During my long drive my thoughts roamed to... (1 Viewer)

JJ

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Being Billy No Mates, I had plenty of time to talk to myself on the recent drive down to Portugal and I found myself asking myself questions.

Now, with a little time spare, I will put these weighty matters at the feet of the Wise Ones who so willingly share their knowledge on this great site.

Firstly. Is it more economic to drive your motorhome without ever filling the fuel tank more than half full and thus avoid using unnecessary fuel just to transport that "extra" fuel in your tank?

If it is... then maybe "half full" is less economic than a "third full" or a "quarter full" etc.

What would the most economic amount to put in at each "fill up" given that one would have to calculate the wasted fuel used in slowing down and speeding up again at each fuel stop...

:)

(and this is the most sensible question... more to follow!!!)

JJ
 
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Feb 22, 2008
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I feel a headache coming on :Doh:

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pappajohn

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Being Billy No Mates, I had plenty of time to talk to myself

and we know were that leads, dont we?.....answering yourself, then arguing about it but at least you will always win:thumb::roflmto:

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geoff1947

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it's when that other bloke starts to argue back, that you know you have problem :Eeek:
Don't know the answewr to your question!
 

ArenqueRojo

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Don't forget to take the increased evaporation into account when running with near empty tank:winky:
Now you've got me worrying about it.
Take Pappajohn's advice - turn the radio up till you can't hear yourself think.:shout:
Patrick
 
Feb 22, 2008
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I never talk to myself , can't get a sensible answer ::bigsmile:
Have a good trip JJ and you can be sure it will stop when the tanks empty :Cool:

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hilldweller

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Firstly. Is it more economic to drive your motorhome without ever filling the fuel tank more than half full and thus avoid using unnecessary fuel just to transport that "extra" fuel in your tank?
JJ

Theoretically yes of course.

But how much ? If your vehicle is 5 tons = 11200lbs and you've 100gallons = 800lbs then is 400lbs going to be significant, it's 3.5% not much at all.

BUT e=mv^2, the energy you are carrying at speed is a square law so backing off speed is going to make a significant amount more saving.

To carry of from pappaj - put in no fuel and stay still and you won't believe the savings.

NEXT.
 

vwalan

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jj. all you can do is trial n error testing. i can say if i load both my tanks up it makes no difference (noticable).i do know that if i fill up just before portugal i save a few bob and may not even fill up at all there. in my other truck i had 3 tanks, i could get from maroc to santander without filling. i normally filled near ribadesella on the north coast arriving back in uk with over 500ltrs of cheap spanish fuel .much better than half filling and paying uk price. course you need a good payload. you could try adding old engine oil etc to your diesel many do ,i cant be bothered but am willing to add it after an oil change. got to get rid of it some how. cheers alan.

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scotjimland

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I generally run from full down to 1/2 tank then fill up ..

Two reasons

* Less chance of running out.
* Reduced or little tank corrosion ..

Conversely , running from 1/2 to near empty,

* High risk of running out
* You will get tank corrosion in the top of the tank

jim
 
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I think I remember from one of the Auto papers years ago after one of the fuel shortages it was worked out that 3/4 full tank of fuel worked out best ....but then years ago smoking fags was OK !!!

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JJ

JJ

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Just as I thought everyone... brilliant answers... and I can honestly say that I agree with every single one of them :) :)

Thanks

... and so inspired by your help on that question onto the next one which, if I am allowed, I will do on another new thread...

JJ
 

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