Thread: More Towing Fuel Economy with the 2.7L

Originally Posted by gavinwibrow

Actually, 2.7 so far is thirstier, but the D2 struggled (heatwise) with anything more than 85 on a straight road and above 30 degrees ambient, despite a number of cooling enhancements. I think the worst I ever got with the D2 was 20L/100 km when really struggling up hilly country (down to 2nd gear in some spots).

At least the 2.7 actually can cruise at 100, but any decent gradient bumps/changes at that speed tightens the cheek muscles that I sit on ie it twitches quite a bit and the trailer tries to steer the car. 92 seems to be the sweet spot based on today's relatively flat undulating country, but fuel was even worse at over 23L/100 km. EGTs between 500 and 600 max, and coolant temp 100 - 103 max. Still fiddling with the GAP and Rovacom IQ - might need to visit Eric or Ferret when I get back if I don't sort it prior - bloody multiple BT processes!!!

I was reading on the nose cone websites that apparently they can improve handling and reduce the trailers ability to steer the car due to better air flow.

Originally Posted by gavinwibrow

Actually, 2.7 so far is thirstier, but the D2 struggled (heatwise) with anything more than 85 on a straight road and above 30 degrees ambient, despite a number of cooling enhancements. I think the worst I ever got with the D2 was 20L/100 km when really struggling up hilly country (down to 2nd gear in some spots).

At least the 2.7 actually can cruise at 100, but any decent gradient bumps/changes at that speed tightens the cheek muscles that I sit on ie it twitches quite a bit and the trailer tries to steer the car. 92 seems to be the sweet spot based on today's relatively flat undulating country, but fuel was even worse at over 23L/100 km. EGTs between 500 and 600 max, and coolant temp 100 - 103 max. Still fiddling with the GAP and Rovacom IQ - might need to visit Eric or Ferret when I get back if I don't sort it prior - bloody multiple BT processes!!!

Curious, why do you have both a GAP and a Rovercom? (Or have I misread?)

Originally Posted by John_D2

Curious, why do you have both a GAP and a Rovercom? (Or have I misread?)

Gap came with the car, but I like that the Rovacom is designed to be left in the car permanently without blowing anything up, so I bought one.
Cheaper than the Gap, somewhat different, others more knowledgeable will be able to comment better than this learner on the differences and benefits of each.

Plus I'm not restricted to Apple which I have never liked either for the product (despite being easy to use if you don't want to understand the rationale), nor their modus operandi. Rovacom is strictly android for the time being.

Originally Posted by gavinwibrow

Gap came with the car, but I like that the Rovacom is designed to be left in the car permanently without blowing anything up, so I bought one.
Cheaper than the Gap, somewhat different, others more knowledgeable will be able to comment better than this learner on the differences and benefits of each.

Plus I'm not restricted to Apple which I have never liked either for the product (despite being easy to use if you don't want to understand the rationale), nor their modus operandi. Rovacom is strictly android for the time being.

I have a GAPIID BT version. I leave it connected permanently and have had no issues and I have an Android phone. I can only assume that your GAPIID is maybe an older one and only compatible with Apple. I've had mine for quite a while now though. Totally agree about Apple. I went Android because I objected to being forced into their closed environment. Extends to computers too. I can, and do, build my own computers, you can't do that with Apple. Gets down from soap box and awaits the wrath of Apple aficionados.

Martin

Hell Gavin those economy figures are scary. They're getting awfully close to what I was getting pulling my van with the old soft dash classic, which needed its own private oil refinery to feed its hydrocarbon addiction.

Cheers

Steve

Gavin

Try using Sport mode and on anything remotely “uphill” or into a headwind pull it back to 5th.

Keep the dash on “instant fuel” and compare the difference - often 5th will use less fuel on inclines.

Originally Posted by letherm

I have a GAPIID BT version. I leave it connected permanently and have had no issues and I have an Android phone. I can only assume that your GAPIID is maybe an older one and only compatible with Apple. I've had mine for quite a while now though. Totally agree about Apple. I went Android because I objected to being forced into their closed environment. Extends to computers too. I can, and do, build my own computers, you can't do that with Apple. Gets down from soap box and awaits the wrath of Apple aficionados.

Martin

Hi Martin and thanks for the positive and supportive comments.
Actually the Gap is quite new (bought by PO maybe 2-3 years old and the BT version), and is sort of connected to my Android smart phone (smarter than me). I am in the process of changing over ownership, but away on a trip at the moment. I can access simple instrument displays etc using the PO's login, but not the more advanced features so far.

Why otherwise the IQ? It is just that I have long been a supporter of Colin's efforts at BBS (I reckon he is mad in the nicest possible way) and have had 3 of his Evos, plus the EAS unlock for my EAS RRC/TD5.

Originally Posted by Tombie

Gavin

Try using Sport mode and on anything remotely “uphill” or into a headwind pull it back to 5th.

Keep the dash on “instant fuel” and compare the difference - often 5th will use less fuel on inclines.

Hi Mike - actually on the flat it stays in 5th at anything under 95 and the only way to put it into 6th is to change to Sport, and manually upshift (weird, I know).
So effectively I'm already travelling in 5th - at about 2,000 rpm - and it will drop into 4th for any significant rise.

She is a very heavy non aerodynamic brick, and I don't realistically think I'm going to get much better. I have been leaving the display in instant fuel use mode - sometimes scary too!

just to confuse the issue, the alternator gave up the ghost this morning (found some squashed trailer wires tonight which could have been a contributing factor) and my ever faithful LR Indie DazzaTD5 is freighting a new one up to Leinster overnight for fitting tomorrow. We will miss travelling the Great Central Rd with 3 other vehicles/couples as a result, but hope to catch up with them in time for the Field of Lights at Uluru Sunday evening 28th, then down to William Creek for a flight over Lake Eyre - with water!