MPG in retirement...budget

sdetweil wrote:

thomasmnile wrote:
Everyone is posting "my truck gets 'X' mpg under this condition or that". Perhaps a better way to consider this is to accept diesel fuel prices are not likely to decrease from their current levels but will certainly continue to rise. Until you have some idea of how many miles you plan to log each year (towing and not towing) will you really have the ability develop a fuel budget..........and even then, if the price volatility of fuel returns like in 2008, you could find a hole blown in your budget projections quite easily.

true, volatility is always an issue, and you cannot predict what will actually happen. I bought a FW and projected 10mpg.. if price doubles I will be staying home regardless of my 'plan'.

but I think the OP got the info he needs.. its not 20 and not 15 mpg towing his class weight trailer. its closer to 10mpg +/-. He can adjust from there if he wants additional risk removed. (plan for 8, happy at 10!).

True. When we bought our first RV (used 5th wheel from a couple in San Diego area) I filled the tank at home for $4.85/gal. I noted the price dropped steadily as we headed West.............until we arrived in Kaleefornia! Return trip home with the 5th. wheel in tow, we pretty much averaged about 330 miles to a tank compared to about 480-500 miles traveling to CA. without the trailer. Even when not towing I budget for fuel based on current cost rather than how much I might drive, and figure on a minimum fuel quantity of 28 gals per purchase, since I don't like running the truck below a 1/4 tank. Sometimes pleasantly surprised, most times not............:(