feul savers

Its called keeping the right foot up a bit and try and cruise in the 90k range instead of 100/110k zone you will be surprised by the difference. Keep up correct tyre pressures when on road both in the camper and Pathi. Depending on klms you have done I doubt a dyno will help. If you in the vicinty of 100k then it might be worth getting the injectors checked/done by a specialist. Other then that have a great trip. Regards Steve M

A well tuned engine will make sure it is efficient, but to be honest I think the way you drive it will have the greatest influence on fuel economy.

A reduction in highway speed can yeild a big difference especially towing a camper trailer.

Enjoy your trip.....

You could investigate the Diesel/Gas set up

http://www.eco-gas.com.au/

http://www.dieselgasaustralia.com.au/

These two systems have been around a while.

Filters.

Can make a 1 to 2l/100k difference.

Diesels (as with any engine) give better economy with clean air filters and clean fuel filters.

If travelling dusty roads, tap out the air filter every few days.

All good and sensible comment. Check with your local auto club if you are a member. I recollect they tested them some time back and surprise surprise found they did nothing to modern engines. The most obvious reason is that all modern engines are controlled by computers which deal with engine management on a millisecond basis. So there is nothing you can do to upset that environment. Unless of course you decide to spend somewhere over $1000 and put a performance chip in. These tend to bypass the vehicle manufacturers conservative engine management settings. Remember the manufacturer wants the engine to actually last and perform for its whole life which is normally expected to be well beyond 300000 kms for diesels in particular.

Cruising at 90 KPH, only carrying the load you need to, remove roof bars/racks unless necessary. Tyre pressures are an interesting one but in all the testing we have done anything over 40 psi, for your average 4WD or car, gives you no benefit at all. As well the higher you go above placard pressures then the greater the vibration and road shock that is transmitted and that can certainly make life very uncomfortable behind the wheel or as a passenger.

It is the rolling resistance of the tyre, not the pressure that is worth understanding. The wider and softer the tyre the greater the grip and therefore the greater the rolling resistance. Another example is fitting heavier tyres, eg 6-10 ply etc. These are significantly heavier so increasing rolling resistance and along with that fuel economy. As well if you fit taller tyres then the vehilce will be working harder to drive the taller tyre so again your fuel economy goes up. I don't know how many people I have met who have complained that something is wrong but have never made the connection between the fact that they just fitted LT tyres so increasing the weight by around, and additonal 15 kgs per tyre. Totals 60kgs for four tyres which is the same as adding another person to the car for it to carry around.

However if you have tyres that are the same size as recommended by the manufacturer then your vehicle's fuel economy should be within the normal range.

When towing you should try and match the pressures in the trailer to the vehicle.By this I do not mean having the same pressure in both car and trailer tyres. If you know the actual weight of your full camper trailer your local tyre supplier should be able to calculate a starting tyre pressure for it from his tyre specification book.

Regards

RobA

All good advice. One thing I can add is I have just gone to a lighter oil. 10/30 xt professional by castrol. Mainly over the cooler months. May not be revelent to a diesel.
Cheers Pete

Just remember, if you drive below the speed limit you will not only incur the wrath of other road users but you also create a much greater (hazard) risk to yourself and for others. Think about it. Have a safe trip.

What about a FITCH or a Hiclone ??
LOL

Ken

I can remember that if truckies switched to sythethic oils in their entire drivelines the fuel saving was 5%. Maybe worth trying in 4wds as well.
Cheers Pete

Now that hiclone has been mentioned I had one in a TD5 Disco didn't notice any difference. BUT in a HJ61 Sahara factory turbo it did make a difference first I had a 2 and a half inch exhaust and a K&N filter fitted with 33" tyres the very best econmy at 100ks was 11.2lts then with Hiclone's 10.7. Around town 11.5 to12.8 that is exceptional considering the vehicle weighed 2.3ton with a full tank and no passengers.I was very sceptical for about 3yrs before i bought them. I had always checked my fuel economy not just when I bought the Hiclones.Sold 4WD with 440kms had Hiclone for last 100.000ks Also turbo came in 300 rpm earlier and could idle to1250rpm in 5th without labouring that was deffinately unexpected before laboured at 1350 to 1400rpm in top gear they worked for me but only in one vehicle.

thanks everyone,the vehicle has only 900 ks on the clock ,by the 3rd of july it will have had its first sevice. went away 2 years ago in a petrol GQ for 3 months. this is my first desiel and im a bit toeeeeee, i thought somebody might mention the DP CHIP anyway . i did pick up a bit of info in your letters

Fuel Watch is all you need
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZlT4w2tZmg