Travel Cost divided by passengers?

[JMG73072]

Just wondering how you all divide up the cost when traveling/camping/wheeling with your friends? I've got a few trips coming up with a few buddies that don't own a 4WD that want to go along with me on my next few trips. That being said I'm providing literally ALL the gear needed except food and their sleeping bags and more importantly the vehicle to get them to the places that their vehicles can't. Now I like these guys but am starting to feel more like a damn outfitter than their friend! Is it wrong for me to ask for a little more than just splitting of the fuel and food cost? Like an exta 20.00ea for an oil change or a little more for wear and tear on about 4000 miles total? Or should they the riders be responsible between themselves for the fuel as I'm supplying the vehicle? Just wanting to see how you all typically handle situations like this.

 

[Range]

Tally up the cost of fuel and food and just divide it. Charging for oil changes is a bit much. If they weren't going with you would you be going alone? A good test to see if these guys are worth traveling with is if they offer to cover all the fuel or treat you to a nice dinner. If not then it's not the end all be all but in those types of situations I always make it a point to thank the organizer with a dinner or a bottle of something.

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

Just wondering how you all divide up the cost when traveling/camping/wheeling with your friends? I've got a few trips coming up with a few buddies that don't own a 4WD that want to go along with me on my next few trips. That being said I'm providing literally ALL the gear needed except food and their sleeping bags and more importantly the vehicle to get them to the places that their vehicles can't. Now I like these guys but am starting to feel more like a damn outfitter than their friend! Is it wrong for me to ask for a little more than just splitting of the fuel and food cost? Like an exta 20.00ea for an oil change or a little more for wear and tear on about 4000 miles total? Or should they the riders be responsible between themselves for the fuel as I'm supplying the vehicle? Just wanting to see how you all typically handle situations like this.

Food for thought. What is the value of their company? Would you do this trip by yourself or does their presence add to the trip in some way?

If you'd do it alone anyway, then the vehicle wear and tear is on you. Let them share the cost of gas/food, etc., as an equal partner with you. If they're more trouble than that, and we ALL have those "friends", then let them pay for the gas among themselves. (for OSU fans):wink2:

I'd probably split everything equally, but that's just me. At the end of the day, you have, and own your rig and that's a lot of compensation in itself. Having somebody along to envy your rig is pretty good as well, to a point. (grin)

 

[jwkilgore]

I hate driving for a group because I understand total travel costs. Everyone understands gas, and it's somewhat easy to explain oil changes (full synthetic, and cartridge filter!), tires, and brakes. But one of the biggest costs that no one understands is depreciation. A 10-yr-old vehicle with 120k miles is worth significantly less than a 10-yr-old vehicle with 200k miles.

I figure it costs me about $0.50-$0.60/mile (depends on gas costs) to run my 4Runner, while gas costs only about $0.10-$0.20/mile (depends on gas costs and mpg). But there's no way to make the average person understand that, and forcing them to pay "extra" just pisses them off.

So when traveling with someone else I always try to talk them into driving and I volunteer to pay for all the gas. That way we both feel like we've come out ahead on the bargain.

In your situation, though, you have to drive. Plus you are providing all the gear. At a minimum your friends should pay for all the food and gas for the trip. I doubt you could get much more than that, though, without them thinking you are an @$$. If they balk at all the food+gas ask them if they are willing to pay for any repairs if you break down.

Another question to ask yourself is would you go on this trip alone without them. If so, you would be responsible for 100% of the costs. The fact that they can help pay for your gas and food is better than nothing.

 

[JMG73072]

Food for thought. What is the value of their company? Would you do this trip by yourself or does their presence add to the trip in some way?

If you'd do it alone anyway, then the vehicle wear and tear is on you. Let them share the cost of gas/food, etc., as an equal partner with you. If they're more trouble than that, and we ALL have those "friends", then let them pay for the gas among themselves. (for OSU fans):wink2:

I'd probably split everything equally, but that's just me. At the end of the day, you have, and own your rig and that's a lot of compensation in itself. Having somebody along to envy your rig is pretty good as well, to a point. (grin)

I would still go solo and yes the company is probably worth it, I think what is making me disappointed is that none of the three have taken into consideration to offer up what they could do to offer up some help or like picking up all the fuel or food. It's more of a thought of theirs is "we don't have to do anything because you do this all the time". I'm starting to feel like I'm bringing my wife and kids and not my "friends".
A lot of work goes into planning and I know you all understand that. I guess it's hard to expect something from people who don't know what they don't know. The only reason I ask is I got burned earlier this summer on a trip being responsible for everything, after that I'm hesitant on bringing people along. I wouldn't give the person that was with me to the Grand Canyon earlier this year a ride across town.

 

[marshal]

For me it depends on how many people are going. If it's me and and someone else or a third person - we can split the costs evenly. If there are 4 people and a dog in the truck and I'm the driver and vehicle supplier - I don't pay for gas. Everything else is evenly divided

 

[philsey]

Best example I have is my boat. If I *invite* friends out, it's because they are just that; friends. And if I include them, I was going anyway, and invite them because they'd do the same for me..... and, as I said, they're friends, in whose company I enjoy being.

So, expense-wise, fuel and so forth would be the same regardless.

They do bring their own stuff though, and always food and drink to share, without asking. And they always offer to chip in, which is never accepted.

I'm certainly in a different age group than you, but that's how we do it.
Haven't they offered to share costs?
Do they reciprocate in some other way?
Are they self-inviting?
You sound a tad resentful. If so, it's not good karma for a road trip. Change something.

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

I would still go solo and yes the company is probably worth it, I think what is making me disappointed is that none of the three have taken into consideration to offer up what they could do to offer up some help or like picking up all the fuel or food. It's more of a thought of theirs is "we don't have to do anything because you do this all the time". I'm starting to feel like I'm bringing my wife and kids and not my "friends".
A lot of work goes into planning and I know you all understand that. I guess it's hard to expect something from people who don't know what they don't know. The only reason I ask is I got burned earlier this summer on a trip being responsible for everything, after that I'm hesitant on bringing people along. I wouldn't give the person that was with me to the Grand Canyon earlier this year a ride across town.

I hear you 100% and have been there. Time to invoke tag along friends mode. Dictate exactly what you expect of each of them $$ well before the trip. It's like giving kids parameters/boundaries. Once they know what's expected and what it costs to organize and pull of the trip, they "may" come around a bit more. Some people just don't volunteer but jump in when guided.

 

[JMG73072]

Best example I have is my boat. If I *invite* friends out, it's because they are just that; friends. And if I include them, I was going anyway, and invite them because they'd do the same for me..... and, as I said, they're friends, in whose company I enjoy being.

So, expense-wise, fuel and so forth would be the same regardless.

They do bring their own stuff though, and always food and drink to share, without asking. And they always offer to chip in, which is never accepted.

I'm certainly in a different age group than you, but that's how we do it.
Haven't they offered to share costs?
Do they reciprocate in some other way?
Are they self-inviting?
You sound a tad resentful. If so, it's not good karma for a road trip. Change something.

Well said. All three kind of self invited themselves as we were getting together for some beers to catch up and put me in a tough spot to not just say yes come on the trip with me. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

 

[philsey]

Well said. All three kind of self invited ,,,,, and put me in a tough spot to not just say yes come on the trip with me..

Yeah, that's altogether different. On this path, you're going to be resentful the entire trip - and I agree with you.

I'm a very generous guy ... still, that would change in this scenario. Look, this is YOUR truck, YOUR trip, YOUR plan, and you owe it to yourself to enjoy it. On this path, you will not. So, as I said before, "change something".

YOU make the rules. Simply tell them; gas and food are on you guys. If they don't like that, they are taking advantage of you and do not deserve to go. You need to get over feeling 'obligated'.

You may need new friends. My friends would be fighting me in order to pick up the tabs.

 

[1engineer]

I hear you 100% and have been there. Time to invoke tag along friends mode. Dictate exactly what you expect of each of them $$ well before the trip. It's like giving kids parameters/boundaries. Once they know what's expected and what it costs to organize and pull of the trip, they "may" come around a bit more. Some people just don't volunteer but jump in when guided.

Yep. When I am the guy my friends know exactly what to do. I provide the vehicle and gear. They provide all the food and beer and gas. Especially the nice dinner when we get out of the woods. I've told them before to pretend I have no moneyand you guys provide it for me.

 

[1engineer]

Yeah, that's altogether different. On this path, you're going to be resentful the entire trip - and I agree with you.

I'm a very generous guy ... still, that would change in this scenario. Look, this is YOUR truck, YOUR trip, YOUR plan, and you owe it to yourself to enjoy it. On this path, you will not. So, as I said before, "change something".

YOU make the rules. Simply tell them; gas and food are on you guys. If they don't like that, they are taking advantage of you and do not deserve to go. You need to get over feeling 'obligated'.

You may need new friends. My friends would be fighting me in order to pick up the tabs.

Exactly. My friends and I have done stuff together so often we know the rules. The only exception is one of my friends has a vehicle that I can't afford to provide the fuel for it. He drives and pays for the fuel lol.

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

Well said. All three kind of self invited themselves as we were getting together for some beers to catch up and put me in a tough spot to not just say yes come on the trip with me. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

That's always a tough spot to be in. Good luck with how it turns out.

Sidebar, where are you headed to? We're headed to Yellowstone in ~25 days. Of course it has to fit in between home game dates in September. Oh the life of a season ticket holder. (grin)

 

[philsey]

..... The only exception is one of my friends has a vehicle that I can't afford to provide the fuel for it. He drives and pays for the fuel lol.

I know what you did there.

:hiding:

 

[JMG73072]

That's always a tough spot to be in. Good luck with how it turns out.

Sidebar, where are you headed to? We're headed to Yellowstone in ~25 days. Of course it has to fit in between home game dates in September. Oh the life of a season ticket holder. (grin)

San Juans, I want to do Yellowstone next year.

 

[Unner]

I'm kinda like Philsey, if I invite them I don't mind covering the gas and such. I've got one friend who will normally pitch in for gas but most of the other's usually don't. If I asked for it they probably would, but it doesn't seem worth it to potentially offend them or whatever. I also know I'm the one who makes the best money (not trying to be cocky, but it's true) so I don't mind helping them out since they are my friends. We're also all college students so maybe a bit younger than you guys and that may change things too.

I always drive as well, possibly because I like my 4Runner too much, but I also just don't trust some other people's driving. It makes me nervous the way some people drive...

 

[oljedi11950]

Back n my hippie days that's how everyone did it , guy who had car drove BUT you either helped with gas, food, beer, other !!! Now when my buddies go on golf trips right down the middle with everything . even on a friendly like yours I'm not pulling out of my driveway unless there's ground rules about that . That's just common sense & if they whine put your foot down I mean come on friends or freeloaders ? If w stay at our buddy's house N Flag he doesn't pay a dime all the food , beer , wine, gas is on us .

 

[DesertCanyons]

Sharing costs and preparations

Well said. All three kind of self invited themselves as we were getting together for some beers to catch up and put me in a tough spot to not just say yes come on the trip with me. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

Been there. Done that.

Okay, it's time to ask them to organize all the food, beer, gear, etc. Let them bring the cooler. If they need tents or tarps, it's on them. Just take the gear you need for yourself and tell them you're only bringing your sleeping bag. Give them a list of gear they need to supply. Write a menu of foods that they can cook and share. Better tell them how much food they need. Who's doing dishes, setting up camp and breaking it down later? Give them an estimate of gas cost and tell them they're paying for it if you drive. Maybe they'll start to see what goes into a trip like this.

People don't realize how much upkeep and maintenance goes into 4 wheeling or how much it costs to buy and maintain the car. When you get back you have to wash the car - inside, outside and underside. That takes a few hours. Are they going to help with that?

The last time I took a friend who doesn't own a 4 wheel drive he nearly balked at splitting gas and wasn't interested in helping me wash it. Same thing both times he went. He's off the "A" list.

After the 2nd trip with him I also had over $1200 in repairs when I got back that weren't directly related to the trip but are part of the cost per mile of driving the vehicle. And driving off-road is harder on a car than any other driving.

When I go on camping trips I always need to put down the back seats. That means one other person can go along in my car. Two other people if you really squeeze and tie some of the light gear on top. That limits the number of riders right off the bat.

I've decided that friends who want to go 4 wheeling should buy a 4x4 and I've joined a local group of Toyota off-road enthusiasts, some of whom are already friends. You may need a new set of friends for your off-road adventures.

 

[phillyd2]

Friends don't charge friends. And friends don't let friends pay for everything.

In other words, don't ask for anything and if they are decent people they will offer something....pay for lunch, pitch in for gas...whatever. Those that don't offer are not real friends.

When a friend (member here) took me fishing on his boat he asked for nothing. And of course I would not allow him to refuse gas money. That's how it's suppose to work with a friend.

 

[Antman]

Whenever I take someone camping I ask that they split the food cost and tell them to bring whatever beer they prefer. That's it.

Gas money and vehicle depreciation? No way- It's gonna cost me the same with or without them and I don't see that as fair. Good people ALWAYS find a way to make up for the difference. Usually my camp buddies help clean up after dinner, gather firewood and help setup/teardown. Plus their company is invaluable...that's why you should want them there in the first place.

My cousin always hides money somewhere in my truck during the camping trip and I find it sometimes weeks later, lol. I keep mailing it back to him and it pisses him off bad.

He's good people.