Spartan Update
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Lead Foot User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Spartan Update
Just completed another trip with the Spartan and am still as impressed as the day I installed it. I towed home my new toy (65 Mustang), roughly a 750km trip of fairly flat driving with some moderate hills along the way and a combined weight of around 5000lb for car and trailer. I always run my truck on the 275 tune and keep a close eye on all gauges while doing so. I set my cruise on 70 mph and didn't look back the entire way home. Now I know that is not much weight to pull for these trucks but I had TONS of power for passing and the truck handled the hills like they weren't even there. Hand calculated mileage when I got home came out at 15 MPG. I have been running the Spartan set up for 73,000km now and am still impressed with how my truck performs. I still consistently get 17-18 MPG (Hand Calculated) unloaded and that is at 80-85 MPH, not bad for an 8000lb truck that will smoke most vehicles off the line!!
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Lead Foot User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
I think that has a lot to do with the inconsistency of these trucks. I've heard stories of guys getting 20 MPG stock and other guys who get 9 MPG stock and those are both unloaded on the highway. And I hear the exact same stories from the guys that are running tuners, it seems it's impossible to get anything consistent with these motors. It's unfortunate that the tuner didn't work as well for you but I guess that's just the way it goes, believe me if I had a secret I'd pass it along.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Kingsland, GA
Or perhaps the actual load being towed. For instance, I don't think if you take identically configured trucks, one towing 5000lbs of car and trailer and the other towing a 5000lb travel trailer, that the fuel mileage will come out the same. Wind resistance (aerodynamics) can play a large role....
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Jeffersonville , Indiana
Or perhaps the actual load being towed. For instance, I don't think if you take identically configured trucks, one towing 5000lbs of car and trailer and the other towing a 5000lb travel trailer, that the fuel mileage will come out the same. Wind resistance (aerodynamics) can play a large role....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Georgia
Technique perhaps? Terrain, I always get poor mileage but in the rockies I got really poor mileage. Tires and wheels, maybe, And the one that really impacts me, surface wind.
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Lead Foot User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Or perhaps the actual load being towed. For instance, I don't think if you take identically configured trucks, one towing 5000lbs of car and trailer and the other towing a 5000lb travel trailer, that the fuel mileage will come out the same. Wind resistance (aerodynamics) can play a large role....
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Brett Foote
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: oswego, new york
That would play a role in the mileage difference when towing but it does not explain the differences in MPG while unloaded on the highway. And I know driving habits will be a big part of that but I definately DO NOT baby my truck and I get good results. I know guys that drive alot slower than me and are lighter on the throttle and they can't get close to the mileage I get. That is the part that remains a mystery to most of us.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Georgia
And the one nobody mentioned: Fueling to the same level each tank. I know I don't have the patience to fill to the top of the inlet. I go till the pump knocks off then I feel my way for a bit but I don't think I'm good enough to get it exact each time. I could be a gallon or more off. That would skew the numbers for one tank, but I don't think if we are doing a long term average like I did on my summer trip it would make much difference.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: oswego, new york
I can get about 4 gallons in after the pump shuts off. And I always do it unless the weather is very nasty.
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Lead Foot User
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
I've got the Titan tank which fills to the top before kicking out, I always see fuel in the filler neck before I stop filling so I know it's full every time. It sure beats standing in the cold weather trying to squeeze in those last 4 gallons.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Georgia
Sorry guys, I'm just not that patient. First time it sloshes out the filler pipe I'm done. I know by now that the mileage isn't gonna get any better so I don't bother checking it anyway. Besides, I try using my 3 step approach to a better feeling about fuel mileage when I can. 1. I have a 60 gallon tank so it's further between fill ups. 2. I never look up at the numbers on the pump. 3. Just tear off the reciept and shove it in my pocket or hand it to wifey, never never read it.
I feel better already.
I feel better already.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: oswego, new york
yeah brandon, spoon feeding that thing when it's cold out stinks! I've considered getting the titan tank, but am a little concerned about losing ground clearance as I do a bit of off-roading come hunting season. And to you Stanley, that's probably the best way to go, don't even consider figuring your mileage 'cause you know it sucks anyway.