Will the rising gas prices change your plans? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

travelinmama · RV-Dreams Family Member

Will the rising gas prices change your plans?

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are planning to pull out March 11 for a month long stay in Davenport, FL. We are praying that the prices won't go higher before we leave. We plan to be there a month....it will cost a lot for fuel. At this point, it's still a GO!

Dreamers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're going - just slower and staying longer.

Judy

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lets keep this in perspective. For example; if you get 10 MPG towing, then you would use 100 gallons of fuel to go 1000 miles. Your cost would be $350 a $3.50 a gallon. If fuel went up to $4.50 a gallon your cost would be $450, or $100 more.

No one likes it, but it's not the end of the world, is it? I think most people will continue to travel, but maybe stay longer and move shorter distances.

Afterall, we aren't in a hurry, eh? :)

phyllen · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yep, staying longer and doing a little less "just driving around". We now think twice before we hop in the truck and just go for a drive. Where we are this week there is a very small grocery store. The nearest large store is 35 miles away. We will really think about what we need and not just run out for the 1/2 gallon of OJ, etc.

Colorado_Kid · RV-Dreams Family Member

It will not change my plans at all. I plan on working at a National Park this summer and will only need to pay for fuel to get there. On top of that I was giving a work project outside my work that paid very well and will more than cover the cost of fuel for my trip.

Two weeks ago I was in Buena Vista, Colorado and diesel was $3.29/gal but an hour north at the junction of RT 91 and I 70 diesel was $4.15/gal. When I do travel I believe I will stay off the interstates and travel the state roads since fuel will be cheaper.

Mallo · RV-Dreams Family Member

>>Will the rising gas prices change your plans?

Yes they will we'll do fewer miles per month where possible. Instead of 300 mile drive days we'll cut down to 225 ish.

Mallo

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have already chosen to change our travel plans based entirely on the price of fuel. It won't stop me from traveling but it will certainly change where we go. As an example, we are going to the FMCA rally in Perry, GA and we also plan to attend a couple of rallies in the MI/IN area in April/May. It had been our plan to visit Wash., DC during some free time between these 2 events. Instead, we will sit a little longer and then travel a more direct route from GA to MI eliminating about 500 miles from our travels. It's not a big deal as we will just do some sightseeing in different parts of the Country but still provide the same end result.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Shorter distances

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We will stay at State and Federal parks more.We are rare in that we prefer Commercial parks. We will probably top off the fuel tank when we find good prices instead of waiting until it is down to 1/4 tank.Trips to town will be consolidated when we are parked.In the long run like Fred stated you have to keep it in perspective. We aren't in a panic mode or anything.It is what it is and we will just adjust and keep moving on.An extra $300.00 for a 3000 mile trip won't break the bank.

Pat L · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well it sure will make a person think twice about doing anything that is not necessary. As long as the government allows idiots to control crude oil then one would wonder if the word "KICK BACK" comes into play. Diesel fuel is bye product of making gas and the production cost is about 25%. So when you are standing there watching the meter go round and round just say thanks to the greedy little bast^*#* on wall street that don't even own a car.
We will not travel as much as we would like and will plan every move including roads, mountains and traffic areas. Running at night is another way to save some fuel: Less traffic, cooler roads and cooler air will mix better.
Being in forced retirement due to the economy I have got to do everything I can to not just sit. As long as we are on the move the Grimm Reaper can't catch me.
Plan wisely and work your plan! Do the math and try to stick to it as close as possible. Some days you might have less expense so then you can have a plus day once in awhile.
Hey everyone: Check out Sunoco they have a rewards program that you can add up discounts on fuel I saw a lady the other day that paid $.83 cents per gallon, up to 20 gallons, because of points. Check them out.

-- Edited by Pat L on Friday 4th of March 2011 10:03:32 PM

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pat L wrote:

Well it sure will make a person think twice about doing anything that is not necessary. As long as the government allows idiots to control crude oil then one would wonder if the word "KICK BACK" comes into play. Diesel fuel is bye product of making gas and the production cost is about 25%. So when you are standing there watching the meter go round and round just say thanks to the greedy little bast^*#* on wall street that don't even own a car.

-- Edited by Pat L on Friday 4th of March 2011 10:03:32 PM

Not really on topic.Let's not go there.

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree, George. No need to go there on this forum.

The last time fuel prices went way up, we had made plans to go from the east coast to see our son out in Portland OR. Being that we don't get out there very often, (we have 4 other kids in the Midwest and on the east coast), we decided to go ahead and bite the bullet.

By the time we got out to Oregon, we were paying close to $5 per gallon for diesel, but by the time we left there to start heading back east again, the price was falling back down and it didn't cost us as much as we thought it would.

Yeah, the trip was more expensive, but we're not willing to let that stop us from seeing our son. When we got back, we just stayed longer at parks and took advantage of weekly and monthly rates, stayed in less expensive parks, and in general didn't travel as much for awhile.

Before we knew it, our budget was right back in line.

In 2011, we're planning on going back to Oregon again, and unless the prices get way, way up there, we'll be going and will catch up on the budget later.

We're just not willing to let the price of fuel affect us enough to cause us to completely change our plans.

Life is too short.

Jim

-- Edited by Jim01 on Saturday 5th of March 2011 06:18:59 AM

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pat L wrote:

Diesel fuel is bye product of making gas and the production cost is about 25%.
Hey everyone: Check out Sunoco they have a rewards program that you can add up discounts on fuel I saw a lady the other day that paid $.83 cents per gallon, up to 20 gallons, because of points. Check them out.

-- Edited by Pat L on Friday 4th of March 2011 10:03:32 PM

Again, let's visit the "byproduct of making gas" as it relates to diesel. Diesel is a component of crude oil, just as the primary components of gasoline are. All crude oil is made up of different fractions of hydrocarbons. Diesel is a highly refined product, and is required to be desulfured.
Some crudes are desirable because of the high diesel component, and command higher prices. So, the comment about cost 25% is not correct.
Cost at the pump is kinda based on the thermal equivalent of the product. Not an absolute, but it is related. Diesel is higher in BTU, therefore it costs more.

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Diesel used to be cheaper a few years ago....

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Supply and demand. We demand way too much!

RVRon · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not yet being full time we probably won't change our plans all that much. Still attending the rally in April and have a couple of other trips planned. We try to get out at least every month for a short weekend trip somewhere close to home and will continue that too.

We save a bunch on fuel using our Chase BP Visa card and Winn Dixie fuel perks. The BP Visa gives a 5% rebate on their fuel (10% for the first 60 days), so it almost puts a smile on your face thinking that the higher prices go, the more the rebate. Regular gas here is now $3.48/gal. but with the rebate we're in effect paying about $3.30/gal. The Winn Dixie Fuel Perks discount applies to up to 20 gallons and depends on how much you buy at their stores. We've saved up to $.50 per gallon but they limit you to 20 gallons at a time, then the discount resets. Combining the 2 discount programs we could at least theoretically pay $2.83 for 20 gallons of gas normally priced at $3.48/gal.

The BP rebate is available as BP gift cards so we accumulate them and use them only for fueling the RV. The system works for us but of course I realize not everyone has Winn Dixie stores near them. Oh... and no I don't work for Chase, BP or Winn Dixie! smile

sirwinston21 · RV-Dreams Family Member

It won't stop us, we will just do drive down hill more.

tworootless · RV-Dreams Family Member

With the escalating price of diesel, plus not wanting to take a chance in this poor economy on mass cancellations at our new position, it has caused us to change our plans. In our 11 years of Full Timing and Workamping, we've cancelled our positions and decided not to drive 1,200 miles to a new job. Instead, we'll be returning to a park we've worked at which is only 350 miles away.

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tp make a ;long story short, NO! When I retired the wife and I sat down and worked out a budget. Not so strange as a lot of folks do that and all should. In any event we put into the budget a cost $6/gal for fuel. I knew the low prices would not last. Until our budget is busted we will continue to do what we do. Still that does not make me like it!

Just filled the coach yesterday at $3.89/gal. Total cost was over $250. I swallowed hard and paid the bill. Even though our budget is not busted we are staying longer, taking advantage of lower rates for longer stays.

-- Edited by ahoweth on Tuesday 8th of March 2011 07:57:15 AM

TxYellowRose · RV-Dreams Family Member

One of the reasons, and there are several, we took the long-term work position we are in is the rising price of diesel. Again, it is just one of the reasons along with good $$, did a lot of traveling last year, it's time to replenish the kitty and we enjoy this type of work.

It is kinda nice to be in one locale after moving around a bunch the past several months. Although, if the river is gonna crest tomorrow, we may just have to move up the road a bit!

travelinmama · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have been so blessed and though the gas prices are skeery, we are grateful that we can continue on our "pioneer" journey and not becoming settlers in our journey.

No matter what the fear is of the gas prices, we must continue to keep our word to those we promise to come work for. For us, our Word is important to keep. We have met some incredible wonderful work campers who have taught us this in their walk and in their principles for living this RV life.

We did look at settling down -honestly, it was heartbreaking, but we thought maybe this was what we were suppose to do, but it's not. We love meeting new people in the camps, we love working for hard places and seeing the blessings flow when it is tough!

So, as you continue your journey ahead, let no gas prices skeer you, be the blessing on the otherside of your word. Food will rise in price, clothes will rise in prices, as will gas, but your dreams are more important and so is your peace.

Blessings abound!

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am near Cave City, Kentucky. Trying out a workamp position at a Yogi Bear camp resort park on the entrance road to the Mammoth Cave NP. I am doing mechanical repairs on their grounds vehicles and rental golf carts.
I had a good 60 day rest and relaxation at Hilltop RV Park in Robertsdale, Al. A peaceful snowbird park in between Mobile and Pensacola, Florida. The owners were great people and had many activities; Chritmas dinner, New Years Parties, weekly trips out for breakfast, card and board games. I didn't attend all, but had fun.
I hope to stay here as long as the owners can use my help. traveling with these gas prices will take a bit of the wind out of my sails. Hope to go back to Amazon.com, in Campbellsville for the Peak Season. this Fall. Yes; Prices will change my long distance plans, but will not change my love of this great adventure. Pieere!

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

tworootless wrote:

In our 11 years of Full Timing and Workamping, we've cancelled our positions and decided not to drive 1,200 miles to a new job. Instead, we'll be returning to a park we've worked at which is only 350 miles away.

Perhaps the same tune that a lot of us work campers are singing. I will no longer "volunteer" or work for wages that won't at least cover the fuel cost. The DW and I love to give back to the community. We just aren't going to pay to do so anymore.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Is anyone here using biodiesel (WVO - waste vegetable oil)? You can put 20% pure vegetable oil in any diesel without modifying it.

sonicsix · RV-Dreams Family Member

We weren't going anywhere this summer... staying in South Texas until April 2012. If prices are still high then, it will affect how far we go but we will still go somewhere new.

travelinmama · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have spent a month in Heiskell TN and have totally enjoyed ourselves. No, we didn't make it to the RV Rally, we had a choice- RV Rally or Pastors conference at the end of the month. Since we are pastors, we picked the latter.

God is working on a plan that has totally changed what we are going to do. I originally wrote our word is our word and we would be there (MI) no matter what. Well, The Lord's Word supersedes our word and we are heading back down south, to Montgomery TX instead of Michigan to work for a while.

The gas prices, well, whether they go down or up, regardless, we must travel.

We have watched them go up and while it bites, we have driven alot around this area and into KY.

Whatever your plans are, enjoy and be safe.

-- Edited by travelinmama on Sunday 24th of April 2011 08:34:22 AM

JackieandTony · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are currently on the road as we speak. From Tampa Florida to Colorado Springs CO for a workamping job. We are towing the 5er with a Ford F350 diesel plus I am driving the Honda CRV behind so that we have a vehicle with us for the 5 months that will be staying there and it is lighter on gas for all the running around we will do. I can tell you each and every time we fill up it is $32 for the Honda and +/- $120 for the Ford - we typically fill up between 250 and 300 miles as Tony does not like the vehicle's fuel tanks to get too close to empty. Some days we have traveled more than 300 miles so we have filled up twice. This takea a big bite out of the wallet. We have noticed the huge difference in cost between this trip and the exact same route last year when we did it at the end of summer when gas prices were way more reasonable.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I do believe that fuel prices will make people make different decisions in their travel plans. We had to make changes in our plans this summer because medical situtation not because of fuel. We will be going back to Florida this winter...... Gas/Diesel will be over $6.00 a gallon by summer...

jcw · RV-Dreams Family Member

travelinmama wrote:
Will the rising gas prices change your plans?
...

Nope. smile

Ken & Sarah · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't believe anyone mentioned it but how fast you drive is a BIG factor in how many gallons of fuel is used.

jcw · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ken & Sarah wrote:
I don't believe anyone mentioned it but how fast you drive is a BIG factor in how many gallons of fuel is used.

and your tire pressure...

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

biggrin biggrin I will be leaving Cave City, Kentucky to Adventureland amusement park in Altoona, Iowa, a distance of 663 miles with my 7 MPG gas burner. It will be my second season working there.

Is it worth the aproxx. $400.00 in fuel to get there? I say yes , as I have worked with some really fantastic workcampers who welcomed me back with open arms. The owners and admn. are great to work for. There are many activities and shopping and eateries are close by.

I also qualified for veterans healthcare after being informed by a fellow work camper whom had medical treatment at the DesMoines VA Hospital. I have some scheduled appts. set up that I could not afford. Pieere