Wondering if anyone here uses Fuelly to track their LD gas mileage, and if so, what kind of mileage you are getting? Thinking about signing up:
Fuelly - Track and Compare your MPG (http://www.fuelly.com/)
Don't use it. A simple spreadsheet on my iPhone is what I use across 4 vehicles. I have a page for MPG, one for maintenance and one for weights. So easy to use.
I don't use it. But do keep track of mpg the old way in a notebook. On our last trip about 3400 miles. My 2002 26.5 MB averaged 8.5 mpg. This was traveling in mountainous areas.
Don't use that app. I use Google Sheets. Since I've owned this 2014 LD Twin King after 26,551.90 miles I average 9.85 MPG
at the average cost of $2.84.
Shoulda mentioned - 1992 MB 460 engine. 8.09MPG. Drops to 7.8 in the mountains. Headwind can reducee it to 7.2.
Like when I walked those 10 miles to school, there is never a tailwind nor downhill road.
2014 27" MB 6.8liter V10 with 10,000 miles. Total average since day 1, 8.7 mpg mostly California mountains. Probably could be a little better but it's all dry camping and I get nervous with low fluids so I guess I'm doing ok from what I've seen here.
Mark
My wife tracks it with iOS Notes and a iOS Calculator, '88 MB 460 V8 5 mpg @ 65 to 70 mph. 6 mpg @ 55 mph.
Mostly, I don't bother. It is what it is.
9mpg not towing is a decent estimating number to use.
However, we just completed our first trip using I-70 from Denver to/ from Moab towing the Jeep behing the '15 TK.
As you know if you have driven this part of 70, it is pretty much constant mountains at high elevations peaking out at 10,662' at Vail Pass.
We averaged 7.3 mpg doing from 60-65 mph when possible, with the slowest speed right at 40 mph on the really big climbs at the higher elevations. Peddle to the metal kept us at 40. That was with a total weight of about 16,500#.
Ed
I've used Fuelly for several years, but our Lazy Daze is so recent that I haven't added it. It is a good reference and the large pool of participants provides a good sample size. The range is interesting at the tails of the distribution. One has to wonder how people get the really spectacular and really terrible fuel consumption at each end. The mode is usually spot on for most of my vehicles.
Fuelly is useful to me because it includes members with older vehicles. There are 4 1978 Toyota Landcruisers and their mileage is just as lousy as mine. 'Just like the mechanic says, "They all do that".
Harold
Just curious (seriously): what does one do with the "gas mileage" stats gained from whatever app, sharing, etc., that may be used to gather and calculate the data? Are the numbers just for information or simple curiosity, as a talking point, to try to improve one's mileage, to estimate or calculate trip costs, to possibly troubleshoot an engine problem?
I'm probably in the minority (no surprise there!), but I've always been somewhat perplexed as to the reasons behind the question when asked "What kind of mileage do you get on that thing?" (And, this is usually the first question that people ask!)
I can see wondering if there was a hole in the gas tank or a serious engine problem if the mileage was really out of whack, but otherwise, I just accept that the mileage on a heavy box with a big, fuel-sucky motor and a decidedly non-aerodynamic shape is going to need frequent and expensive feeding. The actual mileage numbers aren't an issue for me; if they were, the rig would find a good home!
???
Joan
Just curious (seriously): what does one do with the "gas mileage" stats gained from whatever app, sharing, etc., that may be used to gather and calculate the data? Are the numbers just for information or simple curiosity, as a talking point, to try to improve one's mileage, to estimate or calculate trip costs, to possibly troubleshoot an engine problem?
All of the above.
" I've always been somewhat perplexed...when asked "What kind of mileage do you get on that thing?" "
And my typical response would be 'If you're going to dance you've got to pay the fiddler!' ;D
We don't really keep very good track. The only time I can think of was when we wanted to see how much gas the generator was using when we were stationary for a week without hookups. Once the calculations were made, I'm not clear that we ever kept any meaningful stats after that.
Mode of operation = look at the gas gauge.
Scary number?
Fill it up at the next opportunity!
Write down the stats for posterity.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West (http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com)
Today: Sprouted Onion (http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com) ******************************
Joan,
My gas gauge doesn't work. I figure about 8 mpg to figure out when I need to fill up. The old fashioned way.
Like Dollinsdale I keep an eye on miles to empty based on MPG. It comes in handy. I'm always telling myself how many gallons to a destination. And at 8 MPG average, when I'm in conditions where I'm getting 7, a 12% difference in MPG can matter in my sense of calm, so I like to know these details. I hate letting the tank go below 1/4, to me that's empty.
Also If the MPG changes without an explanation like driving conditions I start looking for mechanical problems. This may just be mechanic ghosts talking to me.
Someday I'll have a newer coach with a better computer than my brain.
2011 TK, purchased new, information read out indicates 9.3 mpg. Towed Fiat 500 Abarth most of the 35,000 miles. Always drive between 55 and 60 mph.
I concur with Joan and Paul. Usually between 9.4 and 10.1mpg. Depending on driving situation. Rarely over 70, usually 62-65 mph. Oxygenated fuel in Ca. during the winter, drops to 9.0 or so. Towning I drive slower and more carefully, so I lose very little mpg. Every hour of generator (Emerald II+) is about .8 gallons, but doesn't affect mpg. much because I rarely run it except for maintenance. Mostly just idle curiosity, unless It drops suddenly, then I start looking to see if anything is wrong. RonB
I have been using a free app called Gas Cubby (believe it may have been bought by the Fuelly folks). To get accurate averages you must be diligent about entering mileage, and full or partial when fueling. Mostly, my average hovers around 9 MPG; more or less depending on terrain, sometimes over 10. I generally drive at 55 MPH or less on highways, and 60 on the interstates. My rig is a 2004 Lazy Daze Twin-King with the 6.8L V-10, and no towd. Hope this helps.
As for why track MPG... The app keeps track of costs, price per gallon, etc. And also has a section for maintenance items, like oil change. If there is a variation in normal mileage, then a check for the cause is warranted.
Being able to predict fuel consumption and range accurately is useful. Running out of gas in boats, airplanes, motorhomes, and SCUBA is stressful at the least and fatal at the worst.
I respect and understand all of the various reasons folks have for keeping track of the gas mileage on their rigs. I kept careful records for a few trips, found it didn't change much, and more important, I didn't really care. Money I spend on gas is well worth it for the satisfaction and pleasure I get when I'm traveling in my rig!
Being able to predict fuel consumption and range accurately is useful. Running out of gas in boats, airplanes, motorhomes, and SCUBA is stressful at the least and fatal at the worst.
35 years as pilot taught me that gas in the pump was no good at 5,000 ft. Applied same to our 10 years of Lazy Dazing ... gas gauge doesn't go below 1/4 ... time refill, stretch, and change the air in our lungs!.
"Like when I walked those 10 miles to school, there is never a tailwind nor downhill road."
Paul, you're not from north Missouri, but you seem to be channelling my little red-headed Mama (although the distance seemed to increase every time she told the story...) ;D
Lynne
Paul said, "I hate letting the tank go below 1/4, to me that's empty. "
I agree, no relaxation when the needle goes below a 1/4!
Jack said, "35 years as pilot taught me that gas in the pump was no good at 5,000 ft. Applied same to our 10 years of Lazy Dazing ... gas gauge doesn't go below 1/4 ... time refill, stretch, and change the air in our lungs!."
As a rider in the back for 25 years, always glad to wait for the refuelers to finish and the maintenance guys to sign off on a problem!
To me ΒΌ tank is borderline critical!!! Not even your generator is going to work then.
If you ever expect to make a trip to Alaska you had best learn to drive on the top half of the tank. That way you won't have to worry about sucking the crud from the bottom and destroying your fuel pump, one of the main reasons for their failure. ::)
I have two criteria for my LD fuel tank. They are pretty much the same...Full when I head out AND Full when I come back home.
Many of my adventures are local journeys within 150 miles from home base. Before I reach my destination, I Fill-Er-Up. This insures that if I need the generator I won't run into any issues for "getting outta Dodge" in a hurry if it's necessary.
I use Gas Buddy on my phone to keep track of usable gas stations. Mostly Shell. My mileage is pretty stable. My gas Guage is my guide. On longer trips, once it hits 1/2 full I start looking for a Shell station.
Works for me.
Kent
"Full when I head out AND Full when I come back home."
For myself, I'll add "...and full (or close to it) when I pull into a campsite."
"That way you won't have to worry about sucking the crud from the bottom and destroying your fuel pump, one of the main reasons for their failure. ::) "
I have heard this comment about sucking from the bottom many times but don't see it as an issue. The pickup line in the tank does not float (as far as I know) and, thus, is always sucking from the bottom of the tank. Unless the crud floats on top of the fuel, there is no more crud being sucked up at 1/4 tank than there is at a full tank. Am I missing something?
Monti
I drive on the top 1/2-2/3 of the tank because I can't push this rig if I run out and having to call CoachNet for running out of gas would be downright humiliating!
As Monti said, fuel pumps suck gas from the bottom of the tank, so whether the tank is a quarter full or half full or completely full, the bottom is the bottom. The fuel pump does rely on being immersed in gas to cool it, though; I don't know the actual number of gallons in a 55-gallon gas tank that would keep the pump functionally "submerged", but there are mechanics on this board who do, I'm sure!
Additionally, I think that the fuel pumps on "modern" engines have little screens or "sock" filters to catch any debris, and the fuel filter (More Information for MOTORCRAFT FG986B (http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=383516&cc=1420298&jsn=559)) also removes particles and crud that may be in the fuel. Between the two (?) filter systems, I believe the gas that gets to the "burn point" is pretty clean!
(Engine gurus, please correct any misinformation; thank you.)
Joan
I make no claim to this being accurate but my hubby says the reason to not always drive around close to empty is the relative concentration of the crud going into the fuel filter, pump and finally engine. Yes there is always some crud in the tank, but it is a relatively small proportion (lower concentration) when the tank is full compared to an empty tank when the crud will be quite concentrated and more likely to gum things up.
"...I think that the fuel pumps... have little screens or "sock" filters to catch any debris, and the fuel filter... also removes particles and crud that may be in the fuel.
Correct JCT! On both of the two occasions when I had to replace my fuel pump/s I was informed that the most frequent cause of pump failure was the clogging of the 'sock' filter which encloses the intake to the pump. Also in those explanations was the admonishment to not let the tank be drawn too far down due to the fact that clogging of that 'sock' would be the result.
One of the early symptoms of an impending pump failure is stumbling or hesitation of the engine. I also experienced this shortly after taking on gas at a remote station in Canada (my after thought was that that gas was contaminated). It wasn't until much later that the pump finally quit. :'(
I've checked my gas gauge a number times, and there is at least 6 gallons in the tank when the needle is directly on empty (about 50 miles of travel), and about 100 miles of travel between 1/4 tank and the empty mark. I have no qualms about running down to 1/8 tank by the next gas station, and close to empty if going another 20-30 miles gets me home. I generally will fuel up any time a good opportunity (low price, easy access, etc) comes along below 1/3 tank, and we always fuel up for the night unless we can plug in so we can run the generator if we need to.
In areas with high temperatures during our travel, I do not let the level fall below 1/3 tank, so I can run the A/C if we get stopped somewhere unexpectedly.
Hey, I'm a glider pilot - we live on the edge constantly while flying :D
Hey Eric
"I've checked my gas gauge a number times, and there is at least 6 gallons in the tank when the needle is directly on empty (about 50 miles of travel), and about 100 miles of travel between 1/4 tank and the empty mark. I have no qualms about running down to 1/8 tank by the next gas station, and close to empty if going another 20-30 miles gets me home"
Your post reminds me of the episode of Seinfeld where Kramer was test driving a new car for Jerry. He wanted to see how far he could drive when borrowing Jerry's car so he wouldn't have to waste money on expensive fuel.
I always wondered why people run out of gas, like were they so busy on the phone or does the fuel gage not work? Who knew it was a sport? :D
Regarding fuel pump failures and low fuel levels, I seem to recall on the "Click & Clack" radio program them saying that low fuel tank levels contribute to fuel pump failure of in the tank fuel pumps. Their explanation was that the fuel actually helps keep the pump cool and low fuel and even worse, running out, can overheat the pump.
Fact or fiction? I see no reason to play russian roulette with my fuel level. As Joan would say, "YMMV"
Sreve K.
Our (USA) gas system is a 'wet' system IE water is introduced in the system. Most states have an inspection system to insure 'pure' or as 'pure' fuel as you can get. In Oregon we do not. We have a system to insure correct volume but not correct 'pure' fuel. Water can be introduced. So maybe the 'crud' at the bottom of the tank is water.
Regarding fuel pump failures and low fuel levels, I seem to recall on the "Click & Clack" radio program them saying that low fuel tank levels contribute to fuel pump failure of in the tank fuel pumps. Their explanation was that the fuel actually helps keep the pump cool and low fuel and even worse, running out, can overheat the pump.
We have winner, the fuel pump is cooled by the gasoline surrounding it.
This is especially true when driving in hot weather.
The fuel pump has its own pre-filter, which prevents junk from entering, plus, as Monti pointed out, the pickup sits above the bottom of the tank.
If there is enough water and/or debris, floating around inside the gas tank, that can reach the fuel pump's intake, you have bigger problems.
Water, accumulating at the bottom of the tank, is a bigger problem than crud. It is caused by either condensation in the tank or by getting a bad batch of contaminated fuel.
Water and the fuel pump do not play nice together.
A preventative is to occasionally run a can or two of water remover in the tank .
It is basically non-hydrated alcohol, which is water loving and will attach to water molecules, helping to remove them.
Amazon.com: HEET 28201 Gas-Line Antifreeze and Water Remover, 12 Fl oz.:... (https://www.amazon.com/28201-Gas-Line-Antifreeze-Water-Remover/dp/B0016GXNC4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486832626&sr=8-1&keywords=HEET+28201)
Larry
"...Water, accumulating at the bottom of the tank, is a bigger problem than crud. It is caused by either condensation in the tank..."
My dear ol' Grandma was a sharp women. She told me years ago to keep your gas tank as full as possible to prevent water accumulation through condensation and the formation of rust in the tank.
Wisdom is what gets passed down. Knowledge and experience are the seeds of wisdom.
Rats! All those naps in class didn't do me a bit of good. And where the heck did I put my smart pills?
Kent
Rats! All those naps in class didn't do me a bit of good. And where the heck did I put my smart pills?
I keep mine in my COFFEE cup!
"We have winner, the fuel pump is cooled by the gasoline surrounding it. "
This is especially true when driving in hot weather.
Larry
Yipee, I win!
Larry, I forget, what was the prize? I hope it's something for my LD like a new set of roof marker lights (round ones for an '03, or a can of Kwikee electric step lube.
Steve K.
Our (USA) gas system is a 'wet' system IE water is introduced in the system. Most states have an inspection system to insure 'pure' or as 'pure' fuel as you can get. In Oregon we do not. We have a system to insure correct volume but not correct 'pure' fuel. Water can be introduced. So maybe the 'crud' at the bottom of the tank is water.
well if there is water at the bottom of the tank that is what is going to the engine. As has been stated all these fuel pumps are bottom feeders.(How else could they work ?) The only exception is the generator which feeds up 2-3 inches from the bottom.
Garry
Water, accumulating at the bottom of the tank, is a bigger problem than crud. It is caused by either condensation in the tank or by getting a bad batch of contaminated fuel.
I've wondered if ethanol in the fuel will absorb water, carry it along when pumped to the engine, and disappear out the tail pipe, sort of like I imagine Heet, etc does. Because all the fuel I use in the RV has ethanol in it, I stopped adding the occasional can of Heet stuff long ago. No problems in over 25 years, and about 230,000 RV miles with the Ford V10.
My dear ol' Grandma was a sharp women. She told me years ago to keep your gas tank as full as possible to prevent water accumulation through condensation and the formation of rust in the tank.
In the past, fuel tank condensation was a serious problem before the fuel systems were sealed.
Today, it isn't as big an issue. More water is ingested in the fuel.
Larry