How low on fuel?

[Mark31]

How low on fuel do you get before you fill up? Just wondering about aeration and heat build-up etc. Maybe run a little lower in cooler weather? Would like to hear what you do and why. Thanks!

 

[B.G. Smith]

I usually add/refill when it gets near a quarter tank on the gage but I have 90 gallon tank in bed so I usually have fuel available. Mine will hold about 27 gallons when the bell rings on low fuel so tank still has 7 or 8 gallons left. bg

 

[phantomusa]

I cant read my gauge cause the needle covers the empty mark ??

 

[jgillott]

I usually purchase when the gauge is showing between 1/4 and 1/8 tank. No specific reason. That's just when I happen to purchase it.

As mentioned above, the low fuel light on my trucks come on at approximately 7-8 gal left in the tank.

 

[NIsaacs]

It is rare for me to go below half. I have the VP pump so I figure the more fuel I have the cooler it runs and it does. I have a temp gauge on the inlet and can watch the difference between full and half. It is easer for the lift pump also. I do the same for the car too and the '91. However my Bobcat is always running out, no gauge

Nick

 

[JR]

However my Bobcat is always running out, no gauge

Nick

Do I need to come out there and find a suitable stick for you :-laf
Newer equipment tends to put the fuel tanks in more precarious positions that require funky necks so it's not quite that simple anymore but I remember sticking the tank on many tractors on the farm growing up.

I personally never go below quarter on any vehicle. The fuel pumps rely on the fuel for cooling and as mentioned diesel tends to foam a bit so quarter tank it is for me....except this weekend . I ran about 40 heavy towing miles past the low fuel light to get home (long road trip, returning home late at night with no open fuel stations). I was surprised when my 31 gallon tank only took 26 gallons the next day. Good to know there is a reserve but rather not rely on it.

 

[JR]

Unrelated and sorry for the rant, but I freakin hate the small tanks on the new trucks! My 98 had 35 gallon tank with an aux 25 gallon tank which could get me some miles. If there's anything I "mod" on this truck it will be the fuel tank. And perhaps a 2 low kit. Other than that it's been great so far.

 

[jeepit]

I usually fill before it hits 1/4 tank. Been doing this VP was replaced many years ago.

 

[mwilson]

Between 1/2 and 1/4 tank for me.....as stated above the fuel is needed to cool the in tank pump...

I do violate the rule with Hoopty on occasion, I manage to trip the low fuel alarm about twice a month. But the fuel pump can be accessed through the trunk so I'm a bit more daring with it. The other vehicles I own, no way.....

 

[DaveHess]

I start looking for fuel at 1/4 tank. I have a 35 gallon factory tank so that means each quarter is a tick under 9 gallons of fuel. In worst case scenario that means I have approximately 90 miles to go to the "E" mark (9 gallons at 10 mpg). I do this method fairly consistently and results in a fill up of about 27 to 29 gallons of fuel. There is the budgetary side to this as I know about how much cash to carry based on my total miles needed to travel and the 27 to 29 gallon fill up. On top of that, my bride and I love to plan trips and we are able to predict our fuel stops to within about 30 miles while travelling cross country with the TT. Combine this information with books like "The Next Exit" and it makes our fuel stops a little fun and easy. It definitely keeps the "seat cover" in the passenger seat busy and content. She does this for rest areas too!

 

[jhenderson]

I try not to go more than 50 miles after the " low fuel" light comes on.

 

[sag2]

I try to use it all up unless I know I can get it cheaper if traveling. When I was working and driving get the diesel's I would almost always take 28-30 gallons. I never worried about the fuel getting hot. The pump is made of metal.

 

[Blu-meanie]

I ran mine to the "Low Fuel" when I did the tank vent mod. I was about two miles form home when the light came on and when I dropped the tank there was less than five gallons left. It is unknown how much of that is usable but I wouldn't feel comfortable looking for a station while towing. I carry a five gallon container just for that reason. I fill up around 300 miles when towing.

 

[Mark31]

A buncha years ago, my wife "one-upped" you. She would run her Buick until the needle had to look up to see empty. I finally got her to understand after much screamin and hollerin that under no circumstances was she to call me when she ran out of gas! So how does she pay me back? I had the oil drained out of my 80 Chevy (Olds) diesel truck and got on the tractor. She, rather than pump some free-to-her gas, she hunts up the truck keys and goes a mile and a half before it comes to a halt. i put a gas 350 Olds in it. We lived through it, but BARELY!! LOL!!

 

[Mark31]

I cant read my gauge cause the needle covers the empty mark ??

A buncha years ago, my wife "one-upped" you. She would run her Buick until the needle had to look up to see empty. I finally got her to understand after much screamin and hollerin that under no circumstances was she to call me when she ran out of gas! So how does she pay me back? I had the oil drained out of my 80 Chevy (Olds) diesel truck and got on the tractor. She, rather than pump some free-to-her gas, she hunts up the truck keys and goes a mile and a half before it comes to a halt. i put a gas 350 Olds in it. We lived through it, but BARELY!! LOL!!

 

[phantomusa]

I run mine down to the empty mark all the time I do have the intank pump and i know once i hit empty I better be looking for a fuel stop because if i can run another 15 miles it will be outta fuel

 

[The patriot]

I've run my factory tank 100+ miles after the low light came on.
I have a 60 gallon bed tank that's always full, otherwise I would NOT have done it.
fwiw, I still had a few miles on the factory tank when I switched....