2,315 mile round trip @ 41.2 - GreenHybrid

Tink · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2005, 11:33 AM

I just finished a 2,315 mile trip over 6 days. I averaged 41.2 for the trip, with a 42.4 mpg high tank. 2 tanks over 600 miles - one sweating it and one with plenty left. The 42.4 high included 3 days of piddling in Destin, FL.

I wish I could have had more patience. With discipline (65 mpg max), I believe I could have easily gotten 45. I started with 37.5 psi and went to 43 in Destin.

My tanks averaged 64.4 & 64.5 miles per hour, except the Destin tank - it was 52 because of the town driving.

I drove 65 *most* of the time. There were sections of interstate through cities that were marked at 60. And then the few mile of adolescence when I felt my "carhood" challanged - a *rapid* acceleration to around 100 and then 85 - 90 for about 5 miles.

It's *amazing* how much the mileage would jump going through those 60 miles per hour zones. I would run those about 58.

I don't often get to run a tank in 1 or 2 days because of the range - these were the first. It does make a difference!

Lewis · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2005, 08:12 PM

Tink,
Very impressive MPG over that long a road trip. I've had a 42 mpg run over 150 miles, but on 2-lane, little traffic and some 50-60 miles per hour miles. When I drive interstate, I stay with traffic, 70-80, depending on whether the limit is 70 or 75, and I've not been able to get more than 34 mpg at those speeds.
Lewis

Tink · #3 (**permalink**) 05-23-2005, 03:05 PM

Lewis,
Thanks! I was pleased. I really didn't have to work that hard - long days of road time sure helps. Note that I have not exceeded 40 mpg on any other tank - trips, by far; not tanks.

I also was suprised to find that I was less obtrusive travelling at 65 in a 70 than at 70. At 70, I was close to the speed of others, including big trucks. At 65, people could smoothly pass me instead of me inching past someone else going slightly slower than I.

I did not always have the patience to go 65 - paticularly the last day looking forward to seeing my girls. Also made some good mpg progress in the 60 miles per hour sections going through larger towns; although could have, once again, done better because I sometimes drove 60 and sometimes 65 - should have driven 58 or so.

As far at your 42 mpg 150 mile run, my advantage over that was that I travelled 300 miles at a time, and then just a short stop (not enough to cool the engine), then another 250 to 300 mile run.

Also, you say a 2 lane with "little traffic", indicating there was some traffic. I don't know about you, but I feel obligated not to inconvenience anyone by driving slower than the limit, so you may have sped up a bit a couple of times until passed?

34 mpg @ 70 to 80 sounds about right for me, too.

To reiterate: I didn't do anything special accept watch my speed. 65 most of the time except through 60 miles per hour city stretches. Used cruise 99.9% of the time. The car has the ability. The largest factor was, by far, 250-300 mile stretches without stopping at all. If this is all you have on your tank, any HAH can do it.

Over the weekend, I was back to around 34 mpg - I've raised it to near 37 after today's. Back to reality....

SuperC · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2005, 07:37 PM

My 200 mile trip is about 165 miles of two lane that goes through a small town every 15 miles or so, then the last 35 miles is divided 4 lane with a 70 miles per hour speed limit. I've noticed that if I try to set the cruise at about 72 or more, the mileage starts to drop. It seems the best economy range for me has been in the 60-65 miles per hour area. I'm still at 990 miles, so hopefully it will keep getting better.

Very impressive on the 41.2 mpg 2100 mile trip! Makes you happy you chose a hybrid I'm sure