How accurate are the gallons in fuel tanks ?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by b947, Dec 19, 2019.

  1. b947

    b947 Light Load Member

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    Aug 25, 2017
    san bernardino california
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    I have 2 50 gallon tanks. I have been filling them up when the light turns red and have even ran it longer I have a spare tank in my toolbox in case it runs out completely trying to know how far the truck can run before it’s complete out. Every time I fill them back up I pump about 85-88 gallons . Being a new O/O It’s just some information I’d really like to know about my truck . Could it be that it really only fits 90-95 gallons?
     
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  3. Upinsmoke

    Upinsmoke Medium Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2019
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    The gauge is weighted so you don't run out of fuel.
    Not real smart to run your tanks low..but just keep running them to empty and let us know..
     
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  4. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    Feb 6, 2016
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    The gallons marked on the tanks are 95% of the actual tank capacity. I have 2 100 gallon tanks on my pete and have ran it down to where Ive put 195 gallons in but I also fill my tanks to where its just about to run out of the filler hole. Depending on the fuel blend, pump rate, and style of nozzle I can normally get 5-10 gallons more into the tank after the nozzle clicks off.

    I’d say your running them to about as empty as I’d wanna run them on a normal basis.
     
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  5. Spyro2112

    Spyro2112 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 17, 2018
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    The tanks are turned alittle, and u can't fill to top, yes maybe 10 gallons short on each so figure 40 gal times fuel mileage,,,,, figure 5
     
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  6. shatteredsquare

    shatteredsquare Road Train Member

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    middle dirt
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    With two 70 gallon tanks, I pushed ~100 miles past the light coming on, and topping off only put in like 115 gallons or something. The next time I tried it I wasn't as lucky. I don't push it below 1/4 tank anymore.
     
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  7. Spyro2112

    Spyro2112 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 17, 2018
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    So the light comes on, how many gal r still n tank.......... The manufacturer sets it at a certain , same n your car,...... DON'T!!!!!! DON'T!!!!! EVER go by your Gage, use a stick of some kind or just fill up at a certain mileage
     
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  8. b947

    b947 Light Load Member

    98
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    Aug 25, 2017
    san bernardino california
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    Thank youGuys for the response. I’ve only ran it low two times which is why I was wondering. But I usually fill up at a quarter tank left as well. Plus the miles I have driven per trip and trip fuel economy where not adding up . And one of the times I ran low diesel was 4.32 in a small city up in the hills and it was 3.29 about 60 miles down .
     
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  9. shatteredsquare

    shatteredsquare Road Train Member

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    odometer is best way to go, if you are really curious carry some extra diesel somehow and run it dry, then you'll know exactly what you can get away with
     
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  10. Spyro2112

    Spyro2112 Medium Load Member

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    If that's your milage, I'd think About a different truck, or learn momentum
     
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  11. tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    Oct 29, 2007
    Northern Ontario
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    I wouldn't want to run it that low but get yourself a stick and measure the tanks when that light comes on to know how much is left at that point.

    Those are small tanks and your fuel mileage seems pretty bad. Just curious, what are you driving?
     
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