This story was originally posted on 3/8/11, just about a year ago. It seems like every year the media and the powers that be that control gasoline prices feel the need to put a scare into us regarding gas prices. With all the recent media coverage, we thought it would be relevant to re-post this story.
Sticker Shock at the Gas Pump … Gas prices continue to climb … Gas prices: How high will they go?
Jeez, you can’t turn on the TV, surf the web, or have a conversation with someone without the topic of gas prices coming up. A media feeding frenzy.
Now, don’t get us wrong, we’re all for lower gas prices and appreciate how hard everyone works for their money, but how much does this really effect our RVers out there? If you’re a full-timer doing a lot of driving, obviously there is a pretty big impact. However, these folks represent a very small segment of the RV community, so how about everyone else.
For a more typical scenario, here are figures based on towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel, your tow vehicle getting 12 miles per gallon, and taking a 250 mile trip.
At $2.50 per gallon, the cost to travel 250 miles is $52.08
At $3.50 per gallon, the cost to travel 250 miles is $72.92
(a $20.84 difference)
At $4.00 per gallon, the cost to travel 250 miles is $83.33
(a $31.25 difference)
So, as you can see, even if gas gets as high as $4.00 per gallon, your trip is only costing you an additional $31.25. For most motorhomes, depending on their mpg, the cost will be a little higher, but you get the idea. If you’re staying fairly close to home and you factor in all the other ways you save by traveling in your RV, the increase becomes a little less painful.
You can also do a few simple things to help increase your mpg, such as staying close to the speed limit, accelerating slowly instead of “punching it”, trying to avoid heavy braking, and keeping your tires to their proper pressure.
As far as finding the cheapest gas in your area, if you haven’t already, try GasBuddy.com. They have mobile apps available also. Please remember not to get too carried away with the price and end up traveling out of your way to save a penny or two!
It’s also worth mentioning that from what we’ve been able to gather, these prices are NOT being driven up by any type of shortage, but by the “speculators” who invest in gas, so this situation could be very short-lived. What ever happened to supply and demand??
Now get in your RV, go to your favorite place, and forget about this nonsense!!
Until next time.. Happy RVing!
White Horse RV 
We too had reached the same conclusion as this blog! We are in the midst of embarking on purchasing a new RV from White Horse. We will be traveling with “an eye on the pump” and will travel with that in mind, but travel we will and exploring the USA in an RV is truly the way to go!