BrucePerry
Cornwall NY
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Joined: 07/17/2007
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All the literature and spec sheets for my 2011 American Revolution 42t say I have a 150 gal fuel tank. I've been suspect of that, as the first few fills the fuel it took didnt match to what the gauge was reading. (in other words if gauge says 1/2 tank I would expect to pump 75 gallons but that never was the case). So this last trip I ran it down low, even let the low fuel light come on, and the computer said I had less than 100 miles to empty. Filled her up, right til the fuel could be seen in the fill tube. Took 118 gallons.
I'm thinking it only holds about 130 gallons. Not a big deal I know, just curious if anyone else has noticed this in their coach? I was going to call spartan chassis this week.
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squeakkos
parker az
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Joined: 03/06/2005
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same thing ran mine till the light came on and i drove awhile and could only put 120 gal in. I think they make do that so you don't run out.
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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The Federal Highway department only allows the fuel tank to be filled to 80% total capacity. So a 150 gallon tank should only be filled to 120 gallons and will be at 80% full.
If you measure the fuel tank, you can determine it's "Water Capacity" the overall cubic feet of water that can fit into the tank. My guess is the water capacity is 150 gallons, and the actual capacity is closer to 120. Perhaps 135?
Yes I do know a guy who can get 38 gallons into his 33 gallon tank, and wants me to modify the fuel filler to let out more air, and then the tank can hold in more fuel. I thnk I would be happy to put in 100 gallons at a time, and a normal pump will only put out 8 gallons per minute, so even waiting 10 - 15 minutes for 80 gallons is trying for me!
The truck filler lanes can deliver closer to 25 gallons per minute, and they also will put in a bit of foam into the tank at that high speed rate, so expect to hold a little less overall fuel, but still have a faster fill time.
Fred.
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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You probably have a tank that would hold 150 if you could completely fill it!! But there is always some space in the tank that is not going to be filled, usually 10%(+). Besides, your total usable gallonage is probably down around 130.
Edit - Fred pretty much nailed it!
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Mr.Mark
California/Tennessee
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Joined: 09/24/2006
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Once I see fuel in the filler neck, I can get another 10 gallons in at least. Our gauge seems to be pretty accurate. If the fuel gauge says 1/2, I can pretty much put in 75 gallons in our 150 gallon tank.
Depending on the fuel station, I will tilt our coach towards the passenger side with the air bags so I can put more fuel in the tank. On one of my recent fills at the Texaco station at the Arizona border just before you enter California on the I-10, their truck pumps have a strong slant to the passenger side. I filled up and was able to drive 150 miles before the needle moved off of full. Normally, I expect about 100 miles before the needle moves.
I realize one of my most dislikes about RVing is fueling up. I just don't like it. So, I try to fill up as much as possible so that I can drive further between fuel stops.
MM.
Mr.Mark 
2008 Monaco Dynasty, 42.2 ft., 4 slides, 425 hp clean-air Cummins diesel
2013 Honda CR-V EXL, AWD, w/Nav, SMI Air Force One vacuum-assisted braking
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WillieD
Louisiana
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Joined: 01/14/2006
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I'm in the business of drilling for oil. I love to read post like this where fellow RV'er are discussing purchasing fuel. After all that's what keeps me going down the road when I'm not at work.
Happy Travels
WillieD,MaryLee,and Sid
Fleetwood Excursion 40X & 2011 Colorado 4X4 Toad
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s79vette
Twin Lake.Mi.USA
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Joined: 06/03/2003
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Where is the DOT ruling that says I can only put 80 gallons of fuel in a 100 gallon tank??
2003 Gulfstream Ultra Supreme Ford V10 2004 Jeep Liberty, Blue Ox, Brake Buddy
Online with Inspiron
A member of http://www.gsowners.com
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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Joined: 06/30/2004
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A lot of the big Monaco DPs have a very short fill tube that is lower than the top of the tank. I've found that by leaning the coach to the right side I can put another 20 gallons in. If I lean it to the left it wants to burp out some fuel about the time it's full. The bottom of the fill tube is lower than the top of the tank by over an inch. I would not overfill it if I'm going to park it in a few miles as it needs some room for expansion.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
04 Monaco Dynasty 42' quad slide
Where am I?
How I tow.
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I am still wayne_tw
everywhere
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Joined: 06/18/2009
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Golden_HVAC wrote:The Federal Highway department only allows the fuel tank to be filled to 80% total capacity.
There is no such ruling in any Federal agencies.
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tgobob
Titusville, FL, USA
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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I believe that the only fill to 80% of capacity pertains to propane, not diesel or gasoline. First, fuel gauges are notoriously inaccurate. Second, you have no way of knowing how far above the lowest point of the fuel tank the pickup tube is. You could easily have 15-20 gallons left in the tank when you "run out of fuel". I have a 150 gallon diesel fuel tank. My low fuel light comes on when I still have 43 gallons left in the tank. What I don't know, and am not likely to find out, is how much of that 43 gallons I can actually use.
tgobob
Titusville, FL
2003 Allegro Bus
350 HP Cummins ISC diesel engine
Freightliner chassis
Age is a state of mind. Think old and you are old. Think young and you're still old.
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