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RE: Question about drafting

Comment comment by bradsmith on 17 July 2006

Thanks for clearing that up for me, that both parties can benefit. My next question would be how close must one follow to remain in the air steam without being at a distance that would create a drag on the leading vehicle?

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RE: Question about drafting by VnutZ :: NR8

My next question would be how close must one follow to remain in the air steam without being at a distance that would create a drag on the leading vehicle?

I think this largely depends on the size of the vehicle in front of you. From experience, I can say that you'll get some of the effect from being about three car lengths behind the target. But there is a distinct "sweet spot" even closer. Note, there is a significant danger to being this close to a speeding truck on the highway. When I approached that sweetspot, my car actually gets jostled quite a bit as the air reconverges - I can feel it being buffeted on the sides and my CB antenna began wildly banging against the hardtop. Moving in closer made the ride smooth out, wind noise became quiet and the car just kind of "sucks in behind" the truck. You really can't use cruise control this close because the wind itself will alter your speed and an RPM boost will send you right into the back of the truck.

So, long story with no actual answer. It's close, the kind of close where you need to be super alert or be a dead driver close.

Posted 17 July 2006, Hide, Parent, Reply