Long drive in snowstorm/ 4hi gas mileage

[demoncleaner]

Only one way to get first tracks... Nice storm dumped a foot this weekend. Got up early to empty roads...this is what snow tires and 4 hi is meant for. 200+ miles this weekend all in 4 hi.

Filled up twice with just over 100 miles. Managed 18.5 mpg 'snow covered highway' speeds avg 45-70 mph. The next fill up was more slower back roads, stop and go, running errands, towing sled trailer short distance, and pulling out a truck in 4 lo. Also much colder, and still avg 16 mpg.

Surprisingly, did nearly same trip last weekend. Mostly dry roads maybe 20 mi of snow covered. Got 17.9 mpg hwy in 2wd whole way. How I managed to get better mileage in 4hi this weekend is a mystery to me. Basically, saw no loss in mpg using 4 hi.

Here's a shot out the windshield.

[decoy562]

Looks like fun, too bad we never have snow here

[kwhite1124]

Whatdya mean too bad?! I think it's a blessing. Us Georgians can't drive on dry roads!!!!

[decoy562]

Originally Posted by kwhite1124

Whatdya mean too bad?! I think it's a blessing. Us Georgians can't drive on dry roads!!!!

True, most GA people drive like crap

[Tacolikker]

Originally Posted by demoncleaner

How I managed to get better mileage in 4hi this weekend is a mystery to me. Basically, saw no loss in mpg using 4 hi.

I am always surprised to see this too. I drove home today from Winter Park to Aspen and hit some really heavy snow at times, lots of accidents. In one 115 mile stretch, I drove about 40 of it in 4-hi and used 5 gallons of gas. This was anywhere from 8,000-11,500 feet up too.

When I really nail the gas and enjoy gaining 1,000-3,000 feet of altitude in just a few miles, the milage drops....a lot.

[SuperBusa]

Originally Posted by demoncleaner

How I managed to get better mileage in 4hi this weekend is a mystery to me. Basically, saw no loss in mpg using 4 hi.

My only guess would be lower average speed on first trip.