Fuel consumption

[Reckless Rat]

I would never venture out with so little fuel in the tank, unless I was carrying a reserve gallon elsewhere in the car. There is no guarantee that the fuel pick up pipe is at exactly the same level as the bottom of your stick, so you're probably getting a false reading. A better gauge of consumption is to measure the fuel level, go for a calculated distance and then see how much you have to put in to replace that used.
On my run to Santiago my RP averaged 44.43mpg (imperial) over a total distance of 2200 miles. That included crossing the Pyrenees twice.