What's your MPG?
I must admit, this doesn’t sound like any fun at all...
I suppose it’s down to how you define “fun”...
I recently did an experiment on fuel consumption. I don’t normally use cruise on the motorway and probably travel 70+ most of the time. Even on very long runs i was averaging 32MPG based on a brim to brim measurement.
Anyway, i made a trip to CRS recently to get my suspension changed. Both on the way and way back i used cruise, set at 60MPH the majority of the time, there was a section of roadworks at 50MPH. On a brim to brim calculation this trip returned a whopping (for me) 39MPG. However............odometer recorded 329 miles round trip, my battery monitor recorded 345 for the same trip. THis difference will be due to the change of wheels from standard 16” to 19”. Recalculate using what is perhaps the more accurate figure of 345 and i get 41MPG. I think this echoes the point that others have made that the vans are very sensitive to how they are driven. It also shows the changing of wheels will have an impact unless you match rolling circumference very closely.
Anyway, i made a trip to CRS recently to get my suspension changed. Both on the way and way back i used cruise, set at 60MPH the majority of the time, there was a section of roadworks at 50MPH. On a brim to brim calculation this trip returned a whopping (for me) 39MPG. However............odometer recorded 329 miles round trip, my battery monitor recorded 345 for the same trip. THis difference will be due to the change of wheels from standard 16” to 19”. Recalculate using what is perhaps the more accurate figure of 345 and i get 41MPG. I think this echoes the point that others have made that the vans are very sensitive to how they are driven. It also shows the changing of wheels will have an impact unless you match rolling circumference very closely.
Since i got my van (T30 150 Manual on standard 16") I've been trying to work out the best way to drive it. This morning i got my best drive to work mpg of 37.7 over a 10 mile trip on 2 x 30mph towns about 3 miles and a 40-50mph winding Devon road of about 6 miles. All the other days it's been 33 to 36mpg, the difference this morning is that I generally drove at a bit of a higher rpm and staying one gear lower when (say 2k rather than sitting at 1.5k)
Changing suspension and wheels next week!
Changing suspension and wheels next week!
T28...long runs 56mpg, legal speeds always.
I’ve done 83k now and never managed to get more than 28mpg on average. Up London on slow journeys drops to 23. Even on the M4 50mph section keeping at 50 I can only get 38. I’ve tried all combinations even the premium super grade fuels, Coast mode, empty load area and light use of throttle and brakes. Has been checked at servicing and all ok. Its the only disappointing thing about the van.
@John the Gas From the pic in your avatar I can see a roof rack and what looks like a tube carrier. That isn’t going to help the aerodynamics.
Thats true but I’ve done a few long trips without the roof bars and tube and there is hardly any difference to MPG. I have to say I am amazed that some people can get 40+ MPG. I was doing a 60 mile round trip journey for a few weeks and 75% of it was at a constant 50mph and the best I got was 36 on a tankful. I don’t consider myself having heavy left foot either. I’m seriously considering a manual for my next one. Just had a new turbo and egr fitted along with full service so will see what difference that makes.
Fuel economy.. A T6 is a big lump of metal often with fat tyres extra batteries and other campervan bits and bobs and with a rolling resistance of a brick.....so getting anything over 30mpg is amazing unless you’ve taken the advanced driving course and could get better...for those that worry about it just think of the places it takes you to ..the nice people you meet and the fun you have 
I did 2 x 120 mile runs up the A1 and A roads to/from Northumberland and York and the computer gave me 55mpg and 56mpg from my T28 PV, although I was carrying an Exploria bed and numerous large household items the equivalent of a camping trip.
Exceeded my expectations economy wise, but I have actually done a police advance driving course
Exceeded my expectations economy wise, but I have actually done a police advance driving course
Navyboy75
Member
Afternoon all. New to the Forum as not long had my 2014 DSG 140 Caravelle. I'm interested in your thoughts. Mine doesn't have the seats in the back at the moment and on the motorway CC set at 70 after filling up gave just 90 miles and the gauge was at 3/4. Surely this can't be right, 90 mile to a quarter tank. No A/C was on or heated seats. Just driving. Thoughts please. Recently had an engine service.
I think you’ll need to be a bit more precise when calculating fuel consumption, I don’t think the fuel gauge gives an accurate or linear scale.
Fill to brim, note milage, run tank low, fill to brim (if possible on same pump), now knowing how many litres (convert to gallons) you filled and how many miles since the previous fill you can calculate MPG.
Once you get over 60mph, mpg starts to plummet due to aerodynamics. Cruise control is an inefficient way of driving too. It can't anticipate up or down hills as well as you can with a gentle right foot. Assuming you have a 70litre tank, 15litres used will take the gauge down to about 3/4, (mine takes 60litres at the top of the red) that works out at 27mpg. I'd say that's about average for the conditions.
Navyboy75
Member
Cheers for your reply dubber36. When I head home it will be on the same route. Not had the van long but sure its a 80 ltr tank. I'll drive down using my own foot as well see if that makes a difference. The van is empty in the back and I'm looking to convert it. So with all the extra weight in the back this will also effect consumption.
Guilty! I like nothing more than to wind the Blackberry Bomber up 2000rpm and warp factor 60, put the cruise on......put my slippers and smoking jacket on and enjoy life in the slow lane whilst sipping vpower at a very gentlemanly 50mpg.
