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RVs and Gas Prices Go Together

Imagine yourself out on the open road, taking in the sights, and enjoy nature in all its glory.  Your investment in an RV as a means for travel is a good one…or so you’re thinking until you have to pull into that gas station and “fill ‘er up”! 

Travel of any form is expensive in today’s world – with gas prices being a major factor.  But what it all boils down to is that if you want to travel, you will have to pay for transportation related expenses – such as gas.  This is true regardless of whether your mode of transportation is plane, train, or RV!

Gas prices do vary across the country and fluctuate on a sometimes daily basis.  Generally, prices are going to be higher in cities that have high economic indicators – e.g., California is a state where you will find some of the highest prices.  In addition, gas stations located closest to major interstate highways and roads will raise their prices because of their convenience factor.

So, is there anything you can do to help curb the amount of money you must spend on gas?

Plan ahead.  Know where you’re going and find out how the prices are typically running in those areas.  A good web site to use is http://www.gasbuddy.com/.  Simply select the destination state, the price list you want to view, and a list of the lowest gas prices is shown.  For more generalized information, you can visit http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/mogas_home_page.html.

Understand how weather affects your mileage.  As the temperature goes up, your gas mileage goes down.  Thus, if you are traveling mid-summer, be prepared to fill up more often and factor that into you’re the overall expenses for your trip.

Be sure your equipment is in good working order.  If the mechanical operation of your RV is less than stellar, your gas mileage will be just as bad.  It’s important that your oil changes and engine tune-ups have been done on a regular schedule (and this means based upon mileage not calendar schedule).  Something to note: there are ways to make your RV more efficient; however, most sources say that making these changes are far more costly than the price of gas itself.  So, if someone has suggested this option to you, be certain of the cost/benefit scenario in your own mind being shelling out any money.

Diesel vs. Gas.  Some days, diesel costs more than gas; yet, on other days, it costs less.  And there are differences between the two.  Those who swear by diesel engines say the extra money spent on fuel is worth it because of the increased power you gain with a diesel engine.  What you have to consider, however, is that a diesel rig does need to be started on a fairly regular basis.  While this is neither a bad/good thing, it is what it is.  Again, you must decide if the extra fuel price you’ll pay by having a diesel engine is an acceptable tradeoff for the benefits. (This is one of those “gray areas” where everyone has an opinion, and there is no right answer.  Stick with what works best with your RV usage and finances.)

It’s important to put gas prices and RV travel into perspective.  To get from point A to point B, it will cost you money.  But you have the choice of doing in via a means that allows you tremendous flexibility, as well as a killer view!  Enjoy!.....

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