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Fuel Economy Tracking

VanRoute helps you track and optimize fuel consumption for your caravan or motorhome. Understanding your fuel economy helps plan trips, budget costs, and optimize driving habits.

How Fuel Economy Works​

VanRoute calculates fuel consumption based on:

Vehicle Factors​

  • Vehicle weight - Heavier vehicles use more fuel
  • Aerodynamics - Vehicle shape and drag coefficient
  • Rolling resistance - Tire size and pressure
  • Engine efficiency - Vehicle specifications

Route Factors​

  • Distance - Total kilometers traveled
  • Elevation changes - Climbing uses more fuel
  • Road type - Highway vs city driving
  • Road surface - Sealed vs unsealed

Environmental Factors​

  • Wind speed and direction - Headwinds increase consumption
  • Temperature - Affects engine efficiency
  • Weather conditions - Rain increases rolling resistance

Driving Factors​

  • Speed - Higher speeds use exponentially more fuel
  • Acceleration - Smooth driving is more efficient
  • Braking - Engine braking saves fuel
  • Idling - Wastes fuel with no movement

Setting Up Fuel Tracking​

Step 1: Enter Vehicle Fuel Information​

Go to Profile → My Vehicles → Select your vehicle:

Fuel Tank Capacity

  • Enter total capacity in liters
  • Example: 80 for 80 liters
  • Used to calculate range

Average Fuel Consumption

  • Enter known consumption rate (L/100km)
  • Example: 12.5 for 12.5 L/100km
  • Skip if unknown - VanRoute will estimate

Fuel Type

  • Petrol/Gasoline
  • Diesel
  • LPG
  • Dual Fuel

Step 2: Enable Fuel Tracking​

  1. Go to Settings → Fuel Economy
  2. Enable Track Fuel Consumption
  3. Choose tracking mode:
    • Automatic - Based on routes and driving
    • Manual - Enter fill-up data yourself
    • Both - Most accurate

Step 3: Calibrate Consumption​

For better accuracy:

  1. Fill tank completely
  2. Reset trip meter in VanRoute
  3. Drive normally for 200-400km
  4. Fill tank again and record:
    • Liters added
    • Trip distance
    • Driving conditions
  5. Update consumption in vehicle settings:
    • Consumption = (Liters / Distance) × 100

Example:

  • Filled 45L after 350km
  • Consumption = (45 / 350) × 100 = 12.86 L/100km

Viewing Fuel Economy Data​

Current Trip​

While navigating, see real-time fuel data:

Fuel Gauge Display

  • Current fuel level (if enabled)
  • Estimated range (km remaining)
  • Average consumption this trip
  • Fuel used so far

Trip Summary

  • Total distance traveled
  • Fuel consumed (liters)
  • Average economy (L/100km)
  • Cost of fuel (if prices known)

Historical Data​

View past trips: Profile → Fuel History

Trip Cards show:

  • Date and route
  • Distance traveled
  • Fuel consumed
  • Average economy
  • Cost (if tracked)
  • Driving conditions

Graphs and Charts:

  • Economy trend over time
  • Monthly fuel costs
  • Consumption by route type
  • Efficiency improvements

Statistics​

Summary Statistics:

  • Average economy (all trips)
  • Best economy achieved
  • Worst economy recorded
  • Total fuel consumed
  • Total distance traveled
  • Total cost (if tracked)

Comparisons:

  • Highway vs city driving
  • Flat vs hilly routes
  • Summer vs winter
  • Laden vs unladen

Fuel Price Tracking​

Live Fuel Prices (NSW, QLD, VIC)​

VanRoute shows real-time fuel prices at stations:

Price Display:

  • Unleaded 91 (ULP)
  • Unleaded 95 (PULP)
  • Unleaded 98 (PULP 98)
  • Diesel
  • LPG

Price Indicators:

  • 🟢 Green - Below average (good price)
  • 🟡 Yellow - Average price
  • 🔴 Red - Above average (expensive)

Price Age:

  • Updated every 15 minutes (NSW)
  • Updated hourly (QLD, VIC)
  • Shows last update time

Finding Cheap Fuel​

Fuel Price Map:

  1. Tap Map → Fuel Prices
  2. Map shows color-coded stations
  3. Filter by fuel type
  4. See cheapest stations on route

Price Alerts:

  • Set target price (e.g., $1.75/L)
  • Get notified when fuel drops below target
  • Available on your planned route

Fuel Stop Planning​

Add fuel stops to routes:

  1. Automatic Suggestions:

    • VanRoute suggests stops based on tank capacity
    • Shows cheapest options on route
    • Ensures you don't run out

  2. Manual Selection:

    • Browse stations on map
    • Compare prices
    • Add to route as waypoint

  3. Smart Timing:

    • Fill up before price rises
    • Skip expensive stations
    • Wait for cheaper station ahead

Optimizing Fuel Economy​

Driving Tips​

Speed Management

  • Maintain steady speed
  • Use cruise control on highways
  • Avoid rapid acceleration
  • Slow down - every 10km/h over 100km/h costs ~10% more fuel

Gear Selection

  • Use highest gear possible
  • Shift early (automatic: use economy mode)
  • Avoid lugging engine in high gear uphill

Braking and Acceleration

  • Anticipate stops and coast
  • Use engine braking on descents
  • Gentle acceleration saves fuel
  • Avoid idling - turn off engine if stopped >2 mins

Route Optimization​

Choose Efficient Routes

  • Highway driving is most efficient at 90-100km/h
  • Avoid stop-start city traffic
  • Plan around peak traffic times
  • Use VanRoute's "Economy Route" option

Elevation Matters

  • Minimize elevation changes where possible
  • Plan fuel stops before big climbs
  • Use gravity on descents (engine braking)

Road Surface

  • Sealed roads are more efficient
  • Avoid rough unsealed roads if possible
  • Gravel increases consumption by 20-40%

Vehicle Maintenance​

Regular Maintenance

  • Service engine regularly
  • Replace air filters
  • Keep oil fresh
  • Check for issues affecting efficiency

Tire Pressure

  • Check pressure weekly
  • Use recommended pressure (or slightly higher)
  • Underinflated tires increase consumption by 5-10%

Weight Management

  • Travel with only necessary items
  • Empty water tanks until needed
  • Remove unused gear
  • Every 100kg adds ~1% to consumption

Aerodynamics

  • Close windows at highway speed
  • Remove roof racks when not in use
  • Minimize external accessories
  • Keep caravan/trailer streamlined

Cost Tracking​

Manual Entry​

Record each fill-up:

  1. Go to Profile → Fuel Log
  2. Tap + Add Fill-Up
  3. Enter:
    • Liters added
    • Price per liter
    • Total cost (auto-calculated)
    • Location (optional)
    • Odometer reading (optional)
  4. Tap Save

Automatic Tracking​

Enable automatic cost tracking:

  • Fuel stops on route tracked automatically
  • Prices pulled from live data
  • Costs calculated and logged
  • Receipts can be attached

Cost Reports​

View spending:

Monthly Summary

  • Total spent on fuel
  • Liters purchased
  • Average price paid
  • Cost per kilometer

Trip Costs

  • Fuel cost for each trip
  • Total trip expenses
  • Cost comparisons

Budget Tracking

  • Set monthly fuel budget
  • Track against budget
  • Alerts when approaching limit
  • Spending trends

Export Data​

Export fuel data for:

  • Tax purposes
  • Business records
  • Insurance claims
  • Personal budgeting

Export formats:

  • CSV (spreadsheet)
  • PDF report
  • Email summary

Understanding Consumption Rates​

Typical Consumption Ranges​

Small Campervan (2WD)

  • 8-12 L/100km highway
  • 10-15 L/100km city
  • 12-18 L/100km with load

4WD (No Trailer)

  • 10-14 L/100km highway
  • 12-18 L/100km city
  • 14-20 L/100km off-road

4WD + Caravan

  • 14-20 L/100km highway
  • 18-25 L/100km hilly
  • 20-30 L/100km mountain passes

Motorhome (Class A/B)

  • 12-18 L/100km highway
  • 15-22 L/100km city
  • 18-28 L/100km laden

Large Motorhome (Class C)

  • 18-25 L/100km highway
  • 22-30 L/100km city
  • 25-35 L/100km laden

Factors That Increase Consumption​

+5-10%

  • Air conditioning use
  • Crosswinds
  • Underinflated tires
  • Dirty air filter

+10-20%

  • Towing caravan
  • Roof cargo/racks
  • Cold weather
  • City driving

+20-30%

  • Heavy load
  • Mountain passes
  • Strong headwinds
  • Aggressive driving

+30-50%

  • Unsealed roads
  • 4WD engaged
  • Extreme conditions
  • Severe hills

Factors That Decrease Consumption​

-5-10%

  • Tailwinds
  • Optimal tire pressure
  • Recent service
  • Economy driving

-10-15%

  • Reduced weight
  • Highway cruising at 90km/h
  • Flat terrain
  • Good weather

Fuel Range Estimation​

How VanRoute Calculates Range​

Current Fuel Level × Average Economy = Estimated Range

Example:

  • Tank: 60L remaining
  • Economy: 15 L/100km
  • Range: 60 / 15 × 100 = 400km

Range Warnings​

VanRoute warns when:

Yellow Warning (200km range)

  • "Fuel station recommended on route"
  • Shows stations ahead

Red Warning (100km range)

  • "Low fuel - fuel stop required"
  • Shows nearest stations
  • Calculates if you can reach destination

Critical Warning (50km range)

  • "Critical fuel level - fuel immediately"
  • Emergency fuel station finder
  • Alternative route to nearest station

Range Safety Tips​

Never run too low:

  • Keep minimum 100km range in remote areas
  • Fuel pumps rely on fuel for lubrication
  • Sediment in tank can clog when low
  • Limited stations in outback

Plan fuel stops:

  • Add fuel stop every 300-400km
  • Check station hours (some close early)
  • Carry jerry can in very remote areas
  • Note closed stations in remote areas

Troubleshooting​

Fuel Economy Worse Than Expected​

Check:

  • Tire pressures
  • Vehicle load
  • Recent driving conditions
  • Consumption entered correctly
  • GPS tracking accuracy

Try:

  • Recalibrate consumption with fill-up test
  • Check for mechanical issues
  • Review driving habits
  • Reduce speed by 10km/h

Inaccurate Fuel Prices​

Issues:

  • Prices update every 15-60 mins
  • Some states don't mandate reporting
  • Independent stations may not report

Solutions:

  • Verify prices visually before filling
  • Report incorrect prices in app
  • Use major brands (more reliable data)

Range Estimate Incorrect​

Causes:

  • Changed driving conditions
  • Incorrect fuel level
  • Consumption rate outdated
  • Terrain different than expected

Fixes:

  • Recalibrate consumption
  • Manually set fuel level
  • Update vehicle weight
  • Account for terrain

Next Steps​