According to my build sheet (2000 b1500) I have a 32 gallon tank but if I fill up when the empty light comes on it takes 24 gallons or so. Do I really have 8 gallons left when the empty light comes on? If so that would give me some comfort because that means even when towing I still probably have approximately 80 miles of range left.

Edit: I see the manual says it should come on at 1/8 left. That would be 4 gallons which has not been my experience. What could cause that?

 

I have a 34 gallon tank in my truck, the light comes on at 1/8th of tank, but, the tank only takes about 26 gallons to full at that point, so, 8 gallon reserve..... Yep.

Keep in mind, the last gallon or so you won't be able to access..... So, don't push it too far.

 

So is it actually when the gauge shows 1/8th left it comes on but there is much more than 1/8 of a tank left?

Yeah, I've never run out of gas in my life, but knowing I have 8 gallons left when it comes on is a much bigger cushion than 4 with 3 actually usable.

 

That's how mine works. I would guess the Vans are the same. I figure I have 50-60 miles left once the light comes on. I have never pushed it that far though.

 

yep...
and FWIW for the community...

I would say most if not almost all these vans have had replacement fuel pumps put in them. I have done it twice on my van (once because is was bad and then again as a suspect) and I have found that the gauge read different between all three pumps...
After a fill up:
The original would show 100 miles at 3/4 and then drop fast to 1/8 where it did the 6-8 gallons left reading

The second pump was pretty much 50 miles per 1/4 and did when empty still had 5+ gallons in it

My thrid pump now goes 100 miles at 7/8s of a tank, and then drops LINEAR from there...so 3/4 is 150,1/2 is 200, 1/4 is 250 and E is almost totally empty (300) I know over 300 Im pushing it because I get 12.x a gallon...11 on short trips