Bluhorn
North Carolina
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Joined: 03/02/2004
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I know everybody is tired of hearing about high fuel prices,especially Diesel.Many of us are cutting back on our trips to cut down on expenses as are we.Recently I posted in the tow vehicle section about my DS wanting to buy my truck(Diesel)and going with something cheaper to drive(Gas) and less heavy duty as he could use my truck in his business.He almost had me convinced so I crunched some numbers.
Take a 1500 mile roundtrip and say a Gas truck gets 9 average mpg towing at $3.35 per gallon.Thats 167 gallons of fuel costing $560.00 total.Now take a Diesel with the same 1500 miles at 13 average mpg towing at $4.50 per gallon.Thats 116 gallons costing $522.00. Now where I am located the range between Gas and Diesel is much less but it may increase(who knows )I am just throwing some figures out there and I know other peoples mileage may be better or worse but the mileage isn't that far off since I based it on my real world experience.
Now take the same trip at $1.00 per gallon less,would run from $120-$160 less for the trip.If I cut out a few dinners out I could make that up.The point being that we need to keep things in perspective.Let's not panic and cut out a trip that we were looking forward too with the children so we can save a couple hundred bucks or get rid of the truck you love because we think we are going to save big.I think that the only real way to save money is to downsize truck and trailer or get out of RV'ing altogether.This was not meant to be a Gas vs. Diesel or rant on fuel prices(I'm not happy either .Let's just keep our heads in this time of turmoil and still get out there and enjoy ourselves.Life is too short!
2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab 4X4 Auto 5.9 CTD
2006 Wildcat 28RK Fifth Wheel
16K Husky Slide
Kodi the Kamping Kanine
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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Well stated, I totally agree. Thank you.
Chuck & Terry
2005 Pilgrim 281RB-S
2006 Ford F250 Lariat CC 4x2 PSD
My Lap-Band Journey!
Chuck and Terry's Pilgrim Adventures
C & T's Photos
Lone Star Dutch Oven Society
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topflite51
In The Desert of Nevada
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Joined: 05/13/2004
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I do agree with you on enjoying life and go RV'ing, however did you think to have your flame suit on?
 David
Just rolling along enjoying life
w/F53 Southwind towing 87 Samurai looking to golf or fish
Simply Despicable
Any errors are a result of CRS.
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mockturtle
WA
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Joined: 05/31/2005
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And it certainly wouldn't pay to sell or trade a diesel you already own to buy a new gasser.
2000 Born Free 24RB Class C
6.8L Ford V-10 Engine, E450 Chassis
2002 Honda CR-V toad
Roadmaster Sterling A/T towbar
VIP braking system
Eddyline Merlin kayak
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SemperFiCop
USA
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Joined: 10/19/2007
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Keep what you have,
Buy what you Need...
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mistressofdistress
Obion, TN
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Joined: 08/17/2004
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I totally agree with all of the above posters and if you want to play you have to pay, so make wise choices. I waste enough money to make up for the extra cost of gas, so I have started to cut out some of the frivolous things that I buy. My MH only gets 6 miles to the gallon so I don't go very far from home, but luckily there are many nice places to camp close to where I live. I have a trip to Branson planned in June and am going to fly to Flint Hill, VA in September to pick up my other MH and will stop off in Chattanooga for a Barth Get Together. Already have money in bank for both trips so they are guaranteed. Life is about choices and camping is more important to me than spending money eating out.
Proud owner of 2 Barth motorhomes and a Barth Trailer.
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Joined: 02/19/2004
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I am in total agreement.
Our 3 adult (?) kids asked us last weekend if we were going to make any trips because of the cost of diesel? I told them the only effect would be that they will inherit LESS $$$ !
DeWayne & Judy
04 3810 Dutch Star
ISL 370
Frank's autoformer
01 Sahara Jeep-toad
Blue Ox Aventa II
F 374382
This is not the "GOLDEN-YEARS", it is the "RUSTY-YEARS" !
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jefff929
Pacific wonderland, wet side
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Joined: 05/23/2004
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Bluhorn,
I think you are on to something. Even if mgp & fuel numbers are adjusted. Compare that to using an economy car or rental with hotel/motel and restaurants for a comparable 1500 mile trip.
I'll keep the RV and truck.
2001 Dodge 2500 QC, Diesel, Auto, 4x4 Shortbox, Stull running boards, 26.5' Sundance 5er
My Baby
Another NWBomber
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dave54
Northeast CA.
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Joined: 02/12/2004
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I am not one to give up a trip I have planning for 6 months or longer because it now costs a couple hundred dollars more than last year. I figure it's money well spent. I am investing in memories and sanity.
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Log off and go camping!
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Kanyonkitty
Gerrardstown, WV
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Joined: 01/13/2002
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I am not willing to sell my truck or Sunline, in all reality, what would a used rig sell for these days with the rising cost of fuel anyway. I am cutting corners where ever I can, but even with that, it's getting really really hard on a small single salary. One huge savings for me is that I don't have to drive my truck to work, I keep my school bus at hom. I also try to not make silly one stop trips. I keep a list of what I need or need to do and attempt to make a route to complete all items in the shortest distance.
I am getting ready to do a calculation, Fly J is 11.3 miles from me, todays diesel price $3.999, and the Shell station 6 miles closer to home is about $4.259, so, is it really worth going to Fly J anymore, unless I am actually headed that way .
I'm sure glad I've been able to get to so many great places out west in the past 10 years, as I doubt that I will ever be able to head west again with these fuel prices.
Kitty
Deep wedgewood blue '99 7.3L PSD F-350 Super Duty crew cab long bed dually or wedgewood blue '97 F-350 7.3L PSD crew cab longbed SRW, Member: Sunlineclub.com Rescue a retired Greyhound, greyt calm low maintenance traveling companions
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