Fuel Discounts - The Flying J Question

fulltimedaniel wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Ok let's say you burned 2,000 gallons in your 22,323 miles. Let's say you saved an average of .10 per gallon. That is $200 and NOT worth going out of my way. Over a "one year period" to save that much $$$, even at twice the $$$ still not worth it TO ME.

Convenient near the freeway with easy access locations is what it is all about FOR ME.

Thats fine and as long as you are happy that's good.

But what you said was that I was wrong about the price difference. Thats a different thing.

Actually I used 1848.18 Gals and estimate that I have saved an average of 22 cents per gallon by avoiding the big truck stops. I have never filled up more than a block or two from the freeway-road and have never had any problem getting in and out.

And it has only been 9 months not a year. Thats $406.56 and to me that's worth it.

I certainly am not trying to tell you that you have to change. I am only pointing out the huge difference in price and how much can be saved. Some folks might appreciate that.

If one has a handle on the yearly fuel expenditure, one can "save" far more than this by addressing waste in solo use.

But that would require record-keeping. The app Fuelly makes it easy. To record and to track. The question becomes, "at what CPM fuel cost in solo driving am I underwriting vacation travel"?

Those who want to mix it up with four wheelers at a convenience stores take risks about damages I wouldn't consider. On top of that is the increased risk of accidents just going to and from an Interstate. They're metro or regional bottlenecks.

Chasing pennies in the off season is what pays.

Again:

The average RVer travels 5k annually. The average American about 15k. 90% travel to 90% the same places 90% of the time. That's ripe for changing DD habits. Combine those trips. Lay out a fuel efficient route. Reduce the number of DD annual miles thereby. And then be willing to exchange some bad driving habits for good ones.

Since driving for economy also tracks with safety and vehicle plus component longevity, it's a win all around. I made a 20% improvement to my fuel cpm in DD driving AND reduced annual miles.

That paid for MORE than 5k miles at my towing average. With no loss in convenience.
So I've also underwritten some overnights with full hookups.

Not the first time I've brought this up the past 7-8 years. I shouldn't be surprised, therefore, at resistance to what

Saves more money
Takes less time
Decreases risk
Saves mental & emotional energy (staves off fatigue)

In vacation trip planning I'll try and choose a fuel stop in my direction of travel. And past any Interstate intersection. Eastbound, the one at the SE corner. Etc.

From the time I come off cruise control, till I am back on it is the duration of the break. Try this measure. Generally, its far shorter. Or, I can eat a quick sandwich and still be back on the road sooner. If that matters. Or have cleaned all glass and exterior lights and checked tire pressures. If that matters.

My fuel will still be cheaper.