Horsetrader
Albany, Ohio
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Joined: 08/05/2007
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We jusr got back from our annual trip to Murfreesboro Tenn. Fuel milage down and half way back was 12.5 MPG. filled up in Lexington and when I fueled up this morning hand calc. was 15.3 MPG. Could this be fuel quality? Nothing else changed 55-62 mph. same type terrain, no weather change. 3 MPG seems like a hugh jump but all were hand calculated?
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mapguy
Puget Sound
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Joined: 09/02/2007
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Sounds like the normal difference between winter and summer fuels.
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hedgehopper
Denver
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Joined: 11/16/2009
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Every gas pump is different and the automatic shutoff is not consistent from pump to pump. If, on your final fill-up, the pump shut off too soon and you bought a lot less than a full tank, the calculation could indicate an incorrectly high value.
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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More likely is that the last part of your trip is mostly downhill.
It is very unusual that both ends of a trip are at the exact same elevation. Usually it's "uphill" one way, and "downhill" the other way.
Check a topographical map.
2002 Chevy 3500 DRW 8.1L/Allison
2000 Palomino B1500
...and the reason why I need a DRW to haul a Palomino:
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Photog101
Garden City, Michigan
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I have had similar problems with the fuel shut off, due to the differing pumps and the angle at which my truck is sitting at the pumps. Some have different angles fore and aft and tends to shut off the pump earlier. That is why I do not rely on the difference between one fill-up. I keep a running log. Then if I see a radical difference, I start looking for a problem.
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1997 Veri Lite RL1200 on a '02, K3500, CC, DRW, 8.1L, Allison, 4.1 gears, Bridgestone 225/70R19.5 tires.
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jchall
Mystic, CT
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Joined: 10/24/2007
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Higher Cetane diesel will improve your fuel economy as well. Maybe you got some good fuel instead of the typical US rotgut.
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skipbee
Glen Arm,Md. 21057 USA
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We have noted significant differences in fuel consumption caused by many variables. Head winds, hills (up hill poor, down hill good), high revving,(we were taught that keeping the tack at and below 2000 rpm) increased our mileage considerably. We usually operate at 62 mph and find many truckers (Owner operators) and others running together at reduced speeds to save fuel. Being vigilant by maintaining proper air pressure in the tires helps a good bit also. We have gone from 11.5 mpg to 13.5 mpg consistantly by changing our driving habits. We also use all synthetic lubricants in our truck. I don't think fuel quality is much of a factor, but from many years as a boat captain, I learned to buy fuel only from places that pump alot of fuel, which prevents water contamination from condensation.
skipbee
2004 F350 Diesel CC SRW 19.5" Rickson W/T 4WD
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DWeikert
York, PA
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I have to admit that I noticed similar MPG differences in my trip to Yellowstone last fall. One tank I'd average 11.5, I'd fill up and get 13+ on the next tank. Both MPG and gallons used on my truck computer have always been very close to hand calculated, and I always fuel up until I see fuel in the neck after waiting for the foam to settle several times. Within 10 miles of a fill up I could tell if it was going to be a good or bad tank.
That's not to say head vs tail wind or hill vs level weren't variables, but even similar driving conditions I noticed some fuel seemed to run better than others.
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saltamontes
la, ca
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Joined: 05/06/2004
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here in so cal, people who know even refuse to put arco fuel in their lawnmower. (its that bad)
mom/pop/costco-type retailers supplied from the "common rail" at the port (very spotty quality)
best fuel: chevron
07 f350 srw shortbed 4x4
06 Northern-Lite 8'11" Q
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ticki2
NH
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Joined: 07/09/2008
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hedgehopper wrote:Every gas pump is different and the automatic shutoff is not consistent from pump to pump. If, on your final fill-up, the pump shut off too soon and you bought a lot less than a full tank, the calculation could indicate an incorrectly high value.
In addition it makes a difference how fast the pump is going . A fast pump will shut off sooner due to splash back .That is why on some trucks with a small fill pipe it is almost impossible to use the big rig nozzles , they pump too fast .
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'02 GMC DRW D/A
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