MPG vs. MPH Sweet Spot

[gverburg]

I just bought a 2002 Rialta. It has the bigger six cylinder engine. I am about to take my first road trip and I was wondering what speed to drive on the highway to maximize the miles per galleon. Is it 55 to 60, 60 to 65, 65 to 70 or 70 to 75 (Can it even go 70 to 75)?

[mloganusda]

If you go 55-60 mph you will get the best mpg, 60-65 I get about 17 mpg with my 04' HD, 65-70 you will get less mpg. The mpg will depend on if you are retired or working and need to get from A to B. If retired, whats the rush, and if working, well--- depends on your driving habit.


My 04' runs at 62 mph at 3K rpm's, which I believe is the sweet spot for speed, tourque, and mpg.

[bigdan]

first ,


welcome with us ….


our Rialta`s being at 6500 lbs , I dont believe that a faster speed could give better gas mileage …..


as a rule of thumb id say the slower the better ( without going too slow )


in the past days ,we use to get a vacuum gauge and try to keep the reading as high as possible ( no load ) ,



Ill try personnaly to keep a 60 mph speed on cruise ……


these engines are 2.8L ……..small !



Dan

[mloganusda]

Dan: My 2004 HD Winnebago GVWR is 7275 pounds and on weighting mine at a scale was 7380 pounds loaded for camping, water tank 1/2 full, dump tanks empty, and a full tank of gas with 2 people. I know of other members that exceeded this weight and had tire troubles.


Weight will have a large effect on mpg as other factors play a part. My best mpg was with a strong tail wind = 20 mpg on the flats.

[CGAZ Paul]

Welcome to the forum!


I live in Arizona where the speed limit is 75 in most places. I try not to go much below 71 or 72 for most of my travels but I believe staying close to or under the 3k rpm range is best. In this higher speed realm my best mpg seems to be in this 71-72 level. When you asked if it can go 70 to 75? YES!!! With ease. I wrote about being chased by a crazy man in a truck a few years ago. (He later was arrested). I wasn't the only victim. I figured (in my panic) that the Rialta was up to the task and easily outran him (even with the AC still on.....it's Arizona and was 106 out!!). I hit a smooth and stable speed of 104 mph. His old "Sanford & Son" truck wasn't up for that and I got away. Not sure what was wrong with the poor guy but he was trying to swerve and crash into people. So....yes....it will go fast and perhaps save your life. I normally keep it under 75 in Arizona and slower in California or a few mph less than posted. On the flat with Cruise it is feasible to get 20 mpg; even 21 mpg. Don't forget to use good gas (high octane).