2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[zpiloto]

Originally Posted by popimp

What do you tell the wife when she says she doesn't care about fuel economy only being cool? On our trip today I had to use the AC the whole time because of a *****ing wife. I showed her the numbers on the scan gauge 2 with the AC on and off. She said "I don't care it's too hot." I said, "We have an energy crisis and you don't care?" What is a better comeback?

With a family there are a lot more important things to worry about then 3MPG or 50 extra miles a tank. As with anything you always need to pick your battles well. Just lead by example and hopefull they will come around. If not, when you drive you can offset the negitive effect. You would still be doing better then you were before. Enjoy the SG II.

[popimp]

Thanks everyone for the support. I know I'm fighting a loosing battle with the wife. I saw the funniest thing today. People were waiting at the McDonalds drive thru for about 10-15 mins. I was thinking that these people are probably asking why gas prices are so high.

[popimp]

I started my van this morning at about 5:30. The van was only in open loop, according to the scan gauge 2, for about 10 seconds. Does this seem right? I thought it took longer than that?

[SVOboy]

Seems right to me.

[popimp]

Question at idle I'm consuming .6gph or .5gph while in Neutral. Is there any way to bring this down? Are there any tips on short trip driving? I think my FE is bad not only because I drive a Van but because my job is only 4 miles from where I live. I would ride a bike but I have to cross a bridge and it says no Pedestrians or bikes allowed. I was considering a block heater, but I live in Mississippi and at 5:30 am it's already pretty warm. Any suggestions. Thanks everyone.

[SVOboy]

A block heater will warm it up more than the outside temperature, which is always good. I don't have much experience with them, however.

I'm not sure about it the idle, it might just be a van thing. Is there an alternate bridge you could take? You could always pick something like a scooter to make the commute, it'll take the bridge and get you 100 mpg for about 1k.

[popimp]

SVOboy can you tell me about the scooters? I have no idea. I know the major motorcycle manufacturers, but have no experience with the scooter manufacturers.

[popimp]

Would you recommend gas? I know electric scooters exist also.

[SVOboy]

Depending on your desired range and things, you could definately get an electric scooter. Also, your price range is important. There is an 8k big electric scooter out there...


But if you're looking at gas, I would (from experience), buy a Honda Metropolitan. They top out at 42 or 43, but are cheap and efficient. You can pick up a used one for less than 1k usually.

[popimp]

SVOboy when you say 42 or 43 are you talking about MPH or MPG? Thanks for the recommendation