And the answer is - for inquiring minds
https://www.speedyfuels.co.uk/guides...at-does-it-do/

Just a bit of trivia to replace a few gray cells

Yes it’s diesel..sorry should have been clearer.
I believe the the beginning and end of the Alaska cruise is Vancouver.

Learned something new there Yoda. Thanks for posting

Yoda

Quick update I thought you'd find interesting as I've fueled up four times on the current trip. Note the drop in fuel mileage as i get further north and deal with hills. Note the actual receipts from EFS (aka "Open Roads" or "TDS Fuel Program") are broken down in much more detail--all I care about is the bottom line (cost per gallon and mile).



As a reference point, below is info from two years ago. (Please, readers and forum members, no political comments. It's just data...)

And the data will set you free.

DEF is also becoming an issue where the more fuel is burned, the more DEF is used. Its roughly 2% DEF to each gallon of fuel and depending on several factors. The small diesel I would like is still more cost effective even at $5.25/gal for fuel in my area over gasoline, but that could change at any time. Now if a truck would be available, that would be nice.

Jim

howson Howard not bad for towing 10,000 to 11,000 lbs around. If I remember your GVWR is around 11,500 lbs? If I may ask what gearing do you have?

Your truck performance is surprisingly consistent over the two trips and shows your consistent driving skills - excellent.

Now for the chart - is this something you created or from the "Open Roads" or "TDS Fuel Program"? Speaking of those programs how well do they work and what kind of cost saving do they offer. I guess what I am asking are the programs worth it and will they work in Canada?

On edit - along Jim's DEF subject do you have the def usage data? I am assuming the total paid was excluding the def costs? I was wondering how it effected the total cost per mile if the price included the DEF

Thanks again for the great information.
Keith

Yoda

With the 'Wing in the truck (as I'm configured now) it's a heavy combo for sure.



Without the Open Roads ( https://www.tsdlogistics.com/services/fuel-program/ ) program I'd have paid over $5/gallon. For example, the entry on 15 May shows I actually paid $4.90/gallon. Pump price was $5.249. Using the program saved me $16.61 for the 32 gallons. That savings quickly adds up. There's several threads on the topic on the forum--surprised it is new information to you. And no, it does not work in Canada (I called and checked a few weeks ago).

The spreadsheet is just something I use to track fuel mileage and costs. Nothing cosmic.

I used to track DEF, but the overall costs are so minimal per mile it's not worth it (to me) to track any longer. What I found with DEF is NOT to fill up at the truck stops--no discount through TSD. Pump price is quite high compared to what it costs to buy the generic Walmart brand in the big blue container. I check each container to ensure the DEF is at the right concentration. Below is sample data that is no longer kept current just to show how little DEF impacts the budget.

I run the TSD program and find it to be a money saver. Only downside is you need to plan where you stop to maximize, and they direct debit your checking account, so no credit card points. dsimmons plans our routing, and was thrilled to have another thing to manage, but she had adapted and the app has gotten a lot better than when we started. We find the best savings at T/A, usually around $1 below the posted price.

Personally (before fuel prices got crazy) I actually liked it most because it allowed me to use the truck pumps and not need to go inside and preauth or prepay. You just swipe the card and pay at the pump like a regular auto pump. During the height of Covid it was nice to be able to not go inside.

Not sure about Canada use, I have never tried. We will be going up there in June and will check and see.

He's not wrong that I was not thrilled about managing one more thing. It's really most extra special when we're traveling with my dad's gas F150 and everyone wants to get the best price as we go....

However, he's right about the TSD program, and it is a good money saver.

Not sure if I would like them having access to debit my checking account - maybe if I set up a second one that might work. My cash rewards gives me 3% which is not even close to this program.

howson What were you doing at a Ford dealer? And is that beautiful woman your SWMBO? She makes you truck look bad Just kidding.....about the truck.

Keith

Arkansas doesn't provide many places to stop on their interstates--after passing two closed Rest Areas I pulled off determined to find a place to rest. Stumbled across a Ford dealership with an empty lot who kindly allowed me to stop for about 30 minutes. Worked out great--but I do hope that (small) dealership gets something to sell soon as it can't be good for the employees (or owner). Very friendly folks!

And yes, that's the SWMBO.

Surprised they did not try to buy it from you Howard. Around here in Texas, when you pull in the parking lot they just about tackle you wanting to buy your used vehicle.

$2.39/litre here in Northwestern Ontario as of yesterday...x4 for a US gallon

Yoda
Updated fuel expenses as of 1 July posted below. Yes, fuel costs have been a major budget-buster during this trip. :(

As you'll see below, the most expensive fuel was in Lake Louise (Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada) but interestingly enough the most expensive-per-mile was in Montana and close behind Mitchell, SD. That was due to the headwinds and hills experienced while towing my (heavy!) setup thus the poor MPG experienced.





Howard