RVing is still less expensive than the alternatives.

An acquaintance recently asked me how we’re surviving the spike in gas prices. He expressed genuine concern for just how bad business must be. He was surprised to hear we’re as busy as ever and are likely heading towards a record month, with store expansion in the works.

Having been in business through the two previous, so-called energy shortages, it’s interesting to note how the situation is different this time around. In the 70s, there was a sense of panic among people who called us, hoping they could sell their motorhomes and big fifth wheels.

In 2005, there’s no such scenario, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised that RVers appear not to be worried about the increase. As one customer put it, “I always knew it had to happen. The question was, when?” Most RV owners know the cost savings with RV travel far outweigh what is spent on fuel. Many are also aware that technology is going to improve dramatically as it has in the past, making the next tow vehicles considerably more efficient.

We’re planning a two-week Christmas trip to the Florida Keys, and I’ll likely take the 300C with an Airstream. If I don’t discipline myself and drive 70 mph, I’ll likely need 290 in U.S. gallons to do the 3,200-mile trip. Last year, at $2 a gallon, the trip would have cost $580 US or $725 CAD. This year, gas could be $3.50 per gallon, which will total $1,015 US ($1,190 CAD).

For an extra $465, we can make the same trip. I could slow down to 55 mpg and save 62 gallons of fuel, which would add up to a savings of $216. This brings me back pretty close to the cost of travel a year ago. Slowing down will add 13 hours of driving time to the trip, but save four fuel stops. Knowing my driving style, I’ll likely saw it off somewhere in between, but hey, it’s a start.

After all of this, even $1,200 for fuel is pretty cheap travelling compared to the alternatives. If we left the trailer at home and took the hotel gamble, we would still have $500 in fuel costs, but spend $2,000 more on hotel rooms – some of which would not be what we want. With an RV, you get to sleep in your own bed and eat food from your own kitchen. Speaking of food, additional restaurant meals would add a couple of thousand dollars to the cost of a hotel-style trip.

On par with the convenience and freedom of RVing, we can take our bikes and other fun items we couldn’t bring with the car. Airfares and a rental vehicle would add to the expenses, and one little disruption in the schedule could have you sleeping in a nice, comfortable airport terminal.

One of our customers is a former executive recently retired from a large oil company. He mentioned that for 30 years, they’ve not been able to get a permit to build additional refining capacity. He feels this is unfortunate because there’s a great deal of new technology a new refinery could take advantage of. Maybe Katrina and Rita are enough of a wake-up call that some additional refining capacity will be allowed. The other good thing to come out of this may be an acceleration of the trend towards the introduction and market acceptance of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

So, what should an RV owner do with regards to fuel prices?

First of all, don’t panic like people did in the 70s, when many folks made rash decisions they soon regretted. For example, you may feel the urge to run out and purchase a more fuel-efficient tow vehicle. That’s fine, but make sure the switch makes sense. Remember, many more such vehicles are due to arrive soon, and they may be worth the wait – even if you spend a little more on fuel in the short term.

For example, the 2006 Duramax Diesels have a slick, new, six-speed automatic with double overdrive. If you do purchase a new vehicle, consider leasing it. That way, if the technology is out of date within a few years, the resale is not your concern. If you’re considering buying a new RV, keep in mind that aerodynamics are far more important than weight or length.

Finally, try to slow down a bit, and cruise along at a more leisurely pace.


( In the days when fuel prices were of less concern than what food to take, this caravan made its way through the desert.)

Email Andy with your towing questions at: andrew@can-am-rv.com. (Page Top)