Low fuel level warning

jeepfreak · 10-04-2011, 05:54 PM

Just got back from a long weekend in Vermont (boy did they get hammer by Irene) and had the dash computer set for "miles to empty" when the gauge reached the red zone and set off a beeping tone and went to the "low fuel level" message, now, that prompted a few choice comments from the co-pilots seat but I think I saw that I still had over 100 miles to empty but could not get back to that message. So just listened to some not very nice comments from my right all the rest of the way home. The gauge was at the bottom of the red and just about to hit the E when I filled her up. It took only 63 gallons. Anyone ever run out. It seems I was worrying for no reason.

oemtech · 10-04-2011, 07:16 PM

I think I did 67 gals once....

edgray · 10-04-2011, 07:33 PM

Like you, I've been concerned after getting the message on the LCD, and while it "may be premature, it has probably saved a few of us from actually running out. I've not been too "upset" when it took less to fill up

Ed

UFO Pilot · 10-04-2011, 07:53 PM

My first RV was on a W24 chassis and had an 80 gallon tank. My 1st long trip was up Hwy 5 to Medford, OR. The low fuel warning started when I was still quite a ways from Medford with no gas stations in sight. I held my breath and continued on to Ashland. When I filled up it took 66 gallons, I figured the warning must have started with at least 20 gallons left. At about 7 MPG I guess they want to give you as early a warning as possible.

The UFO chassis has a 100 gallon tank and the low fuel warning level has never gone off. The most I have ever pumped in has been less than 80 gallons.

Mr JP · 10-04-2011, 08:08 PM

I ran it down to bottom one time & boy was the comments flying at me !!!! The first question was what is that alarm??? Then why are you shutting the A/C off?? Then i can not repeat the rest !1 LOL. I stopped at the first station and it took 71 at normal shut off and I was able to squeeze another 3 or 4 into it. That was a nervous time in the trip. I have not done that again !! Good Luck JP

Max Hubrich · 10-04-2011, 08:30 PM

Running that low on fuel, other than the obvious, can create another problem.
All of our fuel pumps are submerged in the bottom of the gas tank. They need to be submerged in the cool fuel to prevent pre-mature failure due to running hot or overheating.
I can't see any advantage to run below 1/4 tank. If the rig quits running for some reason, now your stuck with no generator either.

It might even keep the right seat calmed down- I know that one

!

40GnTX · 10-04-2011, 08:45 PM

My low fuel warning is when the genset turns off at 1/4 tank. When that happens I get an earful from the better half!! So, we tend to fill up just before we hit 1/4 of a tank.

MickBrennan · 10-04-2011, 08:46 PM

We ran out in Kentucky. It was really a PITA and it will not happen again.

Here is a story about this incident.

UFO Pilot · 10-04-2011, 08:48 PM

I try and fill up at about the 1/2 tank level. It doesn't feel as bad on the pocketbook.

Jupiter · 10-04-2011, 09:18 PM

Our previous MH had a 75 fuel (gas) tank. I tried to make it home one time to fill up at our local station. I pumped 73.5 gallons into the belly of the beast

Needless to say, that was too close for comfort and will not likely ever happen again

Joopy

oemtech · 10-04-2011, 09:23 PM

I agree with Max.... Mostly I start looking at 1/4 tank. If I am traveling I fill before stopping for the night or fill before I hit the road in the am. IE - I try to start the day with a full tank.

DriVer · 10-05-2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oemtech

I agree with Max.... Mostly I start looking at 1/4 tank. If I am traveling I fill before stopping for the night or fill before I hit the road in the am. IE - I try to start the day with a full tank.

Me too! I always fill at night before coming off the road or the very 1st thing in the morning if it's too late. On my last trip from Virginia, my T2 (zeroed on previous fill) showed some 450+ miles between fill ups. I took on approximately 60 gallons of fuel showing that I am getting 7.5 MPG.