When you’re out on the open road, watching the scenery roll by, there’s one thing you’re likely always keeping an eye on—the fuel gauge. Just how low are you comfortable letting your tank go before you make that next stop?
For some of you, topping off at every quarter tank is a hard-and-fast rule, while others are willing to push their limits and wait for the low fuel light before pulling over. We want to know: How low will you let your fuel tank go before refilling?
For many, it comes down to a balance of comfort and the terrain they’re traveling through. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere, those gas stations can feel few and far between, making a quarter-tank threshold feel like the safe bet.
In contrast, on well-traveled highways with more frequent stops, it’s easier to risk going a little lower. And then, of course, there are the adventurers who thrive on the thrill of stretching it as far as they can, aiming to get every last mile from a tank.
So, what’s your fuel strategy? Do you find yourself refueling at the first sign of a half tank, or are you one of the brave who waits until the needle dips close to “E”?
Oh, and we know your answer can change sometimes (maybe there’s not a gas station for another 100 miles or so), but we’re talking generally here.
After you vote, please feel free to leave a comment and explain your answer.
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RVDT2771
We have DP with a 200 gal tank so we can drive for 1000+ miles before needing fuel. My rule of thumb is to fuel fairly close to where we’re spending the night. So I look for somewhere close to our stop which usually puts us between 1/4 to 1/2 a tank.
Totally depends on where I am and what I was driving. When we had a motorhome I tried to keep more reserve for generator. When with a travel trailer I ran down to 1/4 but in the west in places where towns are father apart I filled more often.
I had an old mechanic many years ago that told me to not let the tank drop below a quarter. It will prevent picking up contaminates at the bottom of the tank prevent issues through the gas line to the carburetor. Not sure today if that is still an issue but I haven’t for years had any fuel issues and continue to use the process today. My boys on the other hand run on fumes. I’m waiting for them to have a brain cramp and the call can I bring the gas can.
You never know the quality of the fuel you’re pumping into your tank so we avoid going lower than half and here’s the reasoning: “The solution to pollution is dilution”.
A half contaminated tank of fuel will get you out of a mess better than a full tank of bad juice and 3/4 new is almost as bad as 7/8ths.
Oh and always carry a spare fuel filter. Gas stations might buy back the bad fuel in your tank but rarely throw in the fuel filter.
Lastly, shutting down with less fuel in the tank translates into more condensation (water) in the tank. Even if you don’t let the pump pickle your precious personification of prosperity, you could be the reason your water separator fills insatiably.
I plan my fuel stops using the GasBuddy app and knowing how far I can go on a full tank.
I normally fill up the Motor Home in the Fall just before I put it in the Barn for the Winter. This year I had to fill the tank in early August as we made one more camping trip this year than normal. I did top off in October. In August, I was at about 1/8th on the gauge and it took 62.362 Gallons in a nominal 70 gallon tank. A little closer than I like.This was the lowest I have ever let the tank go since we bought the coach in 2009. As for the comment about picking up dirt if you let the tank get too low, the fuel pump always picks up the fuel from the bottom of the tank, if it didn’t you would have to have a flexible pick-up tube and that would add an unnecessary expense
The 1/4 tank rule is fine when I know I will be in a location where reasonably priced fuel is available. When in doubt, I aim at refilling at the 1/2 level.
As I age, my bladder dictates fuel stops.
Ten or so years ago I let our F350 get very low on fuel. Once filled back up the water in fuel light lit. I spent the next 2 weeks and several filters getting rid of the light. It was not water but sediment from the bottom of the tank that was stirred up. Had to get down to the filter on the frame rail with pipe cleaners and carb cleaner. Never got below a quarter tank after that. DP start looking for fuel at half tank. Like to fill before we get half way between half and quarter tank.
Below 1/4 tank the generator won’t run so I’ve always tried to fill before that point. One time it did get lower and then no coffee in the morning. Harsh reality.
The less fuel in the tank, the more prone to clogging the fuel filter. In addition, low fuel level causes overheating of the internal pump.
I usually top off at every stop and never go less than 1/2 tank.
One more point, your generator will not run below 1/4 tank. Something to consider if you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Off subject, but related… when fueling don’t “chuck” the tank until it flows back. It can flood the evap tank with liquid fuel (very bad).
Unless you have an extra $1,000.00 kicking around, IMHO, you should never let your tank get below 1/4. Gas/diesel helps to keep the fuel pump cooled and a grand might be the cost of a new, installed, fuel pump if you burn it out.
I have a 50 gal. fuel tank and generally fill at about the 1/2 mark so it doesn’t hurt as much in the wallet when I fill
Even in town, I don’t like going much below 50%. Learning to drive in a snowy, humid region, I was taught to keep it that full to prevent moisture accumulation, and being caught in a snowstorm could mean a longer drive home. Now, we do most of our travel in the wide open spaces of the SW, so filling up when we find a gas station that works without TT is our norm.
I watch the fuel gauge and the fuel prices of where I am going using GasBuddy app. This can easily save me up to $10.00 per fillup. I may top off at 3/4 or near empty. Usually do not allow to drop below 1/4 as generator will not run if needed. Fill up before parking at home in case we need to live in the rv due to power outage. Don’t assume the next small town will have fuel. A power outage, internet outage, or station closure can leave you stranded.
I voted 1/2 tank, but in reality, 1/2 tank is where (and when) I start looking for a fuel station. I’ve never encountered “bad fuel”, so like Vince S. says below, filling with new and mixing with old is probably a good practice. We spend our summers at our RV resort on the Oregon coast and our route from home to there is always the same, so I know exactly where I will be filling up again.
When my tank approaches 1/4 I start looking for my preferred fuel stations. In some states sparsely populated I start looking for fuel at 1/2. I always fill up in Arizona when traveling i40 Into California, the first 80 or more miles are outrageously expensive.
General rule is 1/4 tank, but I have a 50 gallon tank so I can go a long ways, I look ahead and see where stations are and depending prices may refuel between 1/2 and 1/4. also depending weather may refuel before 1/4.
After an issue with vapor lock a few years ago, we try to fill when we get below 1/3 of a tank.
Refuel after about 300 miles (30+ gallons). Always refuel before stopping for the night. Always refuel when arriving at home base. Living in hurricane territory makes one careful.
My dad stated that you got best mpg refilling at 50% down and I’ve tried to follow this, altho I’ve been known to drive an extra 20-30 miles prior to refill if GasBuddy has a much better price further on.