Fuel Tank size and miles to empty

I am a new Tundra owner (April 2021 with SR5 and TRD packages) and the sticker says it should have a 38 gallon fuel tank. I have driven it down to where the computer says there is only 15 miles to empty and when I fill it, the maximum I have every filled it was about 30 gallons. I brought it to the dealer for the 10,000 mile service and asked them to check it and they are saying it has the 38 gallon tank (they showed me a picture, not that I can tell the difference). Thoughts on why the computer is not giving me the correct miles to empty? Is there a reserve tank that is not computed? There should be at least 115 miles or more left to drive. Any experience with this or wisdom would be helpful. Thank you.

BTW, This is the first truck I have ever owned, and I freaking love it!

 

Welcome! And you do actually have a 38 gallon tank, it's just the way the tank is designed, there is always 7-8 gallons in the tank that are not part of your mileage computation. This is due to needing to have the fuel pump submerged in the gas. You can run it below the 0 left to empty, but that's only if you're in a pinch as it's not good for the fuel pump. Enjoy the truck! I've had mine for going on 2 years now and I love it.

 

As stated above, Welcome.

There is a thread on this.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/38-gal-tank-experiences.22954/page-16#post-2234307

 

As stated above is not correct about the fuel pump. Fuel going thru the pump cools it, this was debunked a long time ago. Run the tank as low as u want.

 

This is true. Older exposed pumps would need more fuel in the tank to cool it but most modern pumps are already encased in a plastic housing that is constantly full of fuel. It’s just a matter of programming. The gauge only accounts for 30-32 gallons.

 

Thank you all for the information. So the bottom line, we can just drive it past empty, but beware on how long. I did read somewhere that this has less to do with the pump and more to do with the pressure. I'm no car guy, so not sure what this means. This info, however, relieves my concern that I did not get the correct tank from the factory.

 

Yes, you have conservatively 50 miles of range once the gas light comes on, could even push it for another 100+ potentially.

 

Check that other thread for lots of details.

TLDR

Trust the light, not the Miles to Empty.

The light always comes on with about 5-7 gallons remaining.

The DTE calc is not dynamic. It will take a measure when you fill fuel, but never adjust based on how you're driving. One time I had the DTE go all the way to 10 left before the light comes on.