Portland to Sacramento on one tank???

Draft semis. Let them run over the deer and elk. In southern Oregon, it is just like wrecking a motorcycle: It's not if you hit a deer, it's when you hit a deer.

Siskiyou pass is the big hill but there are several small ones between Rice Hill and Grants Pass. I suggest not using cruise control between mile marker 148 and mile marker 4.

 

If you fill your tank to the top of the filler neck, about two gallons after
the first auto click when on pump slow speed. You should have no
problem, this will give you at least 12 gallons of usable fuel.

Warm weather is the big factor as well. For the last couple of days or
so the weather as been from 49-64 degrees with dry roads. Average
readout for the last 140 miles is over 62 mpg, which would be at least
58 mpg calculated. Average speed is about 35 mph, with highway 55-60
and in city driving 25-45 mpg etc.

If the weather was in the 39-49 range with rain the mpg readout would
be about 50-52 mpg for about 46-48 mpg calculated.

Yes the Prius does noticably better at mpg's with warm
dry weather.

 

I would put just enough gas in to get to Ashland. Then fill up with cheaper gas. Then do the same on the way back. You could save enough to buy coffee at Dutch Brothers.

 

I've traveled this route along I-5 for decades & mostly at night. All the gas stations, or most at least are open 24 hours with no issues at all. The roads are patrolled by the State Police very well. It not New Jersey out here. :lol: The traffic is pretty steady through this route & I've traveled with my wife & kids without a worry in the world.

 

You know a lot about the route. Did you used to live out here? I'm from NM & even lived in Santa Fe for a year back in 1988.

 

(I've driven back and forth between the Seattle area and San Jose a few times.)
Personally, I don't really see the point of the exercise. I drive at that speed I want go at and don't see big deal in stopping for gas. I'd have to stop to eat, go to the bathroom, rest, etc. anyway.

I would just keep an eye out for the "next gas in x miles" signs and make a judgement call as to whether I need more gas.