This topic contains 11 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by 
Margo Schabel 1 week, 1 day ago.
-
Posts
-
We tow a 26 ft TT with a 2013 Chev Traverse. It has the tow pkg factory installed. Gas mileage when towing is about 7 to 9 mpg. Last trip with it the rpm’s kept rising to about 2500 while on cruise control. Would have to take off cruise to lower it back down to 1800 rpm. Took it to the dealer to ask about it and they told me it was mainly because as of Jan 2014 the ethanol level of the gas was raised from 10% to 25% in Michigan. Anyone else had this happen to them with the high ethanol. Was told the mpg’s will be lower also because of it.
at 2500 rpms how fast are you going?
James and Michelle just a strollinIn cruise you may automatically be going into a lower gear hence the higher RPM. It may do that to save the transmission. Top gear in an automatic transmission is not usually rated for towing. Have a read of the tow operation section of the owners manual. This may give some insights. I would not think that the ethanol rating would have that kind of effect on operation.
We were going about 57 to 59. Don’t ususally go any higher than 60.
The problem was it would kick up from 1800 on a straight flat part of the road and not go back down on its own. Never did it last year or on earlier trips this year.
to me sounds like the computer is telling the transmission to shift since its under a load. I am a huge cruise control person. At 60 miles an hour I would think it would shift back up on flat land. I drive a class a (39ft) and when I pull my enclosed trailer (20 footer) Cruise control works against me. I get 6 mpg using cruise. When I turn it off and work the gas pedal I get back to 8. Cruise control kinda works delayed, it senses a reduction in speed then increases fuel. If you don’t use cruise you can anticipate more if you need more speed to get up a hill and can adjust the pedal manually. I would try next trip to see if it would work in your favor not using cruise control. I have been known to be wrong according to my wife, but I don’t think you have a problem mechanically or the change in fuel is the problem. I feel it is the computer tell the car what to do and its working against you now.
James and Michelle just a strollinI have heard that higher ethanol levels will decrease fuel mileage dramatically. Have you traveled to another state where the ethanol level is lower and checked mileage there?
Ethanol has about 30% less btu than gasoline, and it takes heat energy to produce power. A lot depends on engine and fuel system design, the flex fuel engines tend to do much better with high ratio blends. As an example, my 2010 Hyundai likes mid to premium fuel, and gets significantly better mileage with these. My F150 flex fuel gets only very slight increase in fuel mileage on premium, and runs better on regular, 10% ethanol here.
Because there is less energy in the fuel, you would expect to burn more to get the same amount of power.Service guy said not to do mid or premiun as the engine won’t do any different. Yes would burn more to get power. Gas prices are lower because of the ethanol level has risen. Today, gas prices are running about 2.79 – 2.81 for regular. Lots lower from last year. But you have to buy more often. Don’t see the savings overall.
Yep, love cruise control. Will try without it next year on a trip. Planning to do trips in Michigan mainly next year. When we get the pick-up, that’s when the trips get longer. Can’t wait.
Service guy said not to do mid or premiun as the engine won’t do any different. Yes would burn more to get power. Gas prices are lower because of the ethanol level has risen. Today, gas prices are running about 2.79 – 2.81 for regular. Lots lower from last year. But you have to buy more often. Don’t see the savings overall.
I find that interesting. I have a mustang that runs a lot better and gets better fuel mileage if I use premium.
James and Michelle just a strollinIt depends on the engines. The performance engines do better on premium. Thats whats in a mustang.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.