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VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Re: Vanagon gas mileage
From:pete owsianowski
Date:Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:14:42 -0500

I always peg our '87 at 3700-3800 and the speedo reads 65.  However, I have
paced it with other vehicles via handheld radios on a few camping trips last
Summer and it seems the Speedo is 5 Mph low compared to the other vehicles.
Does this mean the Tach is off, also??

Pete
'87 Westy
"Joes Van"

on 12/23/03 3:37 PM, John Rodgers at jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET wrote:

> Gas mileage-wise, these vans really perform at 55 mph. Go faster and
> they suck it up. Go slower ..... well, what's the point. Of course
> nobody drives 55mph any more. Do that on an interstate hiway and you
> will get run over!!!! ... But your gas mileage will be good!!
>
> I personally peg the tach at 3800 rpm. That gives me 63 mph on the
> straightaways.....!
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
> Mark Tuovinen wrote:
>
>> Buy a Honda Insight and drive under the speed limit, I have had two owners
>> report over 90mpg by driving them carefully. Unfortunately you can't get the
>> family, all your camping gear, bikes, kayaks, etc, in or on them.
>>
>> Seriously, our vans are barns on wheels, the most important factor for
>> mileage is the the driver, next is tune-up, tires, lubricants, etc, are
>> lesser issues but can have some effect. Weight is another factor, but every
>> pound you remove is usually one less creature comfort or safety feature.
>> Remove the interior except for the drivers seat, steering column, guages
>> etc., ditch the bumpers, spare tire, sound deadener, jack and tools and you
>> can pick up a little mileage, at the cost of safety and comfort.
>>
>> Keep your vehicle properly tuned and maintained, tires inflated, use
>> synthetic lubricants, use the proper grade of fuel specified by the
>> manufacturer, leave the excess weight at home, plan your route, back off the
>> gas before you reach the red light, and drive as if there is an egg under the
>> accelerator pedal, and let us know what you come up with.
>>
>> Mark in AK
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Mon, 22 Dec 2003, developtrust wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> I can't help but wonder what I can do to get better mileage.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Drive slower. ;)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>

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