Thread: Remarkable economy in the D4 (towing)

Would have to agree. We are on our winter exploration of SA and Qld outback, up from Adelaide via Flinders Ranges, Innaminka, Birdsville, Boulia, Winton, Longreach and now having a week in Townsville. So about 4000km since we left towing 3.2T van and traveling slowly due largely to road conditions and traffic (read huge road trains full of walking steak) we have been doing around 15~16 L/100 so I am happy as. Innaminka to Birdsville via the Cordillo Downs road was slow going so it increased to 20 L/100 or so. The one lane sealed road in Qld with frequent road trains demands a slow pace so you can get clear of them when they pass but does wonders for the fuel economy, actually got 14.4 L/100 on one section between Barcaldine, and Charters Towers via Aramac and Torrens Creek, and this is all calculated, no random number fuel economy generator here.

So yes, very happy especially considering roof platform with a spare on top does not help a lot but to be fair we have had some days with favorable winds (not the 14.4 section) but mostly calm conditions. I am convinced the slower pace is the main factor, and the next couple of weeks will tell the story as we are back into normal road conditions and hence faster traveling, i will let you know.

Lovely country this, for those who have not been here. Camping just outside Birdsville in knee high green grass, does not happen every day and never in my 5 times there before. So many things to see, highly recommended if you have not been.

Peter

Wow, I get 16lt/100k in my d2 with the sub 2t camper at 95km/h at 2800rpm

Originally Posted by John_D2

Wow, I get 16lt/100k in my d2 with the sub 2t camper at 95km/h at 2800rpm

That’s down to the engine/tranny combo. At 110 indicated (106 actual) mine is spinning at 1800 revs.

That is great economy.

Is this where I mention getting 11 in our Defender, rising to 11.5 when towing? Real calculated figures too.

I can't imagine putting up with 20 from a Landcruiser.

Originally Posted by John_D2

Wow, I get 16lt/100k in my d2 with the sub 2t camper at 95km/h at 2800rpm

Yes, I guess I need to stress the driving conditions. The one lane bitumen was overall pretty average, the surface was quite rough and undulating, a bit like sealed corrugations in places, then the flood ways of which there were quite a few had quite rough entry and exits. The road(s) had quite a severe crown in places so that if you were not on the black top it was a big angle to roll off onto when getting off the bitumen, you simply would not want to be doing that at speed and especially not towing. When we went through there had been some rain and the dirt shoulders were quite soft, leaving deep wheel ruts if you had to use them. This does not mean I am bagging out the Qld roads, not at all, it was fine, I just drive to the conditions, which in a lot of the time is 60 to 70 kph, at times 80, which is 1200 rpm or so and I was quite surprised how well it holds 8th. Also my philosophy to road trains is simple, they get the bitumen, the whole of the bitumen and nothing but the bitumen, so help me stone damage. So this slows overall progress which is no problem at all, we are not in a hurry and infact the slower speed allows me to take in a whole lot more of what I am passing by. My history at those speeds John is 18 to 20 L/100 depending on hills and wind, so I think your D2 is doing well.

Peter

They are good numbers......

Originally Posted by John_D2

Wow, I get 16lt/100k in my d2 with the sub 2t camper at 95km/h at 2800rpm

John , if you are on standard tyres ( eg 235/70/16 ) and you're on the flat you can shift in to top if you're towing sub 2 tonne ,as long as it's in lock up, all being well with the vehicle you should easily get 13-14 lt/100k .

Originally Posted by discorevy

John , if you are on standard tyres ( eg 235/70/16 ) and you're on the flat you can shift in to top if you're towing sub 2 tonne ,as long as it's in lock up, all being well with the vehicle you should easily get 13-14 lt/100k .

Not sure about that. I’m on 265 70 16, remapped and get 13 around town commuting