I never let my tank get below 1/4 before stopping at the next station, running 87, and wouldn't you know it, my gas light came on twice between Minneapolis and Denver, taking 35, then 80, then 76. I was pulling a LOADED 5x8 enclosed Uhaul. I got lucky twice. All it takes is for one station to be closed to leave you stranded, so I wouldn't get below 1/3 on the tank, or bring some extra. OK hope this helps, because running out of gas really really sucks.
Pulling a trailer? Better bring some extra gas!!!
- Thread starter thor999
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Somebody posted it here, I recall it being 24 miles? I actually ran out of gas 6 years ago, coming from Cali to Denver, like 14 miles West of Wendover, NV. Had to wait 3 hours for some dude to wake up, drive there, put 3 gallons in my tank and charged me $200 lol. Kinda wished I had AAA then
If I fill up right after the light comes on I get 16 gallons every time. I've heard you shouldn't run your tank to near empty on a regular basis because it can cause excessive wear on the fuel pump. Not sure how valid that is, but I head for a gas station when it gets below 1/4 tank.
Scramble
New member
That was mostly for older cars or cars that have the possibility of the pump running dry. Our tanks have a gallon of unusable gas at the bottom so our pumps cant run dry. I've been running it to E & then filling it up for 17 years without any issues. That procedure keeps the gas tank clean & free from condensation.
Roc Doc
New member
Mine comes on with over 5g in it, so something is wonky with the sender I thinks. I use the Scanguage to give me a better idea of how much I have left.
TXLX1
New member
I haven't figured out my gas gauge yet either. I know when it just reaches half tank mark, it's burned 6 gallons. I'm not comfortable knowing the trucks range yet since I use it in varying configurations and driving conditions. I've got anywhere from 14mpg completely loaded to 23mpg empty and running slow. I figure I'll fill up between 225 and 250 miles on a tank to be safe. Dual gas jerry can holder in the works, that should keep me safe in the bush!
Bradshaw23
New member
I haven't pulled anything with my 3rd gen yet, but I intentionally ran out of gas a few weeks ago and drove 65 miles with the low gas light on. Got 275 miles to the tank and put 17 gallons in it after.
When I towed a 20' Bayliner with my '91, I'd get ~12 mpg, but it had other problems that probably contributed to that.
When I towed a 20' Bayliner with my '91, I'd get ~12 mpg, but it had other problems that probably contributed to that.
frodiesel
New member
Saw this too late. I wasnt lookin at my mileage and it was registering above 1/4tank on the fuel gauge. Middle of nowhere 99 degrees out between two gas stations in rural arkansas hills with spotty service. Somehow got 3.1 miles to the gas station but man running out is stressful. 18.68gallons at the pump.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Mine does the same thing, has about 3-4 gallons left when the light turns on. EXCEPT ONCE. I had gone the same amount of miles but once it got low it started to jerk a bit after leaving work. I immediately got off the freeway and frantically looked for a gas station. I found one and made a direct path for it, being easy on the throttle.
I literally rolled into the gas station as my 4Runner shut off and consumed the last drop of fuel.
Ever since then I don't assume I've got 3-4 gallons left when the light comes on. I always wondered how people were dumb enough to run out of gas in the middle of a city. I guess that's how.
I literally rolled into the gas station as my 4Runner shut off and consumed the last drop of fuel.
Ever since then I don't assume I've got 3-4 gallons left when the light comes on. I always wondered how people were dumb enough to run out of gas in the middle of a city. I guess that's how.
fan of fanboys
New member
reading this thread is funny for me
I currently do not own a 4runner, I own a '14 Jetta TDi but with the dieselgate and buyback my plan is to get rid of TDi and buy a 3rd gen 4runner cash (no car payment!!)
But I have a 14.5 gallon tank, fill ups are usually 12-13 gallons and 13 means I ran it for 60ish miles after light came on and that 12-13 gallons gets me 540-600 miles ha
I average 42mpg but when I am on highway I average 48-50mpg. A recent trip to edisto was 53 mpg, my best yet.
So while I will be stoked to have no car payment and have a vehicle I can do a lot of the work on myself I will def have to adjust stopping at the gas station more often and my mpg being cut in half (or more)
I currently do not own a 4runner, I own a '14 Jetta TDi but with the dieselgate and buyback my plan is to get rid of TDi and buy a 3rd gen 4runner cash (no car payment!!)
But I have a 14.5 gallon tank, fill ups are usually 12-13 gallons and 13 means I ran it for 60ish miles after light came on and that 12-13 gallons gets me 540-600 miles ha
I average 42mpg but when I am on highway I average 48-50mpg. A recent trip to edisto was 53 mpg, my best yet.
So while I will be stoked to have no car payment and have a vehicle I can do a lot of the work on myself I will def have to adjust stopping at the gas station more often and my mpg being cut in half (or more)
I think yes, I need to do this, that last 1/4 tank according to the gauge sure goes quick!!! I also have a scanguage ll and will be reading the instructions more thoroughly now to get a better understanding of my consumption. Well, hopefully this thread helps someone from running out of gas, especially in Arkansas lol
A.Wilson013
New member
Mine used to be like that. However, when I replaced my fuel pump I cleaned the little contact board for the sender and it's spot on. I love seeing how quickly I run out of gas!
Joe Z
New member
Get this book...."The Next Exit"
https://www.amazon.com/Next-EXIT-20...&qid=1470460576&sr=1-1&keywords=the+next+exit
I've crossed the country five times in the last few years towing a trailer and this book is "Always" with me. You know the feeling, you have 1/2 tank of gas and think you should stop for gas while you see a busy exit...... This book will tell you what is at every exit in front of you (including food,hotels etc)
Read the reviews and decide.
They have an app for the phone but i find the book is easier to use while driving
https://www.amazon.com/Next-EXIT-20...&qid=1470460576&sr=1-1&keywords=the+next+exit
I've crossed the country five times in the last few years towing a trailer and this book is "Always" with me. You know the feeling, you have 1/2 tank of gas and think you should stop for gas while you see a busy exit...... This book will tell you what is at every exit in front of you (including food,hotels etc)
Read the reviews and decide.
They have an app for the phone but i find the book is easier to use while driving
Last edited:
