Very interesting discussions and I get the rural state concerns and have driven across WY, MT many times. Having owned 5 jeeps (when my 22 GCL arrives soon) and several luxury SUVs (Lexus, BMW, Mercedes) fuel estimates are constantly all over the map. I don’t really find FCA vehicles outside of the wide margin of error that typically is built in to these estimates. I do endorse the 1/4 tank rule just to be safe. I also think that the fuel pump ages faster when consistently being in low fuel situations. I have a BMW 3 series where the fuel pump failed due to this situation.
With regard to mileage estimates and driving situations, I think these are huge factors that contribute to the margin of error. Yes, hills, highway vs. city driving make a difference…sometimes a massive difference. Also, road surface is a factor. Friction robs plenty of power from a vehicle. AWD, FWD, 4WD also has an effect. Yes, that stuff is built in to the stated MPG numbers, but, the variable is driver behavior. With selectable AWD or 4WD, how often that is switched on and off also makes a difference. Lastly, gas octane, ethanol mix, weather (humidity) also has an effect on how efficient the engine is. Clean, intaking dry air is optimal, but not a reality.
I am by no means an engineer, just a car enthusiast. In this case, your mileage may vary (YMMV) is relevant and just a fact of internal combustion life.
I did explore getting a full EV and hybrid before my GCL purchase. Take this thread discussion and multiply it by 1,000. Talk about estimates and accuracy of charging….all over the map. And the map makes a huge difference. Winter in Wisconsin just destroys any rational estimates of a charge, primary reason I chose not to go that direction..
With regard to mileage estimates and driving situations, I think these are huge factors that contribute to the margin of error. Yes, hills, highway vs. city driving make a difference…sometimes a massive difference. Also, road surface is a factor. Friction robs plenty of power from a vehicle. AWD, FWD, 4WD also has an effect. Yes, that stuff is built in to the stated MPG numbers, but, the variable is driver behavior. With selectable AWD or 4WD, how often that is switched on and off also makes a difference. Lastly, gas octane, ethanol mix, weather (humidity) also has an effect on how efficient the engine is. Clean, intaking dry air is optimal, but not a reality.
I am by no means an engineer, just a car enthusiast. In this case, your mileage may vary (YMMV) is relevant and just a fact of internal combustion life.
I did explore getting a full EV and hybrid before my GCL purchase. Take this thread discussion and multiply it by 1,000. Talk about estimates and accuracy of charging….all over the map. And the map makes a huge difference. Winter in Wisconsin just destroys any rational estimates of a charge, primary reason I chose not to go that direction..
There's an expansion reservoir that isn't really meant to be filled (but you can if you go slow), and I'm guessing that might be 2-3 gallons. Lat time, the auto-stop on the pump allowed 22.5 gallons, which might bring me to 23 gallons, and if the expansion reservoir is 2-3 gallons plus the filler neck (filling slowly to top off), that's how I assume I get to 26 gallons of fuel, meaning the totally full capacity, if you ran it dry, might be 26-27 gallons (with the expansion reservoir and filler neck).
Nevertheless, the gauge is not remotely accurate if I can put 17 gallons in with it showing a bit over half a tank. Even if you subtract 3 gallons for the top off, that's 14 gallons at over half full indicated, which would equate to a 28 or 29 gallon tank instead of 23. That's a pretty big error. How long have we been manufacturing gas gauges now? Sheesh.
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