Schizophrenic Mileage
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Schizophrenic Mileage
First off, apoligies to anyone who suffers or know someone who suffers from a real mental illness.
Now, with that out of the way...I just got back from about a 3000 mile trip to the "outlaws" for the holdays. Rig is a '99 AWD 5.4L Expy. Recently had the trans (4R100) rebuilt. I tracked my gas mileage at every stop and was suprised by how much it fluctuated. The first 350 mile segment was into the wind at 70 to 75 mph and I got a whopping 9.5 mpg. This was the worst of the trip. The best was a 300 mile segment through the mountains and valleys of Northern Arizona. Most of that was done between 75 and 85 mph and I got 15.6 mpg!! The other gas stops averaged about 13.5 mpg. I drive with a pretty steady foot and usually exceed the posted limits, except in them little towns. I recall getting really good mileage (22 mpg) with my '97 2WD when I ran it around 85 mph too.
I'm not looking for any explaination....mostly this is for informational purposes, but it does seem a little curious that the faster you spin that 5.4, the better the gas mileage gets.
Scott
Now, with that out of the way...I just got back from about a 3000 mile trip to the "outlaws" for the holdays. Rig is a '99 AWD 5.4L Expy. Recently had the trans (4R100) rebuilt. I tracked my gas mileage at every stop and was suprised by how much it fluctuated. The first 350 mile segment was into the wind at 70 to 75 mph and I got a whopping 9.5 mpg. This was the worst of the trip. The best was a 300 mile segment through the mountains and valleys of Northern Arizona. Most of that was done between 75 and 85 mph and I got 15.6 mpg!! The other gas stops averaged about 13.5 mpg. I drive with a pretty steady foot and usually exceed the posted limits, except in them little towns. I recall getting really good mileage (22 mpg) with my '97 2WD when I ran it around 85 mph too.
I'm not looking for any explaination....mostly this is for informational purposes, but it does seem a little curious that the faster you spin that 5.4, the better the gas mileage gets.
Scott
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 285
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
To compute accurate fuel economy the fuel tank has to be filled to the same level as the previous fill. I ALWAYS fill so that the tank is completely FULL, no more can be added. When the fuel nozzle automatically shuts off I can usually get 10 more gallons in the tank.
I keep a log of MPG in an Excel dada base and make notes as to driving conditions.
I keep a log of MPG in an Excel dada base and make notes as to driving conditions.
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
I've found that the trip computer in my '06 is spot on with my fill calculations if I reset it when I fill up. Did you reset it every time? If not you're getting an average across multiple fill-ups. Also, where did you travel? If you went into an area that is required to use reformulated gas to meet clean air standards you can expect to get up to 15% less fuel economy.
Oh, thanks for the politically correct opening statement. All three of my personalities appreciated it...
Oh, thanks for the politically correct opening statement. All three of my personalities appreciated it...
