Your tank is only a 16 gallon. Check to see if the tank is pushed up at the
bottom. Many shops have lifted the van thinking the two tank straps are
frame supports. This will bend the tank cause it to loose 2 or 3 gallons
capacity.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: "SKP" <skp@PACBELL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2000 3:16 PM
Subject: Fuel tank size

> Hello,
>
> This is going to sound like a real stupid question to most of you, so bear
> with me. I purchased my 1985 Vanagon a few months ago. I can get only
12-13
> gallons when the fuel gauge gets past the bottom of the red mark. After
> reviewing the owners manual, it says it's an 18 gallon tank including
> reserve. Obviously I don't want to run it dry, so if you own an 85, can
you
> let me know how many gallons of fuel you take?
>
> Thanks,
> Kevin