Trip computer DTE setup
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Joined: Mar 2014
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From: OKC
glc, here is what I'm after.
1. I want to know exactly what is in the tank.
2. I want to know exactly how much fuel is burned each mile based on a running average of about 40 miles.
3. I want to know exactly how many miles are in the tank.
The computer has the ability to tell me those things. I have been getting that information on my BMW motorcycle since 1991 when I sold my first trip computer (Fuel Plus). I sold 600 units over the years and have had feedback from many of the owners.
I'm not wanting to run out of fuel, quite the contrary. I do want to instantly make a decision to stop or not stop for fuel as I see the road sign for the distance of coming towns on the highway. It's a simple comparison of DTE and miles to the town ahead. No calculations in your head to do just decide where to stop. Been doing it for 23 years.
I now own a truck that has a trip computer but what I'm hearing is confusion about how to use it and Ford has not provided any documentation on it's use that I can find. I'm trying to determine if I can get what I just described from Fords computer.
Scarlet's description indicates a much shorter average distance than the stated 500 miles. I want to know how he had it set up to get that. As I stated before the tracking of trailers makes no sense. Consumption is consumption with or without a trailer attached. It should calculate range based on consumption and what is in the tank. No other information is needed.
Scarlet's experience with the range going high is to be expected under the conditions he described. Here is what can happen after traveling on the highway and exiting for fuel. If the exit ramp runs into a service road and there is some distance to the fuel stop with no lights or stop signs the consumption drops (increase in economy). The most economical speed is about 35 mph as long as there are no stops. The increase in economy is rolled into the average and the average consumption decreases. The tank is filled and the new range seems high. It is high and you will not achieve it but not a problem. It's when the tank get lower that the calculation is more important. If you are making your decision while cruising the calculation is spot on. If on rare occasions you find your destination fuel stop is close to the DTE then slow down. You can gain a little range by slowing especially if you have been running fast. It's all relative of course. I am not recommending putting that situation to the test but knowing it could occur and you can roll up to the pump with the engine running is comforting. Like I said I have done it a few times. Sunday drives in the country can result in stations being closed that are open during the week.
As for dirt being picked up in the fuel and damage to fuel pumps I have heard that for 20 years. Any dirt in the tank will find its way to the filter regardless of how much fuel is in the tank at any given time. The theory of dirt concentrating in the fuel is false . I never got a report of fuel pump problems from my customers. They gave me good feedback on the product. When the pump starts pumping air the engine stops running and the control stops the pump. I ran my truck dry two days ago as stated before. After putting two gallons in it started without hesitation. That tells me the fuel pressure came up as quick as it does with a full tank.
Here is my point in a nutshell. In the process of running my first tank full dry the DTE went to zero and I noted the odometer. I drove 66 miles on what should have been a near empty tank. By calculations of the stated economy of 15 mpg says it must have had 4.4 gallons in it. If left as is the effective capacity of the tank would be 32.4 gallons. If you don't know what's in the tank you don't have it available to use. I want to know what's in the tank, now I know. I will never run out again until I buy another vehicle with a trip computer. The only times I have run dry was on purpose, last time two days ago.
My first new truck was an F250. Kept it for 17 years. My (now old) K2500HD Duramax I have had for 12 years. GM says 36 gal tank, actual 34.7 gal. I will have the F-150 for a long time. I want it to serve all my needs including keeping me rolling down the highway.
I'm looking forward to getting the most out of my new F-150. Accessories are due in this week and should get put it into service sometime next week.
I apologize for the rant but I'm excited about the truck. I'm sure you know what I mean.
1. I want to know exactly what is in the tank.
2. I want to know exactly how much fuel is burned each mile based on a running average of about 40 miles.
3. I want to know exactly how many miles are in the tank.
The computer has the ability to tell me those things. I have been getting that information on my BMW motorcycle since 1991 when I sold my first trip computer (Fuel Plus). I sold 600 units over the years and have had feedback from many of the owners.
I'm not wanting to run out of fuel, quite the contrary. I do want to instantly make a decision to stop or not stop for fuel as I see the road sign for the distance of coming towns on the highway. It's a simple comparison of DTE and miles to the town ahead. No calculations in your head to do just decide where to stop. Been doing it for 23 years.
I now own a truck that has a trip computer but what I'm hearing is confusion about how to use it and Ford has not provided any documentation on it's use that I can find. I'm trying to determine if I can get what I just described from Fords computer.
Scarlet's description indicates a much shorter average distance than the stated 500 miles. I want to know how he had it set up to get that. As I stated before the tracking of trailers makes no sense. Consumption is consumption with or without a trailer attached. It should calculate range based on consumption and what is in the tank. No other information is needed.
Scarlet's experience with the range going high is to be expected under the conditions he described. Here is what can happen after traveling on the highway and exiting for fuel. If the exit ramp runs into a service road and there is some distance to the fuel stop with no lights or stop signs the consumption drops (increase in economy). The most economical speed is about 35 mph as long as there are no stops. The increase in economy is rolled into the average and the average consumption decreases. The tank is filled and the new range seems high. It is high and you will not achieve it but not a problem. It's when the tank get lower that the calculation is more important. If you are making your decision while cruising the calculation is spot on. If on rare occasions you find your destination fuel stop is close to the DTE then slow down. You can gain a little range by slowing especially if you have been running fast. It's all relative of course. I am not recommending putting that situation to the test but knowing it could occur and you can roll up to the pump with the engine running is comforting. Like I said I have done it a few times. Sunday drives in the country can result in stations being closed that are open during the week.
As for dirt being picked up in the fuel and damage to fuel pumps I have heard that for 20 years. Any dirt in the tank will find its way to the filter regardless of how much fuel is in the tank at any given time. The theory of dirt concentrating in the fuel is false . I never got a report of fuel pump problems from my customers. They gave me good feedback on the product. When the pump starts pumping air the engine stops running and the control stops the pump. I ran my truck dry two days ago as stated before. After putting two gallons in it started without hesitation. That tells me the fuel pressure came up as quick as it does with a full tank.
Here is my point in a nutshell. In the process of running my first tank full dry the DTE went to zero and I noted the odometer. I drove 66 miles on what should have been a near empty tank. By calculations of the stated economy of 15 mpg says it must have had 4.4 gallons in it. If left as is the effective capacity of the tank would be 32.4 gallons. If you don't know what's in the tank you don't have it available to use. I want to know what's in the tank, now I know. I will never run out again until I buy another vehicle with a trip computer. The only times I have run dry was on purpose, last time two days ago.
My first new truck was an F250. Kept it for 17 years. My (now old) K2500HD Duramax I have had for 12 years. GM says 36 gal tank, actual 34.7 gal. I will have the F-150 for a long time. I want it to serve all my needs including keeping me rolling down the highway.
I'm looking forward to getting the most out of my new F-150. Accessories are due in this week and should get put it into service sometime next week.
I apologize for the rant but I'm excited about the truck. I'm sure you know what I mean.