Cost of fuel/energy question?

[Rams]

Obviously, the cost of fuel has increased dramatically over the last year.   I'm curious as to how this is effecting you in your personal lives.

I know this, diesel fuel is through the roof and is expected to go even higher with the Russian intrusion into Ukraine.   Gas is also much higher.   I am now choosing my mode of transportation much more carefully and planning my trips to be as efficient as possible.   Using my diesel tractor is only happening when I really need to use that tractor and it's associated equipment.   The cost of that fuel has even caused me to look at my proposed travels and to consider the trips I really want to go on.  There won't be that many if we don't get this under control.

The price of fuel dictates the price of just about everything else we consume.   That price is projected to reach record levels.    So, how are you coping?

Rams

[Bret SD]

Rams, I'm paying higher fuel costs than most of the people on this board for the sin of living in California. I find myself second-guessing any trips that I need to make and I also look to combine errands, I'm mapping them in a geographical sequence to conserve fuel. The Valkyrie is my main mode of transportation these days if I can help it, if it's not raining and I don't need to haul anything big I'm on the bike.

Soon I will be installing a higher-profile tire on the back of the Valkyrie so I should be getting some better mileage. On my trips to Mount Palomar I usually go out of my way about 7 Mi to hit the La Jolla Indian Reservation for fuel, there's another reservation on the way and their prices used to be higher, now they're the same. :/

[Reb]

Parked my 1/2 ton picke'm up truck - only use for trips to the dump on Saturday mornings. Acquired a 2016 Nissan Versa Note - 5 speed, about 40MPG if driven softly for work and back. That will be parked for a two wheel option as the weather improves going into Spring.

[Chrisj CMA]

I’ve just raised my prices a little especially for house calls and don’t worry about it much. It is what it is. I have to drive and never was much for unnecessary driving so the wallet is thinner is about the extent of it. Fir the bike nothing much has changed. I don’t even look at prices when I’m on the bike. I have my favorite stations and I don’t look at the total and I have s more enjoyable ride 

[Rams]

Well, my being frugal isn't totally based on the price of fuel, I'm paying for a wedding this fall and my wife will soon be having shoulder replacement surgery on first her left and then her right shoulder so.    I'm looking at the prices of fuels to be a much bigger hit on what and how we do things.   That wedding and those surgeries will be major hits to our finances this and into the next year.   Might not be traveling nearly as much as I'd like.

Rams

[csj]

We get most our gas from a nearby reservation, which is 4c to 8c/L cheaper than in town. Presently that difference is 14c/L. Filled up all gas cans with this 'cheaper ' gas to run push and riding mowers for a year.

[cookiedough]

gas sucks going up now that soon both of us will be 'forced' going back into work daily in the office both 32 mile one way commute come March.  Besides people getting sick/dying of Covid,  it brought about the lowest gas pricing since the 80's at 99 cents per gallon now up to around 3.25 per gallon in 2 years now.  Plus another probably more like 2 grand out of pocket easily more in gas we will have to pay driving back/forth to work later in March.  Our 2 year old SUV only has 18K miles on it vs. would have had past 2 years driving it about 45K miles on it.

Not only that, but our kid is having hernia surgery mid March going to cost us 3-4 grand out of pocket as well if I get 'approved' for left hip replacement surgery today going to see the surgeon in a few hours another 3 grand out of pocket easily as well, probably more.  So, yes gas sucks but other surgery issues will arise in 2022 so pretty much no major vacations for us just weekend outings for a day or so locally.

I do not notice our gas nor electric going up that much though as compared to last winter so I guess gotta look on the bright side??

[..]

I sold my Tahoe in 2016 and bought new my Mazda 3 hatchback. From 11mpg around town if gentle on the gas pedal to 30mpg around town and 40 mpg highway.

The V1800 gets about 42 mpg if I'm zooming or low 50's on a leisurely ride.

A reminder that during George W gas hit $4 for regular in Atlanta.

[carolinarider09]

With the exception of the cost of goods (i.e. food) and services (electric and natural gas) we are not affected much. 

Unlike when I worked, I no longer travel 12,000 to 15,000 a year.  We take multiple trips for fun.  We take the bike 99.9% of the time and its about 40 MPG.  Trips are 1,000 to 1,700 miles.

The biggest increase in cost we have seen (beside food) that is the most intrusive to the wallet, is the cost of lodging.  We tend to stay at Hilton properties and the alternatives are IHG and Best Western.  Hotel prices, last year were not to bad.  This year, they are way higher for the same property. 

[old2soon]

       Living by myself I still see me paying more for EVERYTHING at least on a weekly basis if not a daily basis. Also as others made mention of More EMPTY shelf space(s) and higher costs on EVERYTHING. I also am now Paying More attention to SALES than I ever have before. Is there a pinch in my finances?/ YES! I have cut back on my travels But my favorite breakfast place is Still 24 miles from my Casa. Was NOT That LONG ago my usual fuel stop was at $2.69 a gal. Yesterday same fuel stop $2.98 a gal. Shameless plug here Aldi IS Still the low price leader BUT even their prices Are climbing. One more thing I wanna mention here scarcity and price wise. Ammo and magazines. BOTH gittin difficult to find and My oh My the PRICES! RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

If prices on everything were as high as they'd go, that wouldn't be too bad.

It's where they are going to go that worries me.  

Except for my property taxes, I live pretty cheap.  I'd rather do it by choice than by necessity though.

I'm kinda glad I got all the guns, ammo, vehicles, appliances, new HVAC, before all this mess started.  Part of that is thinking ahead, but part is pure luck.  (or bad luck when sh!t broke and had to be replaced)

I'm a bit like Jeff (ChrisJ) though, I go out and get what I need and try to ignore the price.  My blood pressure appreciates it.

Looking at my bills, it seems natural gas has gone up.  Course it's been a much colder Winter than normal here, so that's part of it.  

[Patrick]

All the price hikes are irritating knowing this doesn't have to happen.  I just chalk it up to people not knowing what they voted for.

Other that that, it doesn't change anything I want to do.

But, I think we have another 3 years to go and a few years after that before things are able to correct themselves, if we get the right administration in 2024.

[old2soon]

If prices on everything were as high as they'd go, that wouldn't be too bad.

It's where they are going to go that worries me.  

Except for my property taxes, I live pretty cheap.  I'd rather do it by choice than by necessity though.

I'm kinda glad I got all the guns, ammo, vehicles, appliances, new HVAC, before all this mess started.  Part of that is thinking ahead, but part is pure luck.  (or bad luck when sh!t broke and had to be replaced)

I'm a bit like Jeff (ChrisJ) though, I go out and get what I need and try to ignore the price.  My blood pressure appreciates it.

Looking at my bills, it seems natural gas has gone up.  Course it's been a much colder Winter than normal here, so that's part of it.  

             The WHY of me having the transmission in the cage done and getting New Dentures! And winter I M O Still SUXX! RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

My only transmission rebuild (Lincoln) cost was pretty damn high.  Some years later when it took a sh!t again, I donated the bastard to Purple Heart for a tax break (and spent that money on the next car).  But everything on that car cost a sh!t-ton to fix (like $3k for airbags), so while it was the nicest ride I ever had, I didn't love it anymore.

So I'm curious what cost more, the trans or the teeth?  (I'm NOT asking what they cost, just what's higher)   

When I (mostly) restored my '69 ragtop Corvette, I had the Muncie 4-speed looked at while the engine was being rebuilt.  Being told it was perfect and nothing needed done was good news. That was probably the only thing that didn't need fixed  (besides the ashtray). 

[scooperhsd]

If I go strictly by how much a mile will cost me - my Valk is dead last (surprised ?). Cheapest is my 2000 TDI New Beetle (almost always over or at least close to 40 MPG), followed by my 2015 TDI Golf ( not quite as fuel efficient as the Beetle) , but the Golf is usually taken because its "the nicest ride". I try to maintain close to the posted speed limit, but I'm a big believer in "getting to cruise speed ASAP".

[old2soon]

My only transmission rebuild (Lincoln) cost was pretty damn high.  Some years later when it took a sh!t again, I donated the bastard to Purple Heart for a tax break (and spent that money on the next car).  But everything on that car cost a sh!t-ton to fix (like $3k for airbags), so while it was the nicest ride I ever had, I didn't love it anymore.

So I'm curious what cost more, the trans or the teeth?  (I'm NOT asking what they cost, just what's higher)   

When I (mostly) restored my '69 ragtop Corvette, I had the Muncie 4-speed looked at while the engine was being rebuilt.  Being told it was perfect and nothing needed done was good news. That was probably the only thing that didn't need fixed  (besides the ashtray). 

         Within 20 bucks of each other leader-dentures. RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

Interestingly, I was filling up with diesel yesterday and big four door, 4WD Ford pulled in and started fueling up at the same pump but on the other side.   He kept looking at my truck and trailer and asked me what kind of mileage I got so I told him both with and without the trailer.    

He just looked wide eyed and said you're BSing me.   Nope, I told him and I can prove it.   Showed him my log.   He was shocked.   Said the best he could get with no trailer was about 10 mpg on the highway.

I can easily get 24 mpg and sometimes better depending on headwinds.   We conversed for a while and he wanted to know how I could get that kind of mileage.   So, I told him to look at his truck and then mine.   I asked him what the differences were.   I asked how often he used that 4wd, he replied rarely.   I asked how much he needed that super cab, he replied not very often.   I asked how fast he drove on the interstate highways.   He replied 5 to 9 over the speed limit normally.  

We finished the conversation and he said, I need to get rid of this diesel eating hog and get something that I can afford to drive for work, these prices are killing me.   Told him to slow down and he'd get a lot better fuel mileage (I think).  

Don't get me wrong, I like to go fast and get to places quickly also but, it costs more to do that.  
Some folks need that super cab, I don't and apparently, he didn't either.
Some folks need that 4wd, I don't, and he apparently could operate without it.   Live and learn, it's not my call on what others drive.

Rams

[old2soon]

Interestingly, I was filling up with diesel yesterday and big four door, 4WD Ford pull in and started fueling up at the same pump but on the other side.   He kept looking at my truck and trailer and asked me what kind of mileage I got so I told him both with and without the trailer.   

He just looked wide eyed and said you're BSing me.   Nope, I told him and I can prove it.   Showed him my log.   He was shocked.   Said the best he could get with no trailer was about 10 mpg on the highway.

I can easily get 24 mpg and sometimes better depending on headwinds.   We conversed for a while and he wanted to know how I could get that kind of mileage.   So, I told him to look at his truck and then mine.   I asked him what the differences were.   I asked how often he used that 4wd, he replied rarely.   I asked how much he needed that super cab, he replied not very often.   I asked how fast he drove on the interstate highways.   He replied 5 to 9 over the speed limit normally.   

We finished the conversation and he said, I need to get rid of this diesel eating hog and get something that I can afford to drive for work, these prices are killing me.   Told him to slow down and he'd get a lot better fuel mileage (I think).   

Don't get me wrong, I like to go fast and get to places quickly also but, it costs more to do that.   
Some folks need that super cab, I don't and apparently, he didn't either.
Some folks need that 4wd, I don't, and he apparently could operate without it.   Live and learn, it's not my call on what others drive.

Rams

       While I am burnin 87 octane Not diesel I find Cruise Control IS your Friend!  Specially where M P G Is concerned. My little ol 3.8 liter gen III Will git ya in trouble in Any state in The Union should you be so inclined. But the sweet spot is tween 68 and 72 M P H And keepin the left door closed IS the trick! And Ron-those danged winds Will mess with the M P G! RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

Interestingly, I was filling up with diesel yesterday and big four door, 4WD Ford pull in and started fueling up at the same pump but on the other side.   He kept looking at my truck and trailer and asked me what kind of mileage I got so I told him both with and without the trailer.    

He just looked wide eyed and said you're BSing me.   Nope, I told him and I can prove it.   Showed him my log.   He was shocked.   Said the best he could get with no trailer was about 10 mpg on the highway.

I can easily get 24 mpg and sometimes better depending on headwinds.   We conversed for a while and he wanted to know how I could get that kind of mileage.   So, I told him to look at his truck and then mine.   I asked him what the differences were.   I asked how often he used that 4wd, he replied rarely.   I asked how much he needed that super cab, he replied not very often.   I asked how fast he drove on the interstate highways.   He replied 5 to 9 over the speed limit normally.  

We finished the conversation and he said, I need to get rid of this diesel eating hog and get something that I can afford to drive for work, these prices are killing me.   Told him to slow down and he'd get a lot better fuel mileage (I think).  

Don't get me wrong, I like to go fast and get to places quickly also but, it costs more to do that.  
Some folks need that super cab, I don't and apparently, he didn't either.
Some folks need that 4wd, I don't, and he apparently could operate without it.   Live and learn, it's not my call on what others drive.

Rams

       While I am burnin 87 octane Not diesel I find Cruise Control IS your Friend!   Specially where M P G Is concerned. My little ol 3.8 liter gen III Will git ya in trouble in Any state in The Union should you be so inclined. But the sweet spot is tween 68 and 72 M P H And keepin the left door closed IS the trick! And Ron-those danged winds Will mess with the M P G! RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,
Agreed on the winds.   While heading to the last Billings InZane, a friend and I were towing my fifth wheel toy hauler with two bikes inside and a tandem trailer behind that with two more Valkyries on it.   That RV is not very aerodynamic and about the best we could do mpg wise was 14.5 towing that load with light head winds.    Crossing the eastern WY state line, the winds picked up.   We were pushing through 60 mph head winds.   The fuel mileage dropped to 6 mpg and I finally gave up and pulled over waiting for the winds to subside.  

But, the point to my previous post about that Ford was, all that extra and apparently un-needed cab space equals weight and drag.   That 4WD that just about everyone has but, this driver said he really never used is extra weight and drag.    All that affect fuel mileage.

I recognize some folks really do need that space and that 4WD but, most don't.   I have family members that represent the same fad.   It's cool to have the biggest, baddest truck out there but, there's a price to pay.   I tend to go with the Marine attitude, KISS.   (Keep It Simple Stupid)  

Rams

[cookiedough]

Yah,  now that gas is going up I am like Reb and the rest letting my V8 truck sit gets 17 hwy mpg only driving it when need the truck or say once every few weekends to make sure do not get a dead battery from sitting so long in cold winter.   I have a car gets 35 hwy mpg in winter sure beats 17 with truck now that in March going back to work in office near daily.  Darn Covid,  besides deaths was nice to be able to work from home for the most part past 2 years. 

Around here,  most companies are lifting the mask mandate sometime in March and forcing most workers to start going back into the office daily or at least for now in March 2-3x's daily. 

Wife just left back in all 3 days this week into office after being home 95% of the time working from home on computer past 2 years.  She, like most, will be awnry in the office today.   

We both so wish were age 62 vs. only age 52 or so in order to retire EARLY.  Near everyone I know is older and retiring early age 62 or 63 and loving it.

[Jersey mike]

Interestingly, I was filling up with diesel yesterday and big four door, 4WD Ford pull in and started fueling up at the same pump but on the other side.   He kept looking at my truck and trailer and asked me what kind of mileage I got so I told him both with and without the trailer.   

He just looked wide eyed and said you're BSing me.   Nope, I told him and I can prove it.   Showed him my log.   He was shocked.   Said the best he could get with no trailer was about 10 mpg on the highway.

I can easily get 24 mpg and sometimes better depending on headwinds.   We conversed for a while and he wanted to know how I could get that kind of mileage.   So, I told him to look at his truck and then mine.   I asked him what the differences were.   I asked how often he used that 4wd, he replied rarely.   I asked how much he needed that super cab, he replied not very often.   I asked how fast he drove on the interstate highways.   He replied 5 to 9 over the speed limit normally.   

We finished the conversation and he said, I need to get rid of this diesel eating hog and get something that I can afford to drive for work, these prices are killing me.   Told him to slow down and he'd get a lot better fuel mileage (I think).   

Don't get me wrong, I like to go fast and get to places quickly also but, it costs more to do that.   
Some folks need that super cab, I don't and apparently, he didn't either.
Some folks need that 4wd, I don't, and he apparently could operate without it.   Live and learn, it's not my call on what others drive.

Rams

       While I am burnin 87 octane Not diesel I find Cruise Control IS your Friend!  Specially where M P G Is concerned. My little ol 3.8 liter gen III Will git ya in trouble in Any state in The Union should you be so inclined. But the sweet spot is tween 68 and 72 M P H And keepin the left door closed IS the trick! And Ron-those danged winds Will mess with the M P G! RIDE SAFE.

I drive a Ford E150 van as my regular vehicle. It has the 5.4L (330 ci) in it. Gas mileage isn’t great but it’s the vehicle I drive, 4 captains chairs and rear bench (all removable) with room enough for my tools behind the bench seat. I get about 11 around town and 15-18 or so on the highway. 73 is the sweet spot for it, it rides real nice and I can accelerate up 80 for passing w/o the trans downshifting and hit resume on the cruise and continue on but it will run 80+ if I get caught up in a traffic situation where it’s necessary to stay with the flow of traffic. Luckily I’m not commuting or do a tremendous amount of around town driving so while fill ups are getting tough to swallow they aren’t too often. I carry 35 gallons but usually fill up at around 20-25 or so.

[h13man]

We're around the $3.30 mark +/- .10 thus our 08' SX4 AWD Suzuki gets 25 mpg. and has a 10 gallon tank. The 10' GMC has been in the shop for total vehicle rust restore since October thus its 17 mpg. is out the picture. The 07' Ridgeline inherited a year ago is the backup @ 17 mpg. and it has a lot issues due not being taken care other than oil changes. It still runs good but $$$'s being spent to make it near perfect, that still in question.

[Rams]

The 07' Ridgeline inherited a year ago is the backup @ 17 mpg. and it has a lot issues due not being taken care other than oil changes. It still runs good but $$$'s being spent to make it near perfect, that still in question.

Yeah, my wife has a 2017 or 18 Ridgeline.   She loves it.   The funny thing is, I can always get better fuel mileage in it than she can but then, I don't do jack rabbit starts and tend to stay slightly below the speed limit and she's always 5-8 over.   Speed makes a huge difference.   I'm retired and am in no hurry to go most places. 

Rams

[Jersey mike]

The 07' Ridgeline inherited a year ago is the backup @ 17 mpg. and it has a lot issues due not being taken care other than oil changes. It still runs good but $$$'s being spent to make it near perfect, that still in question.

Yeah, my wife has a 2017 or 18 Ridgeline.   She loves it.   The funny thing is, I can always get better fuel mileage in it than she can but then, I don't do jack rabbit starts and tend to stay slightly below the speed limit and she's always 5-8 over.   Speed makes a huge difference.   I'm retired and am in no hurry to go most places. 

Rams

And don’t forget those tire pressures.

[Patrick]

The 07' Ridgeline inherited a year ago is the backup @ 17 mpg. and it has a lot issues due not being taken care other than oil changes. It still runs good but $$$'s being spent to make it near perfect, that still in question.

Yeah, my wife has a 2017 or 18 Ridgeline.   She loves it.   The funny thing is, I can always get better fuel mileage in it than she can but then, I don't do jack rabbit starts and tend to stay slightly below the speed limit and she's always 5-8 over.   Speed makes a huge difference.   I'm retired and am in no hurry to go most places. 

Rams

And don’t forget those tire pressures.

I tend to run the pressure higher than what the door jam sticker says. I use just under what the tire says.

The Ram gets 21-22 at 75mph and 15-15.5 around town. JoAnn's CR-V averages 30. But, I rarely check the mileage. I'm not to concerned. The Valk gets over 40.

[Rams]

The 07' Ridgeline inherited a year ago is the backup @ 17 mpg. and it has a lot issues due not being taken care other than oil changes. It still runs good but $$$'s being spent to make it near perfect, that still in question.

Yeah, my wife has a 2017 or 18 Ridgeline.   She loves it.   The funny thing is, I can always get better fuel mileage in it than she can but then, I don't do jack rabbit starts and tend to stay slightly below the speed limit and she's always 5-8 over.   Speed makes a huge difference.   I'm retired and am in no hurry to go most places. 

Rams

And don’t forget those tire pressures.

I tend to run the pressure higher than what the door jam sticker says. I use just under what the tire says.

The Ram gets 21-22 at 75mph and 15-15.5 around town. JoAnn's CR-V averages 30. But, I rarely check the mileage. I'm not to concerned. The Valk gets over 40.

Yep, tire pressures do make a difference.   I tend to run mine on the high side also.   I'm assuming that Ram is a half-ton?   I haven't seen a one ton dually get that good of mileage at 75 mph.

[Jersey mike]

The 07' Ridgeline inherited a year ago is the backup @ 17 mpg. and it has a lot issues due not being taken care other than oil changes. It still runs good but $$$'s being spent to make it near perfect, that still in question.

Yeah, my wife has a 2017 or 18 Ridgeline.   She loves it.   The funny thing is, I can always get better fuel mileage in it than she can but then, I don't do jack rabbit starts and tend to stay slightly below the speed limit and she's always 5-8 over.   Speed makes a huge difference.   I'm retired and am in no hurry to go most places. 

Rams

And don’t forget those tire pressures.

I tend to run the pressure higher than what the door jam sticker says. I use just under what the tire says.

The Ram gets 21-22 at 75mph and 15-15.5 around town. JoAnn's CR-V averages 30. But, I rarely check the mileage. I'm not to concerned. The Valk gets over 40.

On the cars I run 35psi which is just a few #’s over sticker on all 4 cars. On my van I run just 1 lb over at 42psi since the truck sits on XL tires.

[Patrick]

The 07' Ridgeline inherited a year ago is the backup @ 17 mpg. and it has a lot issues due not being taken care other than oil changes. It still runs good but $$$'s being spent to make it near perfect, that still in question.

Yeah, my wife has a 2017 or 18 Ridgeline.   She loves it.   The funny thing is, I can always get better fuel mileage in it than she can but then, I don't do jack rabbit starts and tend to stay slightly below the speed limit and she's always 5-8 over.   Speed makes a huge difference.   I'm retired and am in no hurry to go most places. 

Rams

And don’t forget those tire pressures.

I tend to run the pressure higher than what the door jam sticker says. I use just under what the tire says.

The Ram gets 21-22 at 75mph and 15-15.5 around town. JoAnn's CR-V averages 30. But, I rarely check the mileage. I'm not to concerned. The Valk gets over 40.

Yep, tire pressures do make a difference.   I tend to run mine on the high side also.   I'm assuming that Ram is a half-ton?   I haven't seen a one ton dually get that good of mileage at 75 mph.

OH, ya. I don't need a heavy truck. Its a 1500 4 door with a cap and the hemi. And it doesn't get driven too much anyway. But I put $80 in the tank the other day and I don't let the fuel get too low.

[Rams]

OH, ya. I don't need a heavy truck. Its a 1500 4 door with a cap and the hemi. And it doesn't get driven too much anyway. But I put $80 in the tank the other day and I don't let the fuel get too low.

Yeah, I don't really need a 3500 Dually much now either but, it's only a year old and paid for, can't see incurring any debt.   I still have a few trailers I hot shotted with but, am not looking for loads any longer.   Folks don't want to pay what it costs to operate and that cost is only go up.

Now, I go when the destination or route takes me somewhere I have an interest in going.   Recently had an offer to go to MN and transport a load to FL.   I just smiled and replied thanks but, no thanks.   Not interested.   With fuel approaching $4.00 per gallon in some places, it gets expensive.

Now with our current economic policies and a potential war in Ukraine which could cut off Russian fuel who has a lot of sway with OPEC, our policies don't make much sense.   Drillers not allowed to drill on previously approved federal lands, fracking being dis-allowed, Canadian Pipe lines canceled.   I'm wondering who the White House is protecting...   It's obvious to me that we're being funneled in to Electric vehicles.   I really don't have a problem with folks driving electric vehicles but, our grid system won't provide sufficient electric power for huge numbers of E vehicles, charging stations are rare and battery life is too short.   I can't see me pulling or towing with a one tom electric truck any time in the near future.

Rams

[h13man]

The 07' Ridgeline inherited a year ago is the backup @ 17 mpg. and it has a lot issues due not being taken care other than oil changes. It still runs good but $$$'s being spent to make it near perfect, that still in question.

Yeah, my wife has a 2017 or 18 Ridgeline.   She loves it.   The funny thing is, I can always get better fuel mileage in it than she can but then, I don't do jack rabbit starts and tend to stay slightly below the speed limit and she's always 5-8 over.   Speed makes a huge difference.   I'm retired and am in no hurry to go most places.  



Rams

This older version definitely has the jack rabbit syndrome compared to any vehicle we've ever had in the past. Definitely have to think about taking off from the start. Very impressive vehicle still with 185,000 mi. on it. Our 98' Sienna was a very powerful kid hauler with a 275 hp. Camry engine in it. It was our truck for 12 yrs.

[..]

$3.35 in Maggie Valley today.

It may be close to $4 by next week.

[carolinarider09]

So,,,, I could do a poll or I could just ask here. 

Wife asked me a few moments ago if the Russians invading the Ukraine causing oil prices (over $100 per barrel) to spike would limit our planned trips this year. 

I told her no. 

Basis 40 plus MPG; cost to travel 4,000 miles in 2021 - about $350 (no real record).  Assuming gasoline goes up to $7.00 a gallon, same distances, cost would be $700.  Spread over 12 months (like payments to a credit card) that's $58 a month vs. $30 a month.

The $350 increase sort of pales in comparison to the increase in hotel rooms I have seen in recent trip planning. 

The rates RAMs got in Hattiesburg at the Hilton Garden Inn were great.  Same rooms right now would be $160.00. Don't know what they were two weeks ago but, I had to change some dates (error on my part) for this trip (rooms) and the prices all were up by at least $20..

So....  I see hotel and meal costs to be a greater issue than fuel costs alone.  It all does add up though.

[Jess from VA]

Motel expense has always irritated me.

Except for a few vacations to FL, Mexico or the Islands, where we lived in the motel for the duration, motels are just a place to sleep (and shower) out of the weather for me.  I want the cheapest place possible for that, but I don't want bedbugs, or city felons or thievery to be part of that choice.

As long as it's reasonably clean with some hot water, I'm good.  Wives often have higher standards.

On the other hand, I once stayed in a very nice motor lodge in Los Angeles, and it was attacked by a drug fueled raging pimp looking for one of his girls by trying to kick in every door in the establishment.  The wife asked if we should call the cops, and I said no, I don't want to be on the witness list to have to return to LA for testimony.  Apparently every one else staying there felt the same, and this lunatic screamed and yelled and kicked doors for nearly 50 minutes, and no cops ever came.  On the up side, there was no charge for the extra excitement.  And the 9mm didn't get fired because my door was well made. 

[Jersey mike]

Motel expense has always irritated me.

Except for a few vacations to FL, Mexico or the Islands, where we lived in the motel for the duration, motels are just a place to sleep (and shower) out of the weather for me.  I want the cheapest place possible for that, but I don't want bedbugs, or city felons or thievery to be part of that choice.

As long as it's reasonably clean with some hot water, I'm good.  Wives often have higher standards.

On the other hand, I once stayed in a very nice motor lodge in Los Angeles, and it was attacked by a drug fueled raging pimp looking for one of his girls by trying to kick in every door in the establishment.  The wife asked if we should call the cops, and I said no, I don't want to be on the witness list to have to return to LA for testimony.  Apparently every one else staying there felt the same, and this lunatic screamed and yelled and kicked doors for nearly 50 minutes, and no cops ever came.  On the up side, there was no charge for the extra excitement.  And the 9mm didn't get fired because my door was well made. 

Now that sounds like a fun night.

[Jess from VA]

We laughed about it later, but at the time had taken up a best defensive position of cover with Browning Hi Power and tack light.  And I made the wife get down completely behind cover and she didn't like it.  And told her if I yelled fingers, she needed to plug her ears.  Electronic muffs have since been added to the motel packing list (and my nightstand).

[Patrick]

OH, ya. I don't need a heavy truck. Its a 1500 4 door with a cap and the hemi. And it doesn't get driven too much anyway. But I put $80 in the tank the other day and I don't let the fuel get too low.

Yeah, I don't really need a 3500 Dually much now either but, it's only a year old and paid for, can't see incurring any debt.   I still have a few trailers I hot shotted with but, am not looking for loads any longer.   Folks don't want to pay what it costs to operate and that cost is only go up.

Now, I go when the destination or route takes me somewhere I have an interest in going.   Recently had an offer to go to MN and transport a load to FL.   I just smiled and replied thanks but, no thanks.   Not interested.   With fuel approaching $4.00 per gallon in some places, it gets expensive.

Now with our current economic policies and a potential war in Ukraine which could cut off Russian fuel who has a lot of sway with OPEC, our policies don't make much sense.   Drillers not allowed to drill on previously approved federal lands, fracking being dis-allowed, Canadian Pipe lines canceled.   I'm wondering who the White House is protecting...   It's obvious to me that we're being funneled in to Electric vehicles.   I really don't have a problem with folks driving electric vehicles but, our grid system won't provide sufficient electric power for huge numbers of E vehicles, charging stations are rare and battery life is too short.   I can't see me pulling or towing with a one tom electric truck any time in the near future.

Rams

I agree. Now we'll have to wait and see what the nitwit decides to do. Whatever it is it'll surely effect all of us, negatively. I don't think we can take another 3 years of him.

[Rams]

The rates RAMs got in Hattiesburg at the Hilton Garden Inn were great.  Same rooms right now would be $160.00. Don't know what they were two weeks ago but, I had to change some dates (error on my part) for this trip (rooms) and the prices all were up by at least $20..

Comparatively speaking, I agree.  Thanks for the very kind comment.   I won't go into what I had to do to get them to agree to those rates.  

Rams 

[Jersey mike]

OH, ya. I don't need a heavy truck. Its a 1500 4 door with a cap and the hemi. And it doesn't get driven too much anyway. But I put $80 in the tank the other day and I don't let the fuel get too low.

Yeah, I don't really need a 3500 Dually much now either but, it's only a year old and paid for, can't see incurring any debt.   I still have a few trailers I hot shotted with but, am not looking for loads any longer.   Folks don't want to pay what it costs to operate and that cost is only go up.

Now, I go when the destination or route takes me somewhere I have an interest in going.   Recently had an offer to go to MN and transport a load to FL.   I just smiled and replied thanks but, no thanks.   Not interested.   With fuel approaching $4.00 per gallon in some places, it gets expensive.

Now with our current economic policies and a potential war in Ukraine which could cut off Russian fuel who has a lot of sway with OPEC, our policies don't make much sense.   Drillers not allowed to drill on previously approved federal lands, fracking being dis-allowed, Canadian Pipe lines canceled.   I'm wondering who the White House is protecting...   It's obvious to me that we're being funneled in to Electric vehicles.   I really don't have a problem with folks driving electric vehicles but, our grid system won't provide sufficient electric power for huge numbers of E vehicles, charging stations are rare and battery life is too short.   I can't see me pulling or towing with a one tom electric truck any time in the near future.

Rams

I agree. Now we'll have to wait and see what the nitwit decides to do. Whatever it is it'll surely effect all of us, negatively. I don't think we can take another 3 years of him.

Anyone want to speculate with an over/under when we go to fuel rationing or odd/even days?

[..]

OH, ya. I don't need a heavy truck. Its a 1500 4 door with a cap and the hemi. And it doesn't get driven too much anyway. But I put $80 in the tank the other day and I don't let the fuel get too low.

Yeah, I don't really need a 3500 Dually much now either but, it's only a year old and paid for, can't see incurring any debt.   I still have a few trailers I hot shotted with but, am not looking for loads any longer.   Folks don't want to pay what it costs to operate and that cost is only go up.

Now, I go when the destination or route takes me somewhere I have an interest in going.   Recently had an offer to go to MN and transport a load to FL.   I just smiled and replied thanks but, no thanks.   Not interested.   With fuel approaching $4.00 per gallon in some places, it gets expensive.

Now with our current economic policies and a potential war in Ukraine which could cut off Russian fuel who has a lot of sway with OPEC, our policies don't make much sense.   Drillers not allowed to drill on previously approved federal lands, fracking being dis-allowed, Canadian Pipe lines canceled.   I'm wondering who the White House is protecting...   It's obvious to me that we're being funneled in to Electric vehicles.   I really don't have a problem with folks driving electric vehicles but, our grid system won't provide sufficient electric power for huge numbers of E vehicles, charging stations are rare and battery life is too short.   I can't see me pulling or towing with a one tom electric truck any time in the near future.

Rams

I agree. Now we'll have to wait and see what the nitwit decides to do. Whatever it is it'll surely effect all of us, negatively. I don't think we can take another 3 years of him.

Anyone want to speculate with an over/under when we go to fuel rationing or odd/even days?

I have 25 gallons of emergency generator gas. Keep me going for a short while.

[fudgie]

For me, no. Ive used less propane this yr then last, making my bill lower. My Z-71 gets 15 mpg and is my daily driver. Its 4 miles to town. Furthest I work is 20 miles. I rent a car alot to travel. Anything over a hr away I rent. Cheaper in the long run.

What I dont get is they say gas will go up because of Ukraine. Gas goes up because of the middle east. Gas goes up because of a oil rig shut down. Gas goes up from a refinery fire. Why?