Forum Discussion

gpascazio's avatar
gpascazio
Explorer
May 07, 2014

Diesel Fuel Quality and MPG

Up until this past weekend I did not believe that there was a difference between the diesel from different companies. This past weekend we to a trip to Silver Lake in Michigan. Silver Lake is a off roading State Park. I left Chicago with the camper and a half tank of diesel purchased from Citgo. The MPG by the time I filled up in Indiana was 11.4 MPG which is normal when I go from the unloaded truck to the truck with the camper. I filled up at Pilot we kept a steady speed of about 65 MPH. The MPGs kept going down until we got to Silver Lake where it was at 10.9 MPG. On our way back I filled up at BP near camp. Gas mileage started to go back up even though we were traveling at 70+ MPH. By the time we got home the MPGs were back up to 11.4 MPG. Since I always use a cetane booster I figured that the basic diesel fuel did not make a difference. I guess I was wrong. the truck seems to run much better on Citgo and BP. It is quieter and there is more power when I step on the gas. Has anybody else experienced this or did I miss something.
Truck Campers
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    May 08, 2014
    refined fuel for many places comes from the same refinery. No difference in base fuel. Some retailers add lubricating or cetane boosters.
    Improved mileage is in the density of the fuel, not additives. Summer #2 Diesel is heavier, denser than # 1 winter thinner fuel with its low gel point and easier low temp start .
    This is the time of year for northern refiners and sellers to have some winter #1 blend fuel left in their tanks, transitioning to #2 summer diesel with its better power and mileage. Maybe you got some of that.
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    May 08, 2014
    Pay attention to whether you are getting all diesel or a blend of regular and biodiesel. Some folks have no problem with these but others do.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    May 08, 2014
    I would not put much in the differences in single tanks. Mileage can vary quite a bit on wind, elevation change, speed, traffic, type of terrain, temperature, etc. You would need to run multiple tanks of each fuel over time to know for sure.
    But this are also differences in cetane ratings of various brands. Some, including Pilot, Flying J, Valero, and others have cetane ratings at the minimum of 40. Others have cetane ratings in the mid to upper 40s according to info posted here in the past.
  • JumboJet's avatar
    JumboJet
    Explorer
    May 08, 2014
    I have heard talk of the difference in Winter blend and Summer blend.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 08, 2014
    I don't think a delta of .5 mpg from tank to tank means anything.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    May 08, 2014
    I think it makes a difference, but also wind or slight elevation changes can as well.
  • dave17352's avatar
    dave17352
    Explorer
    May 08, 2014
    How many miles did you travel all together. Does your truck have a diesel particulate filter that has to regenerate? With a truck camper that much difference in mileage isn't that rare. I drive a 2011 Chevy D/A and also have a large TC. Things can very pretty quickly with any change in the wind or terrain. JMHO

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