I need help with a trip!?

Question

I am planning a trip this summer from San Antonio, to Wilmington North Carolina. I got directions on Mapquest, which ive used before and works great. The estamated miles i will be driving is 1410.64. I want to know how much money i will need to save for gas. I drive an Ford Expedition, MPG:

16/City 24/Hwy. What does that mean? Am i really only getting 16-24 miles per gallon? Help me out. Lets just say that gas is $4.50-$5.50, just to be sure. Any tips to save gas will work. We will be gone for 2 wks so there will be lots of luggage and driving for about 2 days with 5 people in the car.

Answer 1

1411 miles (one way, 2822 miles round trip)

24mpg

$4.499 to $5.499 per gallon gas

2822 miles ÷ 24mpg = 117.6 gallons of gas

117.6 gallons x $4.499 = $530 for gas

117.6 gallons x $5.499 = $650 for gas

do remember that gas prices are different in different areas of the country and that with all the luggage and passengers in your car, you will be getting lower fuel mileage so save extra money to compensate for the extra weight.

Answer 2

I think you'd better consider Amtrak...

Answer 3

"tree" has the right idea, but i would suggest you plan your budget for 16 mpg.

24 mpg is being optimistic for a fully loaded ford excursion, even if it on an interstate.  

the reality will probably be that your cost will fall within the low and high range, so calculate both possibile costs, plan and budget for the worse case scenario, then if you return with a little cash/credit left over, cool.

nothing worse than running out of money and gas when you are still hundreds of miles from home.  plan for the worse, expect the best, and reality will usually fall somewhere in between.

make sure you have a tuneup before you leave, to help your engine and fuel.  change oil/filters, clean water/radiator, check air vents and filters, tire pressure, and so on.

Answer 4

1st off set up a gas fund between you and your passengers, and  pack sandwiches for 3 days(if your hunger doesn't coincide with your fill-ups you will be wasting gas looking for a place to eat. Realize that your truck will get you about 200-270mpg so time your trip appropriately, also note that it could take between 5&8 hrs a state so try to avoid big city traffic during AM & PM rush hours you will definitely get better mileage  by traveling at night( less weather induced stress on the truck and less traffic) You will most likely be taking Rts 10,65,85, and then 20 to rt 76 into willmington so keep your eyes out for any CRAKER BARREL resturants 3-7$breakfast & 5-8$ lunch and dinner keeps your belly as well as your wallets full.          have a nice trip & drive carefully