Thread: V8 Economy on a trip

Hi Andych,
As you stated, the V8 figures will never be "Fantastic" in this day and age, especially when modern diesels return 8-9L/100km...But....they can be bearable when driven sensibly and on a good run. Let's face it the V8 makes for effortless, quiet, smooth as silk driving and as an added bonus, they sound great!
I love my V8 and drive it as my everyday commute. I could have a frugal diesel, but I wouldn't enjoy it as much (yes I have driven a TD5).
I look at it this way, I don't smoke and I rarely drink (social only) and these habits could cost $100+ / week, so I spend a little extra in fuel - that's my vice,
Just as a comparison, I have a rebuilt " T-lined" 4.6L which gives me great low down torque for towing my van.
* Running to work and back on main roads (80km round trip) = 15.3L / 100 average.
* Long highway trip (Frankston to Sale) = 14.2L/100 with 4 adults in car.
* Towing 16ft vintage caravan fully loaded plus car loaded and 2 adults (Frankston to Bright) = 19.1L/100 both ways on Hume Fwy and Alpine Rd. We sat on 90km's and selected 3rd when not on the freeways. We only use 95RON for daily use and 98RON when towing.
I think these figures are quite good and manageable and trust me it tows like a dream.
Keep enjoying the leisurely life of owning a Rover V8 - Love 'em!

Originally Posted by Andych

seems the added weight made no difference.

I found that towing a small, empty box trailer gave me worse consumption than having the trailer full. My theory is that it had something to do with aerodynamics or wind resistance.

Maybe you had a similar situation on the way up with turbulence spilling off the vehicle and into the empty trailer causing drag. That might have offset a small increase in consumption caused by the extra weight.

Of course if your son's belongings included a couple of wardrobes and a fridge, that theory might not hold water.

Originally Posted by vnx205

I found that towing a small, empty box trailer gave me worse consumption than having the trailer full. My theory is that it had something to do with aerodynamics or wind resistance.

Maybe you had a similar situation on the way up with turbulence spilling off the vehicle and into the empty trailer causing drag. That might have offset a small increase in consumption caused by the extra weight.

That is what we figured as well.. The packed trailer was well below roof height and flat... after re-arranging a couple of times to eliminate tarp flapping.

There was substantially more weight as it could be felt when braking...

All up I am pretty happy with how she went on the trip... blew out a few cobwebs too as she is running much nicer around town since we got back..

We towed a 7x5 box trailer down to ballarat last year. On the way down we had a 90-100kph head wind. When a heavy gust would come along you could feel it grabbing the trailer.

We then put a bullbar and spa in it and it made a huge difference; it was like the trailer wasn't there.

Still managed to stay at 100k up the hills though

Your 15l/100km isn't much worse than the 14l/100km combined I get from my td5. Mind you, its running oversize muddies, 2 inch lift, full roofrack & it's usually fully laden & worked hard, but I still reckon there's something wrong with mine

Sent from my GT-I9505 using AULRO mobile app

I have just done a quick trip to the eastern states.

Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and back to Adelaide.

2001 TD5, TRS Chipped, CEM treated, lifted suspension, STD tyres, front factory brush bar.

So for the 3828.8 Km trip I averaged 9.96 L/100km or 15.9 cents per kilometre. I mainly stuck to the speed limits and climbed hills without slowing down much.

I love the sound of the V8.... But I like the economy of a Diesel... Maybe a V8 Diesel???? :-)

2002 EU3 TD5. 2inch lift, 31inch tyres ,snorkel and awning,towing camper trailer weighing about650kgs.
Over blue mountains from central coast to Wyalong 12.2 l per 100,at about 104 true in 110 zones and 100 true in 100.
Hay plains Wyalong to mildura 11.1 l per 100.
This is about 40% better than my RRC 3.9
Engine completely stock,with EGR
I am a convert
Regards Philip A

What the? How the? Mines 2001, v8, auto, always serviced tuned well and I do 19/100 carrying nothing. What gives