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StuartT · 05-07-2018, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark D

I have a silverleaf system in the fuel settings you can see the gallons left in tank and that number is adjustable by changing a setting. What I did was filled up when it was 1/4 tank, it was more like a half tank.

I kept pushing it and now when I show zero gallons I actually have 15. My tank is 150 gallons so we will push it if we can make a cheaper state for fuel.

All that said I can get half a day of driving after a low fuel warning.

That was really one of the things I was hoping for in asking the question. Not how safe you play it; not how you fill up everytime you go 50 miles and the gauge reads 7/8's; not why you shouldn't do it. Rather, do you manage your useful fuel availability and do it with confidence. The other was to hear some funny stories about having mud on your face.

For many of us, getting distance under our belt without the hassle of fueling anymore than necessary is worth pushing the gauge, even though every once in a while it causes some puckering. Mark, you have managed to plan your fuel destiny and you know exactly where your limits are. Bravo!

Tha_Rooster · 05-07-2018, 10:32 AM

I might hit empty in cars but in MH never.

DaveG39 · 05-07-2018, 10:43 AM

I look in the truck stop app as I plan a drive and bracket places about half tank (400 mi) then have choices and no stress. I look at about 100 mi each way from the 400 mi point.

Dbrown57 · 05-07-2018, 11:13 AM

I would not want to go below 1/4 tank. Most class A rigs get 8-10 miles per gallon and typical distance between fuel stops is 40-50 miles or more depending on where you are. The 1/4 of a tank level if you have a 80gal. tank leaves you 20 gals to find fuel and not have to worry about running out. So pushing E is not a good idea. Even if you had between E and an 1/16 a tank you may not make it to a station 50 miles away.

SewFishy · 05-07-2018, 12:11 PM

Can't say for sure. We went below empty on our tank in Maine and the fuel low warning light came on. We managed 18 miles to Dysarts in Bangor So maybe around 2 gallons on a 100 Gallon tank. We won't be doing that again. One doesn't want to run diesel engines out of fuel.

Waiter21 · 05-07-2018, 12:19 PM

Never did this in the MH... I like to keep it above 1/2 so I'll have access to the generator in case I need it.. 72 gallon tank, I think the most I've ever put in it to fill it up was about 40 gallons..

As for my cars, yes, I like to run it empty right after I get the car so I know where the completely empty point is. I have a 5 gallon can of gas with me when I do it..

I don't like to run the cars below 1/4

StephenW · 05-07-2018, 12:25 PM

In the mid 70's, I had a 1965 Thunderbird convertible in college that would run for about 100 yards after the low fuel light came on. That cured me of waiting for those warnings. 42 years later and I still miss the sound of that 390 engine with glass pack duals.

gerdutch · 05-07-2018, 12:38 PM

I panic past 1/2 tank. Dont ever want to suck air in the genny or diesel engine...!

WorldCat25 · 05-07-2018, 12:46 PM

I have a 100 gal diesel tank. I've driven it twice to the low fuel light and filled up shortly after. It's never taken more that 70 gals and I fill to the very top.

Don't know whether to be pissed that it's not more accurate or not.

TriMoot · 05-07-2018, 12:47 PM

As soon as it hits 1/2 a tank I start looking. It 'appears' easier on the wallet that way and most usually I'm ready for a break then anyway.

Ivylog · 05-07-2018, 05:00 PM

I was told I had a 150 gallon tank when I bought my 04 Dynasty and back when the gauge actually worked I did not heed the warning light. Thought I had another 200 miles when it stopped in sight of an exit...was able to roll to a stop out of traffic. Thought I was going to have the DW push me with the toad to the exit but the pickup is on the right side and cycling the key picked up enough fuel to get me to the station at the exit. Put 120 gallons in and ever since I keep track of # of miles and fill at no more than 700 miles.

1ciderdog · 05-07-2018, 05:14 PM

Never, don't want that possible problem. I have a range of well over 500 miles but somewhere between 350 and 400 I'm looking for fuel. When I was a kid my dad told me it is easy to keep the upper half full and then you don't run out of gas (like I did often as a teenager.)

Waiter21 · 05-07-2018, 05:18 PM

Fortunately, my bladder has about 1/2 the range of my fuel tank.. So we stop every 3 hours or so.

lakewoodpaul · 05-07-2018, 05:35 PM

Im always thinking that the fuel pumps in these newer vehicles are electric and are in the bottom of the fuel tank. I think they depend on the fuel to keep them running cool, so its in the back of my mind that the lower the level of fuel, less of the pump is submerged and less cooling there is. Not sure if this is true but????? I know that electric motors don't like excessive heat, and don't know what the heat rise of that pump motor is.