bruceNdeb
Texas
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Joined: 05/01/2008
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As I am looking into becoming FT I have to stop and wonder about these gas/diesel prices.I wondewr just how much higher this diesel is going to go. Is this lifestyle going to be affordable? There is a lot to think about. How are gas/diesel prices affecting you all?
Debby
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taviking22
Omaha, NE
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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I am driving my first diesel. It replaced a 1/4 ton gas pickup. I am finding that even with it being 3/4 ton, having greater hp and torque, that I get about 25% better mileage with it vs. the gasser. So, as long as the price of gas stays within 25% the price of diesel fuel, I feel good about owning a diesel. Granted, the upward climb of both gasoline and diesel fuel prices is painful!
I get such great relaxation and family enjoyment from RVing and camping, I would be hard pressed to give it up. And, the price for hotels, motels and restaurants is increasing also, so I use those prices to help rationalize the costs of RVing. I'll give up other amenities before I give up RVing.
I know that the increase cost of everything is causing many to have to make critical decisions and sacrifices. Good luck with what you decide!
taviking22
Omaha, NE
2006 2500HD Silverado 4 X 4, Duramax LBZ
2008 Tracker Pro Guide V-16 Boat
2009 Jayco Eagle Super Light 28.5 RLS 5th Wheel
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Kirk
Livingston, Texas.
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Joined: 06/17/2001
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We have been full-time now for more than eight years. Over that time our expenses have risen, but that would be true no matter what we called a home. It is true that some of us are modifying our style of travel to stay longer in one location, we drive more slowly to improve mpg, and we do all of the same things that other people are doing.
Thus far, we know of no couple who have been on the road long enough to be considered permanent that have given up this lifestyle. Many of us are reevaluating our plans and adjusting. I have no doubt that prices over the long term will probably rise somewhat more. Most economists predict some leveling, but little if any reduction. In time, things will have to rise as world demands for oil increase until alternatives begin to take over and to cut the demand.
The positive side of current prices is that it has caused many reserves that previously were not cost practical to recover, to now be experiencing a great deal of drilling activity. Texas is presently in one of the greatest drilling booms in modern history.
If you would like to see the effects on a real fulltimer's expenses, you can do so by visiting here.
Good travelin! ........Kirk
sent via Starband, Manual Flyer dish
www.adventure.1tree.net
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Joined: 08/08/2003
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Normally we tow our 29 ft Holiday Rambler TT from Michigan to Arizona for the winter and then tow it back home in the spring. Since we're planning a Colorado trip this summer and AZ is not that much farther, we're going to deliver the HR to our RV park and store it for $35 per month. When we go for the winter we'll drive our mini-van, motel it, and save several hundred dollars on the round trip. Gas here hit $3.89 today and diesel is $4.28. 22 mpg with the van as opposed to 11-12 towing makes a big difference.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
1997 Holiday Rambler 29FK travel trailer
2006 Summit 22RB travel trailer
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
Bob & Grace professional retirees
Good Sam life members
Camped in 49 states. Missing Hawaii.
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Dreamweaver
USA
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Joined: 06/13/2004
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One big difference between going on vacation and full timming is when you are a full timer you don't have to "go back"home because when you get there you are already home.
John The Happy Wanderer
2003 DODGE 3500 QUAD CAB SLT 5.9 CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL
2001 Carriage Cameo LXI F34CK3 5th wheel
~~~ FRIENDLY FULLTIMER ~~~
Good Sam Club Life member
Full Time Graduating Class of '05
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bruceNdeb
Texas
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Joined: 05/01/2008
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Dreamweaver,
you are so so right. No spending $ on diesel for the trip home. You are home. :-) Too I have ordered books on full timing..Listened to folks like you and Kirk and others.So I am doing my research and for now thats the best I can do. Lets not forget that budget...
Thanks everyone for all the input, It really does help !!!!! :-)
* This post was
edited 05/07/08 10:18pm by bruceNdeb *
2004 Cardinal
2004 Silverado
Debby
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tonyandkaren
pennsylvania
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Joined: 05/15/2005
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We're into our 15th year of full timing and the price of fuel has affected us but not to the point of considering a stationary life. It's kind of shocking when our friends tell us their monthly costs for electricity and heating their homes. Glad we don't have to pay those bills!
Our style of full timing is a slow meandering so we've just slowed down a bit more and extended our stays.
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longtrailer48
Kent, WA
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Joined: 10/12/2007
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Didn't George just start sending out his RV stimulus packages for this year? Doesn't that just about cover the 'extra' cost for fuel for this year of RV'ing?
2000 F350 4X4 7.3PSD CC SB SRW Superglide 18K 4" Flowmaster K&N Garrett Turbo Pwr Chp 8-21 MPG
2008 WW FTL4005+5 5th Wheel Toyhauler 48'x102"x13'-6" 3 slides
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Nolan
Full-timing
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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Have you noticed your grocery bill getting higher every month? Has that effected you any?
With us we still plan to continue to fill-time. Workamping has helped out in the past and I'm sure it will in the future. This summer we have received the most job offers we have ever had since we went full-timing. It could be because of the cost of fuel. I do remember the cost of fuel was high in the summer of 2006. Peole were "talking" about it here on this forum. We workamped in Colorado. Lots of RVs on the road. People were mostly from Colorado and were staying in their own state but still traveling. May happen again this year.
Nolan and JoAnn
2000 Kenworth T600. (The Little Blue Truck)
2004 NuWa Hitchhiker Champagne 33LKTG
2003 Kawasaki Nomad. The Cow. (mine)
2004 Harley Road King. The Hog. (hers)
http://community.webshots.com/user/2ontheroad
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rogerswann
Rhode Island
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Joined: 01/25/2007
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I dont believe anyone on this forum has a crystal ball, which would be required to answer your question.
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