400-Miles-per-Tank club

[unicycle]

Has anyone achieved this elusive goal? One problem is that you're prolly getting REALLY close to empty as you approach the end of your quest, and running out of gas is not fun (I've done it 3 times the past year in my old car due to a gas gauge problem (as well as my own stupidity)).

Well, today I was heading into my usual 80-mile drive, looking at 300 miles on the trip odo (since last filling up) and somewhere under a quarter tank left (two bars showing). I could have filled up in NY, but gas is 30 cents a gallon cheaper in NJ, so I decided to save $2.50 and to see how close I could come to 400 miles-per-tank.

I drove my usual 55-60 mph (my nickname should be Grandma) and even drafted a little ** anything to squeeze out a few more miles. I passed several stations in NY before reaching Jersey, and even there I decided to keep going a bit longer. The "1 Gallon" light came on, so I reckoned I had about 45 miles left in the tank ** enough to hit 400 ** but at that point my drive was about to take me back into NY (it's a weird route), plus I would be going over a bridge, so I did the prudent thing and filled up. I put nearly 8 gallons into the tank and saw that I'd gone 366 miles. I actually could have made it!

Basically, you need to average about 45 mpg in order to hit 400 on a tank. It's not impossible, but it's a bit risky and a bit impractical.

I'm actually happier about the fact that I've been averaging over 47 mpg the past two days (50 and 48). That's my reward for driving like my grandma.

[garys]

I'm waiting for the first 50 mpg average tank. I'm sure it can be done under the right conditions.

Anyone know of a road where you can travel downhill 300+ miles with a gas station at the top?

Actually, I think you could do it someplace like death valley where your close to sea level and you can get a tail wind. Places in the Midwest would also work. But a long slow lose of elevation would really help.

gary

[mvukovich]

The wife is getting 52 + mpg every week. She drives 55-60 mph 42 miles each way to work, one stoplight, no stop and go traffic. 4,600 miles on the car, no big hills or winding roads on her way to work.

[vanslam]

There are about 3 of these 400 club posts they should be merged into one. Dave 777 did close to 54 mpg, enough said.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by unicycle

Basically, you need to average about 45 mpg in order to hit 400 on a tank. It's not impossible, but it's a bit risky and a bit impractical.

46 mpg on fumes, 47 mpg more realistically ;)

[madbunny]

Ummm...I can't see how anyone would cry foul if you carried along a little 1 gallon can of emergency fuel in the "trunk". I realize it may smell depending on the can design, but shouldn't leak and it'll make that trek for 400 a little less risky.
I realize there's probably some "safety issue" with carrying fuel in a passenger compartment...standard disclaimer's apply.
I was actually contemplating something like this on a trip for the purpose of avoiding fillups in Oregon....it's crazy, I can fuel my own or anyone's airplane in Oregon, but not my own car.

-eric

[wahi]

The 1+ gallon reserve in the gas tank is basically your 'little 1 gallon can" albeit internal. Use it wisely...

[Tenn_Brad]

Originally Posted by unicycle

Has anyone achieved this elusive goal? One problem is that you're prolly getting REALLY close to empty as you approach the end of your quest, and running out of gas is not fun (I've done it 3 times the past year in my old car due to a gas gauge problem (as well as my own stupidity)).

Well, today I was heading into my usual 80-mile drive, looking at 300 miles on the trip odo (since last filling up) and somewhere under a quarter tank left (two bars showing). I could have filled up in NY, but gas is 30 cents a gallon cheaper in NJ, so I decided to save $2.50 and to see how close I could come to 400 miles-per-tank.

I drove my usual 55-60 mph (my nickname should be Grandma) and even drafted a little ** anything to squeeze out a few more miles. I passed several stations in NY before reaching Jersey, and even there I decided to keep going a bit longer. The "1 Gallon" light came on, so I reckoned I had about 45 miles left in the tank ** enough to hit 400 ** but at that point my drive was about to take me back into NY (it's a weird route), plus I would be going over a bridge, so I did the prudent thing and filled up. I put nearly 8 gallons into the tank and saw that I'd gone 366 miles. I actually could have made it!

Basically, you need to average about 45 mpg in order to hit 400 on a tank. It's not impossible, but it's a bit risky and a bit impractical.

I'm actually happier about the fact that I've been averaging over 47 mpg the past two days (50 and 48). That's my reward for driving like my grandma.

I posted this appx. a month ago.
Brad

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...html#post65754

[unicycle]

I thought I'd searched for this thread, too. So now there are three 400-gallon threads. Let's all ignore mine and hop onto Brad's from now on! No more posts here!

David