Dirtbag Manifesto

[ZimZam]

I have the entire summer off, and will be traveling in my VW bus. What are some dirtbag secrets you used to save money. Gas is going to be my major expense. Any tips? ....................

[fenderfour]

Gas, grass, or ass...

[rob]

you can often find small packages of peanut butter in the condiments sections at buffets and restaurants, and continental breakfasts at hotels. Stock up.

[G-spotter]

Find a trustafarian at each destination and leech off them

[catbirdseat]

Drive at a moderate speed on the highways. Keep it down to around 55 mph. Don't use a roof rack.

 

Don't buy cheap brands of gasoline. Pay a little more for Shell, Chevron, Exxon. These brands have high enough levels of fuel additives that your engine will not get valve deposits. Avoid ARCO, Tesoro, etc. Use fuel having the octane rating recommended by the owner's manual and no higher.

 

Make sure your bus is tuned up properly before you go. Use a multigrade motor oil and change it frequently, ca. 3,000 miles. Don't use a synthetic. It's a waste of money for your particular car.

 

Don't take any equipment you don't really need. The extra weight will cut into fuel economy and the stuff will just get in the way.

 

Ask Fred Beckey how to find the "nameless street" end, if you should visit Squamish. There's a sweet free bivy spot there next to the railroad tracks.

 

If you go to Joshua Tree, find someone already occupying a site and get chummy with them. Hopefully they'll let you share the site for a couple beers. Up to two cars, three tents and six persons are allowed per site.

 

Call up every friend and relative you've ever heard of along your route and let them know that the prodigal son is coming to town.

[willstrickland]

Learn to enjoy box wine, malt liquor, and bottom shelf vodka/tequila/bourbon.

 

Best tip: find a a one-way rider to your first big destination (Yos or Josh probably).

Frequent the popular areas in season (Josh Oct-Apr, Yos Apr-June, Creek Oct-Nov & Mar-May) and you can usually pick up riders to your next destination when you split.

 

Never pay to camp, ever. Go OB, BLM land, Wal Mart parking lot, whatever.

[kevbone]

Rob hit it on the nail. Condiments! At J tree get up before the ranger comes around and drive your car to a day use area.....wait for him to count the cars then return your car to your spot.......you just got a free day. Try to drive somewhere and stay there for a while. The more you move around the more money you spend.....and most of all. Have a great time.

[denalidave]

Shoplifting doesn't pay... but neither do I. Just kidding.

 

Along with all the stuff CBS said about the vehicle is make sure to keep your tires properly inflated. Doesn't sound like much but it really help with the gas mileage.

 

Also, try to get in with some of the locals that work the concessions in the park areas. Then, free showers in the staff dorms and meals are usually available if you can work the system.

[pink]

network, poach, mooch and then return the favor down the road.

[minx]

ZZ-- w/the summer off i'm surprised you haven't been conscripted to hold a few horses. happy road trip to you!

[Sherri]

If you drink tea or coffee, get yourself a nice big thermos and fill it w/your own brew each morning. Drink from it throughout the day--each time you don't have to buy joe from a convenience store or coffee shop, you're saving a few bucks. Have a great trip!

[JayB]

I think that pretty much the only Walmart's that don't allow free parking/camping overnight are those that are located in places where the city ordinances forbid it. I think there's a list of those stores online on sites that cater to the RV crowd.

 

Flying J truckstops are also a good bet, have showers etc, and on the whole are probably quite a bit safer than the average pull-out, rest-stop, etc.

[JayB]

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/the-truck-stops-here/9332-what-are-safest-most-dangerous-truckstops.html

[kevbone]

Shoplifting doesn't pay

 

 

Where did this comment come from?

[pope]

In Yosemite, slip into Sunnyside around midnight or 1 a.m. Find a group that's already retired into their tents, with lights off. Throw your bag down in the corner of their site, then set your alarm for 7 a.m. Take a nap in the afternoon when it's too hot to climb. On my last trip we didn't pay once.

[MATT_B]

Stock up on food, wood, gas, water (if necessary), etc in the bigger towns before you head to more remote locations. Better selection and usually lower prices. I would assume that you have at least a rough idea of where your going. Do a little research and asking aroud for specifics on those places. Don't completely dismiss the idea of paying to camp. Some times you don't save all that much when you start to think about the extra gas especially if you end up making an extra trip into town to fill up. The time and comfort of staying put for a while may also make it worth paying if the price isn't too high. So, where ya going?

[EWolfe]

[denalidave]

Shoplifting doesn't pay

 

 

Where did this comment come from?

Maybe I'm showing my age, it was in a commercial when I was growing up. You know, one of those anti-crime campaigns. Seems it was about the same time as the - this is your brain on drugs commmercials.

[denalidave]

If you drink tea or coffee, get yourself a nice big thermos and fill it w/your own brew each morning. Drink from it throughout the day--each time you don't have to buy joe from a convenience store or coffee shop, you're saving a few bucks. Have a great trip!

For that matter, avoid any snacks at the gas station. It is a costly habit that really adds up. Stock up at Costco, or whatever and you will save a ton of cash in the long run.

[denalidave]

LOL

 

You get a better buzz if you use your mouth to suck out the gas though.