Better Than Expected MPG While Towing Across Country

[Fivecodys]

We just completed a trip from Central California to Yellowstone & Grand Tetons.
When budgeting for fuel I assumed 8.5 to 9.0 MPG as is our usual when towing to our regular haunts (150 to 200 mile trips).
We filled up in Nevada and several times in Idaho & Wyoming during this trip. We started averaging 13.4 mpg.
I was thinking maybe the computer was fouled up but I checked it manually and it was right on.
Is it possible Nevada, Idaho, & Wyoming diesel fuel is better than what we get in CA?



What has been your experience?

[Hoopy Frood]

13.4 according to the lie-o-meter is possible, but actual mileage will be lower. A lot depends on speed, elevation, wind direction. I once got a little over 14 towing downhill with a 30 mph tailwind. That was figured pencil and paper, actual mileage.

[Fivecodys]

Hi Howard,
This was a mix of mountain and valley driving and as I mentioned, I was checking it manually and it was pretty close.
This was over the course of 2,000 miles so it was not a computer error.
Interesting huh?

[Hoopy Frood]

Yeah, that's pretty phenomenal. It's rare that the lie-o-meter and actual paper and pencil figures agree. It's never happened to me. It's not computer error, just the way the numbers are figured. Anyway you look at it, higher numbers are better.

[uwskier]

I notice that above 4000 feet of elevation, I get better MPG with my gasser also. Less air resistance. Above 5000 feet, I can get the same MPG going 70 MPH that I get going 62 MPH at sea level.

[Fivecodys]

Ok, well that makes sense.
It was also really interesting towing at 72MPH across Nevada, Idaho, & Wyoming and being passed by commercial truckers!
I had never pulled the trailer above 62 MPH until then. IT was a bit un-nerving at first but I got used to it pretty fast.
It was tough to go back to 55MPH (I usually go 62 mph like the trucks) when we got back into CA.
BTW Nevada, Idaho, & Wyoming roads are so smooth compared to the crappy roads here in CA.

[jleonard]

Yeah, that's pretty phenomenal. It's rare that the lie-o-meter and actual paper and pencil figures agree. It's never happened to me. It's not computer error, just the way the numbers are figured. Anyway you look at it, higher numbers are better.

My lie o meter is way off also compared to hand calculations so it must be the way Ram programs the computer. I think I read somewhere that it averages only the most recent 300 miles or something like that.