Gas Mileage-Fuelly February 06, 2017, 03:57:05 pm Wondering if anyone here uses Fuelly to track their LD gas mileage, and if so, what kind of mileage you are getting? Thinking about signing up:Fuelly - Track and Compare your MPG
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #1 – February 06, 2017, 05:58:49 pm Don't use it. A simple spreadsheet on my iPhone is what I use across 4 vehicles. I have a page for MPG, one for maintenance and one for weights. So easy to use.
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #2 – February 06, 2017, 07:00:20 pm I don't use it. But do keep track of mpg the old way in a notebook. On our last trip about 3400 miles. My 2002 26.5 MB averaged 8.5 mpg. This was traveling in mountainous areas.
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #3 – February 06, 2017, 07:35:08 pm Don't use that app. I use Google Sheets. Since I've owned this 2014 LD Twin King after 26,551.90 miles I average 9.85 MPGat the average cost of $2.84.
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #4 – February 06, 2017, 07:47:09 pm Shoulda mentioned - 1992 MB 460 engine. 8.09MPG. Drops to 7.8 in the mountains. Headwind can reducee it to 7.2. Like when I walked those 10 miles to school, there is never a tailwind nor downhill road. 4 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #5 – February 06, 2017, 08:15:07 pm 2014 27" MB 6.8liter V10 with 10,000 miles. Total average since day 1, 8.7 mpg mostly California mountains. Probably could be a little better but it's all dry camping and I get nervous with low fluids so I guess I'm doing ok from what I've seen here.Mark
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #6 – February 07, 2017, 09:38:26 am My wife tracks it with iOS Notes and a iOS Calculator, '88 MB 460 V8 5 mpg @ 65 to 70 mph. 6 mpg @ 55 mph.
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #7 – February 07, 2017, 11:05:56 am Mostly, I don't bother. It is what it is. 9mpg not towing is a decent estimating number to use.However, we just completed our first trip using I-70 from Denver to/ from Moab towing the Jeep behing the '15 TK.As you know if you have driven this part of 70, it is pretty much constant mountains at high elevations peaking out at 10,662' at Vail Pass.We averaged 7.3 mpg doing from 60-65 mph when possible, with the slowest speed right at 40 mph on the really big climbs at the higher elevations. Peddle to the metal kept us at 40. That was with a total weight of about 16,500#.Ed
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #8 – February 07, 2017, 11:14:22 am I've used Fuelly for several years, but our Lazy Daze is so recent that I haven't added it. It is a good reference and the large pool of participants provides a good sample size. The range is interesting at the tails of the distribution. One has to wonder how people get the really spectacular and really terrible fuel consumption at each end. The mode is usually spot on for most of my vehicles.Fuelly is useful to me because it includes members with older vehicles. There are 4 1978 Toyota Landcruisers and their mileage is just as lousy as mine. 'Just like the mechanic says, "They all do that".Harold
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #9 – February 07, 2017, 12:50:23 pm Just curious (seriously): what does one do with the "gas mileage" stats gained from whatever app, sharing, etc., that may be used to gather and calculate the data? Are the numbers just for information or simple curiosity, as a talking point, to try to improve one's mileage, to estimate or calculate trip costs, to possibly troubleshoot an engine problem? I'm probably in the minority (no surprise there!), but I've always been somewhat perplexed as to the reasons behind the question when asked "What kind of mileage do you get on that thing?" (And, this is usually the first question that people ask!) I can see wondering if there was a hole in the gas tank or a serious engine problem if the mileage was really out of whack, but otherwise, I just accept that the mileage on a heavy box with a big, fuel-sucky motor and a decidedly non-aerodynamic shape is going to need frequent and expensive feeding. The actual mileage numbers aren't an issue for me; if they were, the rig would find a good home! Joan 6 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #10 – February 07, 2017, 12:56:45 pm Quote from: JCT - February 07, 2017, 12:50:23 pmJust curious (seriously): what does one do with the "gas mileage" stats gained from whatever app, sharing, etc., that may be used to gather and calculate the data? Are the numbers just for information or simple curiosity, as a talking point, to try to improve one's mileage, to estimate or calculate trip costs, to possibly troubleshoot an engine problem? All of the above. 1 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #11 – February 07, 2017, 01:01:06 pm " I've always been somewhat perplexed...when asked "What kind of mileage do you get on that thing?" "And my typical response would be 'If you're going to dance you've got to pay the fiddler!' 3 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #12 – February 07, 2017, 01:35:08 pm We don't really keep very good track. The only time I can think of was when we wanted to see how much gas the generator was using when we were stationary for a week without hookups. Once the calculations were made, I'm not clear that we ever kept any meaningful stats after that.Mode of operation = look at the gas gauge.Scary number?Fill it up at the next opportunity!Write down the stats for posterity.Virtual hugs,JudieAdventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the WestToday: Sprouted Onion ****************************** 1 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #13 – February 07, 2017, 02:24:15 pm Joan, My gas gauge doesn't work. I figure about 8 mpg to figure out when I need to fill up. The old fashioned way.
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #14 – February 07, 2017, 02:43:51 pm Like Dollinsdale I keep an eye on miles to empty based on MPG. It comes in handy. I'm always telling myself how many gallons to a destination. And at 8 MPG average, when I'm in conditions where I'm getting 7, a 12% difference in MPG can matter in my sense of calm, so I like to know these details. I hate letting the tank go below 1/4, to me that's empty. Also If the MPG changes without an explanation like driving conditions I start looking for mechanical problems. This may just be mechanic ghosts talking to me. Someday I'll have a newer coach with a better computer than my brain. 3 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #15 – February 07, 2017, 08:13:16 pm 2011 TK, purchased new, information read out indicates 9.3 mpg. Towed Fiat 500 Abarth most of the 35,000 miles. Always drive between 55 and 60 mph.
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #16 – February 08, 2017, 02:10:13 am I concur with Joan and Paul. Usually between 9.4 and 10.1mpg. Depending on driving situation. Rarely over 70, usually 62-65 mph. Oxygenated fuel in Ca. during the winter, drops to 9.0 or so. Towning I drive slower and more carefully, so I lose very little mpg. Every hour of generator (Emerald II+) is about .8 gallons, but doesn't affect mpg. much because I rarely run it except for maintenance. Mostly just idle curiosity, unless It drops suddenly, then I start looking to see if anything is wrong. RonB
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #17 – February 08, 2017, 08:33:00 pm I have been using a free app called Gas Cubby (believe it may have been bought by the Fuelly folks). To get accurate averages you must be diligent about entering mileage, and full or partial when fueling. Mostly, my average hovers around 9 MPG; more or less depending on terrain, sometimes over 10. I generally drive at 55 MPH or less on highways, and 60 on the interstates. My rig is a 2004 Lazy Daze Twin-King with the 6.8L V-10, and no towd. Hope this helps.As for why track MPG... The app keeps track of costs, price per gallon, etc. And also has a section for maintenance items, like oil change. If there is a variation in normal mileage, then a check for the cause is warranted.
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #18 – February 08, 2017, 09:41:34 pm Being able to predict fuel consumption and range accurately is useful. Running out of gas in boats, airplanes, motorhomes, and SCUBA is stressful at the least and fatal at the worst. 1 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #19 – February 08, 2017, 11:32:48 pm I respect and understand all of the various reasons folks have for keeping track of the gas mileage on their rigs. I kept careful records for a few trips, found it didn't change much, and more important, I didn't really care. Money I spend on gas is well worth it for the satisfaction and pleasure I get when I'm traveling in my rig! 3 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #20 – February 08, 2017, 11:48:02 pm Quote from: Blueox25 - February 08, 2017, 09:41:34 pmBeing able to predict fuel consumption and range accurately is useful. Running out of gas in boats, airplanes, motorhomes, and SCUBA is stressful at the least and fatal at the worst.35 years as pilot taught me that gas in the pump was no good at 5,000 ft. Applied same to our 10 years of Lazy Dazing ... gas gauge doesn't go below 1/4 ... time refill, stretch, and change the air in our lungs!. 1 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #21 – February 09, 2017, 06:17:02 pm "Like when I walked those 10 miles to school, there is never a tailwind nor downhill road."Paul, you're not from north Missouri, but you seem to be channelling my little red-headed Mama (although the distance seemed to increase every time she told the story...) Lynne
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #22 – February 09, 2017, 10:43:43 pm Paul said, "I hate letting the tank go below 1/4, to me that's empty. "I agree, no relaxation when the needle goes below a 1/4!Jack said, "35 years as pilot taught me that gas in the pump was no good at 5,000 ft. Applied same to our 10 years of Lazy Dazing ... gas gauge doesn't go below 1/4 ... time refill, stretch, and change the air in our lungs!."As a rider in the back for 25 years, always glad to wait for the refuelers to finish and the maintenance guys to sign off on a problem!
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #23 – February 10, 2017, 02:07:15 pm To me ¼ tank is borderline critical!!! Not even your generator is going to work then.If you ever expect to make a trip to Alaska you had best learn to drive on the top half of the tank. That way you won't have to worry about sucking the crud from the bottom and destroying your fuel pump, one of the main reasons for their failure. 3 Likes
Re: Gas Mileage-Fuelly Reply #24 – February 10, 2017, 04:18:44 pm I have two criteria for my LD fuel tank. They are pretty much the same...Full when I head out AND Full when I come back home.Many of my adventures are local journeys within 150 miles from home base. Before I reach my destination, I Fill-Er-Up. This insures that if I need the generator I won't run into any issues for "getting outta Dodge" in a hurry if it's necessary.I use Gas Buddy on my phone to keep track of usable gas stations. Mostly Shell. My mileage is pretty stable. My gas Guage is my guide. On longer trips, once it hits 1/2 full I start looking for a Shell station. Works for me.Kent 2 Likes