I’ve been thinking about a trip for a while now. I’m missing the adventure of travel, and given how much better I feel in the past year I know I’d enjoy another journey in a big way! Not to mention it would be fun to look for more interesting photos across the country.
For now though, I won’t be rolling out anywhere. Work, photo shows, appointments…..they’re all in the way of trip planning. Oh, and one more reason for me……gas prices!
In a few weeks the International Rally will take place in Bozeman, MT. Ah, I loved Bozeman. Such a pretty area. And so much closer to my friends Bert & Janie. They’d meet up with me if I headed up, Bert said so! But I’ll be taking a pass this year.
A round trip to Bozeman would be 2024 miles. I checked it out on Mapquest.com. 1012 miles each way.
When I tow I get about 12 miles to the gallon. Rounding up, that would be 169 gallons of gas to do the round trip, not including driving around the area while I’m there. So, the trip’s gas, at an average of $4.00 per gallon (we’re at $3.95 here), would cost me $676. Not too bad, but more expensive than my travel expenses in 06′. At this point prices are well above the “extreme” prices I paid in California in 06′!
I have to wonder how the prices are impacting RVers over all. Many folks tow with diesel trucks, or drive diesel Class A’s. Diesel costs even more. I’m sure people are cutting their trip lengths, and staying longer.
See, that’s one plus with an RV. You can stay in a place for a while. If I stayed in Bozeman for a month I could see the gas costs as “not horrible”. Heck, last minute flights when I worked in wireless cost more than the gas cost I mentioned. Staying in an area long term makes RVing feasible.
The problem is many folks aren’t full time. They’ve got a 2 week vacation, and they like to pack a lot of stuff into the short time. Stop somewhere, move the next day. Rinse and repeat. With fuel prices that could make for an expensive vacation fast.
Well, I’ll keep reading industry reports to see how RV’s get impacted.
One other thought…..my dad plans to roll out this fall with his little gas powered Class A. I believe he gets 10 mpg. Round trip from MA to AZ is 5228 miles (that’s round trip, direct no detours). So, his trip total would be 522.8 gallons of gas if he came directly here. Let’s pretend gas won’t go up in price any further….so $4 per gallon average. That would be $2,091.20 in fuel expenses. Ouch. But he’d be transporting 3 people in total, and they’d be out for a while. Might rival airline prices still, and might be better in the long run……
Alright RV’ers….tell me, are your wheels Idle due to gas prices?
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I do tow with a diesel truck. It is running about $5/gal now. I don’t think it has slowed/will slow down our traveling. It has affected our local travel, we use our hybrid for all destinations when we can. I can get 14mpg towing, which is what I get around town. I think RVing is still a much better value that staying in motels/hotels.
Hi Rich ,your right its still cheaper to the Rv.than Fly rent a car, eats and hotel.I will be going out your way in Feb.-March 2009.I joined the 4CU of WBCCI.I am attending NEU rallies and the big Rally in Prince Edward Island in Aug.Take care John.PSS,I will reside up in Payson when I retire.2.6 more years.
Hubby’s tow vehicle is a Dodge Ram 2500 diesel and our airstream is an International 27FB Ocean Breeze.
No change in our plans. I think RVing is still the best bargain around. Like you say the key is to make your trip count. Either stay longer or just have more fun… Part of the journey is getting there…
:-D)
Roger, I’m with ya! No motels for me. I like my Airstream!
John……Payson, really? Cool. Nice area!
Lois….so, are you going to make the gallery show and stay a spell?
The topic of how fuel costs are impacting RV travels has been much-discussed on the Airforums…and the sentiment is pretty much the same as has been expressed by others here…shorter trips and/or staying in one place longer…making it far better than air fares, restaurant meals, hotels and rental cars. In short, as Lois said…making that trip really count! I know we are looking around for nearby places where we can (a) get out of the epic SoAZ summer heat, and (b) stay a while once we get there…it’s not an easy search! Aaargh!
I’d love to attend the show, but hubby has to work… you know, that overwhelming urge to eat. Plus, we have one kid left on the daddy dole and the other getting married. No such thing as unauthorized cash in our house…LOL
Hubby and I are planning to hit your area sometime…hopefully within the year… Rumor has it a project MAY come open in Phoenix. :-D)
I also meant to add that we are currently parked halfway between our condo and hubby’s work. That we save on his gas, but get the benefits of “GLAMping” in our Airstream. We’re moving to another campground on Saturday. It’s farther away from home (Manchester, TN @50 miles), but close to hubby’s work (Murfreesboro, TN @20 miles)– the other side of his work location.
the campground is in Manchester… we live in Nashville… Sorry, zyrtec typing here…