Drafting

I drove to Ohio this past weekend and I typically like to just find a semi thats cruising near the speed limit and sit behind it (not drafting) so people will pass us both and I don't have to deal with traffic. However now I'm paranoid that truckers will think I'm drafting and try and get me off their ###.

I try to stay back enough that I can see their mirrors and I'll keep my headlights on so I'm more visible.

I'm thinking of investing in a handheld CB just to make sure truckers aren't bickering about me on their tail

 

Just go to the "Drafting Yay or Nay" post here. You will hear everyones opinion.

 

Never. I drove a gasoline tanker before I retired and didn't have much of this going on but it still happened once in awhile. We put the signs on the back of the trailer saying "if you can't see my mirrors..." We also used the smith system and would slow down to get the distance back into our comfort zone. It's very hard in town so I wish that these people that think they are going us a favor or saving fuel would wise up.



Note to Navyeoseabee, stay as long as you can in the Bee's. I know at ACB1 it's better than the battalions but it's are better than out here. I retired in 90 as EO1 and went to driving gasoline tankers and retired from that but got real lucky. I even drove while I was in for a couple of companies. I look back and should have done 30. Nice to see another!

 

what mythbusters also failed to cover was the amount of gas saved by tailgating another vehicle (4 wheeler) or that you also get increased fuel economy by being along side a truck or other large vehicle, until you get to the point where your vehicle is again dispersing all of its own air.

vehicles disperse air in every direction, not just over the hood and down the roof.

 

Ohh bad practice. Nope.. I don't like it.

 

OK, the only time I have EVER drafted anything, was this JB Hunt O/O doing 80 MPH down 44 in Missouri. this was in my pickup, behind a JB Hunt Trailer with a 379 at the lead at about 3 AM. and yes, it saved me enough gas to cover the gap between St Louis (my regular 1st stop on the way to see relatives in IL) and Sherman IL (little north of Springfield on 55) I have proven that this works. and with my hand-held CB in tow, I never heard a peep out of the O/O while i was running.

 

Uhhh.....maybe he didn't know you where there! That handle held would come in really handy in getting rescue for you, if your able to call!!