[revrnd]

After yesterday's 89 mile ride, the gas gauge had 2 of the 6 squares "blacked out" (less than half a tank) I filled up the Ranger (to the bottom of the filler neck as usual) & it took 18.4 L or 4.9 US gallons). I used just over half a tank. Doing the math the Ranger has a range of 161 miles.

I have another loop that is around 120 miles. Last year I filled up @ around the 100 mile mark when only 1 square was blacked out. Has anyone ever noted how many miles their 500 went before running out of gas? I'm just curious if the fuel pick up is able to use all the gas in the tank. I'd hate to do the run w/o filling up & run out of gas @ 120 miles w/ 2 gallons of gas @ the bottom of the tank.

 

[commanderjjones]

I would NEVER count on the accuracy of the fuel gauge in these machines, and don't think that comparing it to another machine would be a safe assumption either. The gauge in the 900 does seem to be better than the ones in years past, but I still wouldn't trust it. If you're REALLY curious and have to know, I'd take it out (carrying spare gas of course) and run it until empty. That will give you an idea about your maximum range AND whether or not it will pick up fuel to the bottom of the tank.

 

[revrnd]

If you're REALLY curious and have to know, I'd take it out (carrying spare gas of course) and run it until empty. That will give you an idea about your maximum range AND whether or not it will pick up fuel to the bottom of the tank.

LOL, I was thinking of doing the same when I do the big loop.

One of my previous sleds had a wonky electric fuel gauge. It would move a bit from full to 3/4 & sit there for most of a day's ride, then drop like a rock to E. I removed the sending unit, dumped out the gas, then added 1 gallon. I reinstalled the sending unit (3 screws holding it) I checked the gauge & adjusted the float arm until the gauge showed 1 "block". That way I knew I had a gallon & had better look for gas.

 

[alloutdoors]

How about just carrying 2 gallons and put in at the 100 mile mark, then nothing to carry and know you can make it back?

 

[commanderjjones]

How about just carrying 2 gallons and put in at the 100 mile mark, then nothing to carry and know you can make it back?

That will work. But unless you run it until empty (or near empty) and then completely refill, you'll never know exactly how many miles you got out of that tank full.

Also keep in mind that different terrain has a huge influence on fuel consumption. For example, just because you went 120 miles while running gravels roads and averaging 30 mph, don't expect to go that same distance in the rugged trails of east TN where you'll use a lot of low range and AWD, with a lot of stop and go, and you're average speed will be closer to 5 or 10 mph.

 

[pede58]

I've never completely run out, my rule of thump is when the bars start flashing better be close to supply or have a buddy with a tow rope. Never had a problem with the pickup at that point but tend to baby it.

 

[POS POLARIS]

When it comes to MPG, the 500 is an ANIMAL!

If you had went 90 miles on a 700/800, you'd be sucking fumes if not already out of gas. your 500 would most likely make a 130 mile run OK.

 

[Seastacker]

I just went on a 70 mile ride this past weekend with my little 500. It was varied terrain and speeds but I rode it fairly hard for a good part of the day. I calculated 16.5 MPG. With that said, I would feel VERY comfortable with a 100-120 mile range on a tank keeping a couple gallons in there for a reserve. I find the fuel gauge to be very inaccurate. On all my sleds I would always base fill ups more on mileage than I did what the gauge was reading which is a practice I will likely continue with my Ranger.

 

[revrnd]

That will work. But unless you run it until empty (or near empty) and then completely refill, you'll never know exactly how many miles you got out of that tank full.

Also keep in mind that different terrain has a huge influence on fuel consumption. For example, just because you went 120 miles while running gravels roads and averaging 30 mph, don't expect to go that same distance in the rugged trails of east TN where you'll use a lot of low range and AWD, with a lot of stop and go, and you're average speed will be closer to 5 or 10 mph.

True enough! My 2 railbed rides are the longest routes that I do & are easy on the gas consumption. Closer to home, my longest ride is probably 30 miles, 2/3rds of which is slow 4 wheeling. The other 1/3 is forest access road.