Uhaul? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MadisonMPG · 07-12-2009, 03:49 PM

Fuel-economy gauge... what is it a tach or vacuum gauge.

RH77 · 07-12-2009, 03:56 PM

It looks to be vac gauge but not sure.

My theory is that they're trying to preserve the engine with lower RPM operation -- when I rented a Ford E-350 Penske Box a year or 2 ago, I noticed that it was quick to downshift into high revs on hills. Since it didn't have cruise, it seemed easier at times to keep the foot to the floor and let the governor be the control. Not very efficient, BTW.

RH77

MadisonMPG · 07-12-2009, 04:09 PM

Yeah I just looked it up, it is a vacuum gauge.

i_am_socket · 07-13-2009, 12:45 PM

Interesting. You would figure if they want to save the engines, they should get engines better suited to the task of hauling.

Rented a Uhaul once that was a 1980's toyota pickup truck cab with a box truck welded onto the back. Had to floor it the whole time to stay near highway speeds (not even at, just near) and it slowed down like crazy going up slight hills. And that was before I loaded it up.

Clev · 07-13-2009, 04:45 PM

Even if it's for the wrong reasons, it's still very cool. Those suckers drink a lot of fuel.

gone-ot · 07-16-2009, 10:53 PM

...anybody remember back when Detroit used to have those vacuum gauges installed in many models? I recall seeing them in some Chevelles and Mopars...don't know about Ford or AMC though.

Who · 07-17-2009, 12:05 AM

On the Class 4 Penske trucks (22' and 26')they should actually have a real true FE monitoring system... it's built in but who knows if it is displayed. They aren't OBD though... no ScanGauge.

roflwaffle · 07-17-2009, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_am_socket

Interesting. You would figure if they want to save the engines, they should get engines better suited to the task of hauling.

Rented a Uhaul once that was a 1980's toyota pickup truck cab with a box truck welded onto the back. Had to floor it the whole time to stay near highway speeds (not even at, just near) and it slowed down like crazy going up slight hills. And that was before I loaded it up.

That's the uhaul truck I grabbed last time I (thought) I needed something. It was a dog, but I got 23mpg, which was pretty good IMO for an automatic box on wheels. Can't say I'd do it again though, their per mile costs are outrageous.