Fuel For Thought (RV Lifestyle
Dealer News, 35-1) |
RV
Travel is Still the Best Vacation for Canadians!
Don’t let the
fluctuating price of fuel interfere with your RV sales –
here are the reasons why family vacation travel in an RV remains
the most affordable and enjoyable choice compared to the alternatives.
With many RVers planning to head south for the winter, the fuel
price quotes shown here are in $US, and mileage expectations
are expressed in terms of miles per US gallon unless stated
otherwise.
1. Our Dollar Is Flying!
The overall cost of RV travel has decreased substantially for
Canadian families, based on the recent surge in the value of
the Canadian dollar. Canadian border crossers are finding that
their revived currency is going further for them, whether it’s
paying campground fees, hitting the shopping mall, or filling
up their gas tank.
2. Is There a Better Route?
Suppose your RV’s fuel efficiency was 10 miles per gallon
(mpg). Taking a route that involves overcoming many steep grades
can cut your fuel efficiency in half. RV enthusiasts facing
this sales-dampening realization can be reassured that a little
ingenuity in their trip planning can make all the difference.
When faced with a route that looks attractive on a conventional
paper map, remember to check a topographic map – indicating
the location of steep hills on the contour grid. Now you can
consider alternative routes to avoid some of the very steep
hills that would have taken a lot more fuel to climb. With internet
hookups in almost every campground, it only takes a few minutes
to chart a better course.
To learn more about topographic maps and GPS programs visit
www.delorme.com.
3. You Can Find the Best Price
for Gas
Figure out the fuel price ranges in the area you’re travelling
through. Why pay more for fuel if a little planning will save
you a few extra bucks by filling up where prices are lowest?
At the same time, while prices may be high, they’re actually
better today than last year. In mid-September 2006 the average
price for a gallon of gas in the United States was $2.61 –
the average price in mid-August was $3.01 – the average
price in September 2005 was $2.97.
Visit AAA’s website www.fuelgaugereport.com, to find gas
prices along your route.
4. Slow Down, and Travel Toll-Free!
Tolls have increased substantially on some of the interstate
highways. Why pay them if you don’t have to? A 33-foot
motorhome can pay a “bridge troll” $15.
By checking out Rand McNally’s TripMaker, plotting an
alternative route that’s toll-free is quite simple. Travelling
state highways rather than the interstate toll roads might take
a little longer, but can make a significant financial difference.
Remember, the most economical speed to use when driving a large
rig is 55 miles per hour (mph). For every additional five-miles-per-hour
faster you travel, you lose one mile per gallon. That means
if you get 10 mpg at 55 mph, then at 75 mph, you’re probably
getting about six mpg.
Rand McNally’s TripMaker mapping function is available
online at www.randmcnally.com.
5. Campgrounds Rule!
Traveling by RV is the very best family vacation. Not only is
it the ideal alternative to cottage ownership, it beats every
other mode of travel and accommodations. Let’s not forget
too that without our campground operators’ hard work and
hospitality, the RV experience wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable
as it is today.
For RV enthusiasts, pulling into a campground is the best en
route accommodation. Even though many retailers offer the courtesy
of overnight RV sojourns in the parking lot, this is neither
secure nor convenient. At the same time, you don’t necessarily
have to stay in a full-hookup site each night either. Holding
tanks can be dumped once every four to five days. The difference
between a full-hookup site and an electricity and water site
is often two to five dollars a night.
The average campground can cost you about $35 per night for
full-hookups. The cheapest motel is often $90 per night for
a single person – and that’s with no movies, no
snacks, and no campfires.
The Bottom Line…
As your customers make plans for the 2007 RV season, keep in
mind that fuel remains one of the least expensive components
of the RV lifestyle. Show them how a bit of advance planning
can dramatically lower their cost of travel, and increase their
trip enjoyment. They may not realize what they’re missing
by always dashing down the interstate. So open their eyes to
the wonderful side of RV touring, by encouraging them to slow
down, relax, and enjoy the drive. After all, getting there is
more than half the fun!
Customers looking for more travel and touring tips are welcome
to visit us online at www.rvlifemag.com. (Page
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