Glutton for punishment, 18.7 mpg

[Varn]

Actually I am pretty happy with the mileage of OD, my big van. 18.7mpg. It is my E150 Econoline. We drove it in June, August and this weekend, October. Each with 18 mpg. The van has always had a full back area as we have used it for business. The aero is stock. Mostly I have been making sure that the tires are at 51psi and keeping the mph at 52-53.

This year I have driven it less than 4000 miles. It has 50k miles on it now which isn't bad for a 2005. So far no repairs. Just oil changes, a new set of tires. Oh and a set of front wheel bearings costing a hundred or so.

Probably will fill the tank again in a few months. Most of day to day stuff is on bicycles and our pretty trusty 86 VW, getting 56 mpg.

[sszewczuk]

Originally Posted by Varn

Actually I am pretty happy with the mileage of OD, my big van. 18.7mpg. It is my E150 Econoline. We drove it in June, August and this weekend, October. Each with 18 mpg. The van has always had a full back area as we have used it for business. The aero is stock. Mostly I have been making sure that the tires are at 51psi and keeping the mph at 52-53.

This year I have driven it less than 4000 miles. It has 50k miles on it now which isn't bad for a 2005. So far no repairs. Just oil changes, a new set of tires. Oh and a set of front wheel bearings costing a hundred or so.

Probably will fill the tank again in a few months. Most of day to day stuff is on bicycles and our pretty trusty 86 VW, getting 56 mpg.

Thats pretty good mpg for what it is.

[NHRABill]

Have you looked at any custom Tunes for the engine? What tires are you running, I may be in need of new tires in a year and do some heavier towing seems the Goodyears I have on my Tahoe swell and start to shake when I inflate them to 50psi after they heat up, backed the pressure to 44psi and all is fine. I am guessing you have the 5.4 hypertech makes economy tuners maybe something to look at.

good luck and share any improvements you find

[Varn]

Hi
I have an ultragauge on it usually. It is a 5.4liter. I run cruise control on flatter roads. Cruising speed of 52-53mph @ 1600 rpm. Faster usually decreases the economy. Slower doesn't help on the flat although it helps on hills. I keep the load at 20-23%.

The tires are Hercules in a stock size, maybe 235xx16. I could get you their name if you want. They are rated at 44psi. The tires have a fairly aggressive street tread. It had some flat nice hubcaps standard. Two of them went off along the road somewhere. So we've just kept them on one side.

Not sure if I want to mess with the computer tuning Any links?

[Varn]

Next goal is 20 mpg. I am using the ultragauge on the two lane roads on on flatter roads just going on cruise control. My ultragauge showed 19.6. Miles divided by gallons used at pump was 19.47. A personal best on the Olive Beast.