Tank for the record books: 1,435 mi/41.0 mpg
 

I can't help but be proud of myself for this last tank (filled up this morning). This is better than I would have ever thought possible. Here is the details:

Distance: 1,435.0 miles
Fuel Usage: 35.000 gallons
Key-On Time: 49 hrs, 42 min
Avg. temperature: 67 deg F
Dates: May 7 to June 15
Avg. in-cab mileage display: 43.92 mpg
Actual mileage: 41.0 mpg

The majority of these miles were back and forth to work: a total of 50 commutes. I filled up at the same station, same pump and both times the fuel level was visible in the filler neck (I have a 34 gal tank). The reason the fuel quantity is exactly 35 gallons is because I get a discount at that station for up to 35 gallons in one fillup (it will cut me off at 35 gal). If I run almost all the way to empty and then top off it works out perfect every time.

I've also verified my odometer with Google Maps.

This is in comparison to by previous best tank (my last one) of 34.14 mpg. Here are the things that helped me go from 34 to 41 mpg:

1) Better weather. This tank was, on average, 9 deg F warmer than the last as summer is approaching. In addition, it's been really dry here so there wasn't much rain.
2) Right near the end of last tank I switched my oil from 15W-40 conventional to 5W-30 synthetic.
3) Focusing like crazy on my driving style. I really started using more EOC, and trying to really focus on every trip (leaving the radio off, etc.) Over the winter my mileage had gone down a little because of the temperature so I think I'd started to get a little lazy.

I estimate the effect of each of the individual effects above had about an equal weight (~2-3 mpg each).

I'm pretty sure this hasn't been done before. I believe the 1,435 miles on one tank is an Ecomodder record--the previous best I could find was groar's 1,268.9 miles. While there's no way to tell for certain, I think it may also be a distance record for any pickup truck as well (with a stock tank). I suspect that 41.0 mpg may be a record for real-world mileage in a full-size pickup as well.

This also puts my 90-day/3-tank average at 36.3 miles per gallon, which is 6.48 L/100 km. To the best of my knowledge this is the first demonstration of L/100 km fuel economy that is lower than engine displacement (my engine is 6.7L).

Thanks to all the Ecomodder folks that have given me ideas, tips, & motivation!

:eek:WOW!

That's simply stunning mileage Dave, given WHAT you're actually driving.

What was your average speed ?
If it's high enough, maybe it's time to start working on those planned aeromods ;)

Average speed (based on distance divided by key-on time) was right around 29 mph. That's with my commute that's 40-50% in town and the rest rural highway (speed limits of 55-60 mph). When I'm out on the highway I typically P&G between about 40-55 mph. If I use Google Maps directions, an "average" person would average about 40 mph over the same route.

Aero mods are definitely on my to-do list. I've gotten so I can definitely feel it when there's a head wind, so if that affects me, the aeromods will definitely help. A belly pan id one of the next things I want to do.

Holy Cow man! I was about to post about hitting a few goals of my own, then saw yours and well maybe I'll just be quiet! I'm driving a CAR and can't get what you just did...yet. I'm getting closer. Good job!:thumbup:

You doing REAL P&G?

If that's the case then I feel better about my junker!

Awesome! :snail:

That's amazing, congratulations. I draw the line at turning off the radio, I'd go nuts.

Thats amazing dedication and effort.

regards
Mech

Stunning!! Congratulations!

Obviously you're doing it wrong, Diesel Dave. You're supposed to drive pickups at 60 MPH minimum and tailgate everyone, and pass them at 75-90 MPH. Jeez, can't believe I had to remind you.

Anyway congratulations, your accomplishment makes my car which was BUILT to get 40 MPG look bad!

Sorry, I simply forgot. I promise I'll do better next time.

Dang, that is some hard-core hypermiling right there. Wow. Congrats, man.

Wow... Well done...!!! :thumbup:

You've set the bar high (real high) for the rest of us.

>

Thats better than my current Honda Civic lol. Congatz. Thats amazing

Don't know how I missed this thread. Way to go, Dave!

That is seriously impressive! Good for you!

Guinness Book 2012 says, Greatest Fuel Range (on a single standard tank) is 1,526.63 miles in a VW Passat TDI.

Does this give you any more incentive:p:D?

Awesome numbers Dave:thumbup:.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SETS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST DISTANCE ON ONE TANK OF CLEAN DIESEL FUEL

1626miles, but they went on a 3day mileage run, not commuting to work

Oooooo. Bar has gotten higher. What do you think you could do simulating their conditions Dave? Got three or four days of vacation time to burn:D?

If I did, I'd spend it building my belly pan and aero cap :D

I've actually considered making the 1,627 mi tank my new stretch goal. Originally >40 mpg was my stretch goal. 1,627 would require 46.5 mpg (35 gal). That's a 13.3% improvement over the 1,435 mi tank.

I think it's possible for a couple reasons.
*First, my overhead average for this last tank was better during the second half than the first half (42.6 for the 1st half. 45.3 for the 2nd half). So, if I could do second half mileage for a whole tank, that would be a 3.1% improvement over the whole tank.
*I still have to switch my tranny fluid over to synthetic, and add a tranny pad heater. Together, I think ~2-3% improvement is reasonable for that.
*Third, I suspect a belly pan and aerocap should be able to buy me ~4-5% improvement each.

So all thogether, I think 13% improvement from where I am is possible. Now I just have to do it :D

P.S. I'm also loosing some miles on the odometer by using the ignition as my kill switch. If I get a kill switch in place I think I should also be able to gain 3-5%

Wow that's amazing. You need to make a training video so I can watch and study it. Congrats.

Update: I slightly bested myself with a 1,457.3 mile tank (41.64 mpg). This tank had some actual work in it (hauling around mulch and landscaping stuff) and quite a bit more non-commuting miles than normal (which typically hurts me), but I think the warmer temps offset that--we had a string of high 90 degree days and then a string of 100+ deg days.

More miles is more miles, no mater how you slice it:thumbup:.