A Tale of Two Treks, as of 42,612 miles

We completed an 1,824 mile trek and this post compares mileage statistics with a 2,374 mile trek in the fall of 2019.

This trek was not one of those leisurely ones.  With various lockdowns in various states, campgrounds opening late or is disarray, and closure of restaurants and many sight seeing venues it seemed prudent to simply cover as much ground as quickly as possible.

The fall 2019 trek was more leisurely and at a slower pace.  Speed was at or slightly under the speed limits and was generally in the range of 55 to 65 MPH. Cooler weather and better gas also contributed to better MPG. (not that summer blend low mileage stuff).

The May 2020 trek was a direct run.  Daily miles ranged from a low of 303 to a maximum of 599.  Speeds were all interstate with a range of 65 to 80 MPH. The exceptions were construction on I-55 in Illinois and local roads to and from campgrounds and truck stops.

There was a significant difference in MPG for the two treks, per the gasoline receipts and vehicle odometer:

1. Fall 2019 = 2,523 miles,  156.98 gallons, cost $372.18, 16.1 MPG. At lower highway speed I clocked 16.5 MPG.  Average cost per gallon = $2.37.
2. Spring 2020 = 1,824 miles, 128.9 gallons, cost  $226.50, 14.2 MPG per gasoline receipts. I checked the idling and local city miles MPG and it was about 10.5!
3. Gasoline cost for the Spring 2020 trek was below $2 per gallon until we crossed into Illinois. Lowest cost was $1.599 per gallon in Miami, OK.  That was for 86 Octane; I usually fill up at 1/2 tank and when doing so I alternate 88 Octane and 86 Octane. That averages to 87 Octane. Highest cost was $2.249 for 87 Octane in North-East Illinois (near Chicago).
   

Several days after this "stop"  I took the Roadtrek to the Chevy dealer for a full-synthetic oil change and multi-point inspection.  Cost $56.98.

Original material:  https://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/