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We decided to take our first long trip in our '91 HR. I bought it to see the Southwest so we picked southern Utah south of I-70 for an 1800 mile 8 day excursion to the various national parks.
Two concerns, the heat and the cost of gas. Our first day was from Big Bear Lake to Zion NP 380 miles. We got 9 mpg with the new free flow 3" exhaust and once we hit the desert temperatures were from 98 to 108. We kept the air on the whole time, even on Baker Grade at 65 mph. I had the radiator flushed and the engine tuned with new spark plug wires etc, all new heater hoses etc. The engine ran cool with the fan coming on on the grades.
From Zion we went N. to Bryce then to Canyon Lands then south to Monument Valley then over to Kanab UT skirting south of Zion back to the I-15 and home.
The Chassis AC had a tough time keeping up because on the older Ford trucks it shuts down during high loads - inclines. We closed the door to the back and it really helped. I chose not to turn on the generator and run the coach AC.
All campsites had electrical hookups which kept the coach exceptionally cool for the outside temps.
Now for the mileage, we averaged 8 mpg with the best being on the interstate and the worst on the high altitude slopes. Our worst mileage was on UT 89 to Canyon Lands at 100 degrees 6,000 to almost 8,000' with 7.2 mpg.
Our gas cost for the 8 days and was less then $900, campgrounds , $200, food we brought with us. The only prepared food we bought were two shakes at a Burger King outside of Zion and coffee's for the Mrs.
Our 8 day vacation cost about $1100 which I feel is probably less costly than most other methods to do the same trip. Prepared meals in these areas were very expensive as were motel rooms. And having a clean bathroom within 15' at all times at the age of 65 is priceless.
For me even at $4.50/gallon for fuel RV'ing is still an affordable method of seeing America.
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2004 CRV TOAD/1990 WRANGLER TOAD ROCK BUILT
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