit ramps backed up to the main road are, of course, a different story with their own hazzards.)  

Just to get back on topic ( ), the energy you think you are saving on gas causes others to take evasive action using more energy than you have saved.

Drives me nuts!

[Red Arrow]

Chrysler is advertising a Hemi that switches to less than 8 cylinders when power is not needed.

Anyone else remember the Cadillac 8-6-4 from about 20 years ago that almost everyone laughed at?

[rwarn17588]

I think the point that's been lost in this article is that vehicle makers can indeed make useful and big vehicles that get pretty good mileage, after insisting for years that they can't.

These guys were challenged to get 25 mpg on a huge Ford heavy-duty truck, and got it easily and then some. That would have been unthinkable a few years ago. And improving mileage for trucks from the mid- to high teens to the 20s makes a big impact on fuel consumption.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Not only have they denied for years that better mileage is achievable, they also paid of Congress to relax fuel standards as well as crash standards.

There used to be a 5mph bumper impact rule until the Reagan years... no damage for end impact of 5mph or less.  Now, the average damage is over $1500 for a 3 mph according to what I see from the IIHS.  If you can believe them....insurance companies.

Think that affects your premiums??  Whew, thank God for deregulation!!

[Red Arrow]

Not only have they denied for years that better mileage is achievable, they also paid of Congress to relax fuel standards as well as crash standards.

There used to be a 5mph bumper impact rule until the Reagan years... no damage for end impact of 5mph or less.  Now, the average damage is over $1500 for a 3 mph according to what I see from the IIHS.  If you can believe them....insurance companies.

Think that affects your premiums??  Whew, thank God for deregulation!!

I remember reading that the 5 mph bumper made premiums go up.  It turned out that the structure to prevent damage at 5 mph was a lot more expensive to replace or fix than the older stuff and enough "accidents" were over 5 mph that the average repair costs increased.  That's been a while, probably when there were still actually bumpers. 

[heironymouspasparagus]

You probably need to go re-read/research that.  Not even close to reality.  ALL repair/insurance costs were proportionately lower, even adjusted for inflation and every other cost standard.  The "deregulation" we so blindly embraced has done nothing but make costs higher.

[nathanm]

I remember reading that the 5 mph bumper made premiums go up.  It turned out that the structure to prevent damage at 5 mph was a lot more expensive to replace or fix than the older stuff and enough "accidents" were over 5 mph that the average repair costs increased.  That's been a while, probably when there were still actually bumpers. 

The "bumper" on my sister's '06 CR-V did not fare so well against my '91 Accord's rear bumper when she failed to clear it and hit it at low speed. It's got a nice dent in the plastic that doesn't appear to be easily removable.

While I can't say whether or not that's common to newer bumpers, I can say that someone slid into my Accord on wet pavement when I was stopped at a yield sign some years back and again did no damage. It may not be the most luxurious ride, but it's hard to break.

[Red Arrow]

You probably need to go re-read/research that.  Not even close to reality.  ALL repair/insurance costs were proportionately lower, even adjusted for inflation and every other cost standard.  The "deregulation" we so blindly embraced has done nothing but make costs higher.

You evidently have some research or evidence indicating that the 5 mph bumper resulted in lower insurance rates than before the 5 mph bumper that contradicts my memory.  Please post it so I don't waste my time trying to find something I remember from more than 20 years ago.

[Conan71]

The "bumper" on my sister's '06 CR-V did not fare so well against my '91 Accord's rear bumper when she failed to clear it and hit it at low speed. It's got a nice dent in the plastic that doesn't appear to be easily removable.

While I can't say whether or not that's common to newer bumpers, I can say that someone slid into my Accord on wet pavement when I was stopped at a yield sign some years back and again did no damage. It may not be the most luxurious ride, but it's hard to break.

Nathan, you can attempt the repair with a heat gun (similar to a hair dryer, much hotter temp) and some dry ice or cold rag.

Here's how that works, basically:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2138388_fix-dents-plastic-bumper-covers.html

[heironymouspasparagus]

Here is just a quick statement from IIHS.  The people who actually RAISE your insurance bills....
Check out the News Releases from Aug 27, 1997 and May 8, 1997.  This has been common knowledge and REPORTED in the REAL news (NOT anything with Murdoch in it) for 20 years or more. 

So, we moved from a 5mph bumper standard with no damage, to allowing car makers to do whatever they want in the name of "deregulation" ala Reagan.  Now there is some kind of progress.   Saturn was the best in 1997 at $655 damage, while the Hyundai was over $3000. 

And the luxury guys?  Well, hold onto your panties...a walking speed impact - 5 mph - on a Lexus caused $6190 in damage.

http://www.iihs.org/research/topics/bumpers.html

How is THAT hopey/changey thing working out for ya'??

[heironymouspasparagus]

That Ford is a good truck.  The lower rear-end ratio and the big tires don't hurt, either.  I have driven both the Ford and Dodge diesels for hundreds of thousands of miles and have gotten 25 mpg on both from time to time when I wasn't hurrying or pulling a load.

Don't know about Chevy, but friends say they are good with the Isuzu diesel...

[Mike 01Hawk]

All Hyper-milers need to DIAF 

[Hoss]

All Hyper-milers need to DIAF 

OK, someone trying to get as much out of the high cost of fuel needs to die in a fire?