Brunswick diesel and fuel economy

John, I had the 6.2 Chev V8 for around 10 years in my troopie until I sold it and it averaged 16 - 18l/100km towing a boat of at least 2500kg for very long distances. Like Perth - Adelaide, Perth to Kununurra, Perth to Derby.
The trick is never to go faster than 90kmh and even slower in strong headwinds.
I only used 5th gear on long descends to build up a bit more momentum for the next hill.
If you try to tow at the open road speed limit your fuel consumption goes way past 20l quickly.

John,

Before I answer the fuel question I would like to pass on some info about the motor.

It is no rocketship but will pull like a train all day. Don't lug her down to much as your internal temps will go up, climbing I keep her around the 2000 mark.
If you can use the same oil as the previous owner, I use Delo gold 15w40 as I can no longer get Delo silver 25w40. My oil consumption ranges from 500ml per 5000k to 1000ml per 5000k if she is worked hard.

I use genuine ac delco oil filters as I can buy these of the Holden dealer for around $10 for a pack of 4.

I run 200 to 1 2 stroke oil in the diesel as the old mechanical pump likes a bit of lubercation.

Parts from the states are cheap. I just put in 8 Bosch glowplugs for $80 and you can get new injectors for under $500.

Here are some fuel figures from a recent trip with the old girl at 3300kg and towing between 1600kg and 1700kg.

Date Distance Litres Cost/litre Total cost Location filled Towing Bobtail Speed and revs Wind Lt/100
17/08/11 404.4 55.47 147.9 82.04 Emerald Yes 80 2300 Nil. ? 13.7
19/08/11 722.7 147.47 151.9 224.43 Charleville Yes 80 2300 Strong Headwind ? 20.4
21/08/11 253 40 168.9 67.59 Quilpie Yes 80 2300 Strong Crosswind 15.8
22/08/11 275.7 33.92 162.9 54.97 Windorah Yes/loaded 90 2200 Strong Tailwind 12.3
24/08/11 510 69.04 170 117.37 Birdsville Yes/loaded 90 2200 390k dirt/ 40k dunes 13.5
28/08/11 861 118.9 163.9 193.55 Lyndhurst Yes/loaded 85 2200 All dirt. 13.8
30/08/11 498.5 67 159.9 107.13 Hawker Yes/loaded 85 and 50 2200 100k dirt 13.4
31/08/11 231.9 31.86 174.9 55.72 Leigh Creek Yes/loaded 90 and 50 2200 60k slow dirt 13.7
5/09/11 1109.2 158.74 161.5 256.37 Quilpie Yes/loaded 85 2200 473 Bitumen/636 Dirt 14.3
1000K of strong headwind
6/09/11 232.8 38.62 151.9 58.66 Charleville Yes 80 2300 Slight headwind 16.6
573 93.29 149.9 139.84 St George yes 80 Stong crosswind 16.3

The spread sheet didn't fit across the post but you can read it as this for the first line.Towing yes. Speed 80kph Revs 2300. The ? mark indicates that I don't believe my own figures. I believe I must have short filled the tank as you can see the high usage on the next section of the trip.

I hope this helps. I do have a habit of getting the best out of the old girl that I can fuel wise.

RA.