Will gas prices stop you
from off-roading?
We crunch the numbers and see
what it really costs you. The answer isn't
as bad as it looks.
Using the
jeepfan.com JK
we tested out what the cost difference really
is. During a few trail runs to Rausch
Creek we kept track of the total fuel usage and
applied it to $2.00/gallon gas vs. $4.00/gallon.
 From
our home base to
Rausch Creek
it's about 60 miles one way. We filled the
JK and set off for RC.
We wheeled the
Jeep all day and drove it back and used less
than 1/2 a tank of gas or roughly 9 gallons.
Not bad fuel usage for a Jeep.
The Numbers
9 Gallons @
$2.00/gallon = $18.00
9 Gallons @
$4.00/gallon = $36.00
Reality
So the trip
actually cost $18.00 more than it did a few
years back. Sure $18.00 is more but it
doesn't seem like much considering it is a full
day of enjoying the hobby we love so much.
Additionally
 If
you have a trail rig that you trailer to the
trail it's gonna cost you more. Still, if
you think about it it's not enough to just park
your vehicle and forget your off-road hobby.
We all spend our hard earned money and time on
building our trail Jeeps, not using them is a
near crime.
Ways to Save
Drive your Jeep
there instead of trailering. Towing will
always cost more. Perhaps we will see the
return of the moderate trail rig that can be
driven to work daily and wheeled on the weekend.
Reduce your stuff
you take with you to save on weight.
Carrying loads of spare parts, tools, and stuff
will weigh your Jeep down and reduce fuel
efficiency. It is said that every 100 lbs
reduces efficiency 10%.
Keep the
accessories under control. Many of us
spend extra money on our Jeeps on stuff that may
not be a direct trail benefit. Spend your
money on skid plates and lift kits rather than
light guards and seat covers.
Build your Jeep
just for the basics. A moderate 2-3" lift
and 33-35" tires makes a formidable trail Jeep
that can be driven daily for not too much money.
Look at 2-2.5" spacer lifts for coil spring
Jeeps.
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