HEADS UP: Trip computer correct - we ran outa gas!

[TeryT]

On a recent trip towing the trailer in my sig, we ran out of gas. I was watching the trip computer and it went to zero. I had told my wife that it wasn't an issue, because it always had a couple gallons to spare. But very soon after the thing said zero, it was ZERO - fumes! Call AAA with egg on face! :wtf: :dammit: :cursin:

Moral of the story is that normal operation is not the same as towing. The trip computer was actually pretty accurate while we were getting 10 MPG towing!

 

[Casper]

sorry to hear man, but i generally trust those things

 

[TeryT]

sorry to hear man, but i generally trust those things

"Trust" or distrust?

 

[greasefingers]

I ran mine down to 3 miles once. But I do not remember how gas it took to fill it up
Sorry to hear about your dilemma.

 

[charlier180]

Moral of the story is that normal operation is not the same as towing. The trip computer was actually pretty accurate while we were getting 10 MPG towing!

First of all, sorry to hear about your running out of gas.

I too have found that when towing the trip computer is MUCH more accurate than when not towing. After my second towing trip this summer I began not pushing my luck when it came to miles left until Zero.

 

[greasefingers]

Many old school mechanics

 

[kimboy]

To see sludge, I watch the Discovery Channels show "Dirty Jobs" THats enough to keep me topped off most of the time.

 

[TeryT]

To see sludge, I watch the Discovery Channels show "Dirty Jobs" THats enough to keep me topped off most of the time.

While I certainly prefer to not run out of gas, I thinkI have better things to do than keep it topped off. Seems like two extremes, but I know some people just prefer it that way.

So both extremes (running out of gas & topping off) would seem to be time wasters. JMHO (H stands for "humble")

 

[pokerface]

I generally dont like to drive with the warning light lit either. Usually try to get it topped up after it hits the 1/4 mark.

 

[tkr128]

Sorry to hear you ran out of gas. I ran mine down to 8 miles last time and still only filled up with a little over 20 gallons. I guess they're calibrated differently. I generally go by the fuel gauge though and fill up before or as soon as I can after the light comes on.

 

[charlier180]

While I certainly prefer to not run out of gas, I thinkI have better things to do than keep it topped off. Seems like two extremes, but I know some people just prefer it that way.

So both extremes (running out of gas & topping off) would seem to be time wasters. JMHO (H stands for "humble")

I too prefer not to run out of gas but I also do not top off my tank either. When towing I usually start looking around for a gas station when the gauge gets to 1/4 tank especially if I am in an unfamiliar area.

Since I started towing this year I noticed that there are a number of gas stations that are literally impossible for me to fuel at due to the size of my rig and the physical setup of some stations. Say whatever you will but I prefer easy-in, easy-out when it comes to refueling and towing.

 

[boston_kevin]

Sorry to hear about the outta-gas... Computer picked a bad time to be accurate, but hey, it figures that's when it would be accurate (according to Murphy's Law)...

Good thing for AAA and those gas cans. When I'm towing, I never go below 1/4 tank, because you never know what you'll find (if antything) when you really need it.

 

[GYoter]

The range meter is off by a good amount. I have driven like 30-35 miles with it reading zero and when i filled it took just over 22 gallons. So i figure mines got 40 or so miles with it on zero. When towing i tend to make sure it doesnt get that low cuz i get like 8-10mpg and i dont want to risk running out.