I have owned two different Class C motorhomes, both on the Ford E450 chassis and both exhibited the same problem with filling the 55 gallon fuel tank completely.
I have found that after the fuel hose nozzle shuts off automatically that I can then get approximately 7 more gallons of fuel in the tank if I very carefully and slowly add the additional fuel manually. And I do mean slowly. Some pumps can't be operated slowly enough to add the extra 7 gallons but most can be. If done properly, you can add fuel right up to the point that you can see it standing 1" below the top edge of the standpipe lip
2002 Born Free 26' RSB Motorcoach
2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS Toad
whemme wrote: I have found that after the fuel hose nozzle shuts off automatically that I can then get approximately 7 more gallons of fuel in the tank if I very carefully and slowly add the additional fuel manually. And I do mean slowly. Some pumps can't be operated slowly enough to add the extra 7 gallons but most can be. If done properly, you can add fuel right up to the point that you can see it standing 1" below the top edge of the standpipe lip
What you're describing is the "normal" federally mandated vapor space in all U.S. gasoline tanks. It's supposed to prevent fuel losses from overfilling. Don't ask me why it has to be so large. On my 2003 E350, it's "only" 6 gallons. Theoretically, the tank rated at 55 gallons will contain that amount at this shut-off point, but I haven't tried to confirm that.
Some of the comments here suggest that's what some of the other posters are seeing too. However, there is another problem that some experience where the tank refuses to take more fuel at a normal rate when it's only half or two-thirds full, or can't be fueled at a reasonable rate at all. These usually come from a collapsed filler line or one that's been poorly re-routed by the coach builder.
I had an econoline, not an RV, just a regular Ford van. I had to stick just an inch or two of the pump thing into the input hole, and then set the pump on slow.
Pretty much a problem with alot of Fords--our work trucks -bucket trucks on F-53 chassis's had the same problem too
05 Trail Bay 27DS
07 Tundra SR5 4.7
00 Harley Electra Glide (My Baby)
07 Civic for cheap gas
Margarita machine---nothing better then sittin in the shade on a hot day sippin a Margie!
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