Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: George Hatfield on July 31, 2011, 03:47:47 pm

Title: Fuel gauges
Post by: George Hatfield on July 31, 2011, 03:47:47 pm
Yesterday we ran the generator while going through a very hot area of Arizona.  We ran it for about 6 hours.  Questions....

1.  Does the Silverleaf fuel gauge (i.e. the tank minder) show what the generator used?

2.  Does the Cummins data screen (which shows percent full) show what the generator used? 

3.  Does the dash analog gauge show what the generator used?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Fuel gauges
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on July 31, 2011, 04:42:39 pm
Hi George, In my coach, the generator fuel burn is only indicated on the fuel gauge on the dash.  The Silverleaf and Cummins info are only for the Cummins engine.  Again on my coach, do not know any setup where the Siverleaf would monitor the generator fuel burn in the calculations.
The generator should not burn more than 10 gal in 24 hours unless you have an unusual loading.
Cheers
Title: Re: Fuel gauges
Post by: Barry Beam on August 01, 2011, 01:41:20 am
Hi George, In my coach, the generator fuel burn is only indicated on the fuel gauge on the dash.  The Silverleaf and Cummins info are only for the Cummins engine.  Again on my coach, do not know any setup where the Siverleaf would monitor the generator fuel burn in the calculations.
The generator should not burn more than 10 gal in 24 hours unless you have an unusual loading.
Cheers

George,
This is exactly the same on mine, which would be the same on yours.
Title: Re: Fuel gauges
Post by: Keith and Joyce on August 01, 2011, 01:42:47 pm
Yup,

The Silverleaf and Cummings data is a derived figure based on fuel burnt by the main engine.  The gauge is actual tank level and like most analog gauges is not very accurate.

We use a rule of thumb on the boat of 1/3 tank out 1/3 tank back and a third in reserve.  Not a bad rule for motor homes.  I fill at 1/2 tank and pay the penalty of hauling the extra weight around but peace of mind and less "breathing" volume - to cut down tank condensation - is worth it.

Keith
Title: Re: Fuel gauges
Post by: Paul Smith on August 01, 2011, 01:48:36 pm
I agree. but I was taught by a Caravan Leader to "Always drive in the top half of you tank"
Quote
The Silverleaf and Cummings data is a derived figure based on fuel burnt by the main engine. The gauge is actual tank level and like most analog gauges is not very accurate.
We use a rule of thumb on the boat of 1/3 tank out 1/3 tank back and a third in reserve. Not a bad rule for motor homes. I fill at 1/2 tank and pay the penalty of hauling the extra weight around but peace of mind and less "breathing" volume - to cut down tank condensation - is worth it.
Title: Re: Fuel gauges
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on August 01, 2011, 01:57:58 pm
I find the Silverleaf very accurate.  I filled at Davenport IA, drove  to Raphine VA, where the Silver leaf claimed I used 106 Gal, when I was full I had put 108 Gal that included some running of the generator.
Since that I trust the Silverleaf, but always keep an eye open for anything funny looking, so far nothing looks funny since. So I smile.