Trip Trivia

Finally got around to compiling some data... you know how it is when you get back and all the other... stuff... starts getting in the way. 

Route map (click to enlarge).  Motorhome path in green, Cavalier disconnected path in purple.  Green flags note the overnight stop locations:

Camping:  Here's a summary of the overnight stops:

Distance travelled (from the odometers):

Motorhome - 5613 miles (8981 km)

Cavalier (under power) - 2927 km (1829 miles)

Fuel consumed and cost:

Motorhome - 3032 litres / 802 US Gallons / 668 Imperial Gallons / $2402 Cdn

Cavalier - 240 litres / 64 US Gallons / 53 Imperial Gallons / $181 Cdn

Average miles per gallon:

Motorhome - 33.6 litres/100 km / 7.0 mpg (US) / 8.4 mpg (Imp)

Cavalier - 8.2 litres/100 km / 28.8 mpg (US) / 34.5 mpg (Imp)

Auto maintenance & repair:

No breakdowns this trip (-;.  Had an oil & lube on the Cavalier in El Paso for $34.40 CDN and a service on the motorhome and generator in Mesa for $229.44 Cdn.  Bought a couple hundred dollars worth of doo-dads to repair and upgrade the motorhome, most of which were not really needed and will be installed this summer. 

Generator:

12.9 hours use, estimated 6 Imperial gallons fuel consumed (included above). 

Propane:

56.3 litres / 12.4 Imp gallons - $60.00

Water and dumpstations:

No cost except for $10 in Gila Bend, which was a mistake.  Filled and dumped at campgrounds when we stayed there, and at travel centres (truck stops) between. 

Food and souvenirs:

I don't keep track of these.  Food is little different cost than at home because we eat in and out about the same ratio.  Souvenirs are totally discretionary so they don't count either.  Outfits for the granddaughter - no comment. 

General comments:

We had a pretty favourable exchange rate (6 - 8%) the whole trip, which kept costs down.  Gas prices were reasonable also (~$2.59/gallon in AZ), which helped.  Cavalier use was about the same as in 2008, but the motorhome travelled about 2000 km further because of the circuit through northern California and New Mexico, plus the return to Arizona seeking warmer temps.  In retrospect this was VERY ambitious of us and not something we'll likely do in future without more time. 

What we missed the most was internet.  Have to do something different next time.  TV wasn't really a great loss, but probably bring a dish and receiver next time anyway.  Less moving plus more electric use will probably mean more generator hours to recharge batteries since we only have 85W of panel on board - but that might be better for the genny anyway.  Phone was cheap, and good coverage using a TracPhone from Wal*Mart. 

Nothing to do with the trip, but I couldn't resist - Fuzzy came by the other day for some shrimp, hooch, and a hockey game (the good guys won).  I think she enjoyed it. 

That it from me, until winter loosens it's icy grip...