Jason Foster
Since I live on the east coast (DC area) and have to plan a "trip" to chase, and that trip last anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks, I really try to plan out my costs each year. Later on I'll have all my cost analysis charts on my website, but I'm looking for ways chasers save money.
I've been able to reduce my costs with the following methods:
Food
Tip#1
I try never to eat out at a restaurant or fast food. Instead, find a super market (or Wal-Mart superstore as a last resort).
Tip#2
If staying at a hotel, try to take maximum advantage of the free "continental breakfast".
Hotel
Tip#1
Stopping at rest stops and truck stops along the Interstates, usually you can pick-up the coupon books with discounted rates.
Tip#2
Try to pair up with other chasers and share a room. I chase with a group usually and almost always share a room.
Tip#3
Try a State Park with camping. (My Favorite is Clayton Lake in NE New Mexico). You can almost always find a spot, and some parks are self serve, so you can show up as late as you want. There are showers and bathrooms and they usually are quite clean. Some private parks and KOAs are good too. Pricing starts as little as $8 a night.
Gas
Tip#1
As hot as it is in the Plains, try to drive with the windows down, it is more efficient than with the windows up and A/C on.
http://www.questline.com/
Tip#2
This varies somewhat, but try not to fill-up near the interstates, the price per gallon is usually higher. Same goes for Metro areas.
Tip#3
Keep the roof uncluttered. As cool as all those antennas and weather stations look, they create drag and reduce mpg.
Tip#4
Slow down. If not chasing, try to maintain a slower speed. Not only will your mpg go up, but you can avoid those speeding tickets.
Vehicle
Tip#1
When renting a vehicle: Because the extra insurance (full coverage) is required if your gonna chase, and it can run $20 extra dollars a day from the rental company, I suggest (for those than can) get an American Express card (or check your credit card company) and ask about the car rental coverage.
AMEX charges $25 per rental, not per day, and they handle the claim and everything.
In 2002, when I chased with Weathervine, we trashed our Chevy Blazer (hail damage, crack windshield, 12,000 miles, rear suspension leaning to one side likely broken, dirt everywhere, air filter clogged with dirt, etc.). It basically was non-rentable, if not "totalled". We dropped it off and split really quick. As we walked away, I over heard the attendant saying "What the hell happened to this thing?" About two weeks later, get a call from AMEX, "Mr. Foster, there was a claim by ???? Auto Rentals, and we've taken car of it for you".
I've been able to reduce my costs with the following methods:
Food
Tip#1
I try never to eat out at a restaurant or fast food. Instead, find a super market (or Wal-Mart superstore as a last resort).
Tip#2
If staying at a hotel, try to take maximum advantage of the free "continental breakfast".
Hotel
Tip#1
Stopping at rest stops and truck stops along the Interstates, usually you can pick-up the coupon books with discounted rates.
Tip#2
Try to pair up with other chasers and share a room. I chase with a group usually and almost always share a room.
Tip#3
Try a State Park with camping. (My Favorite is Clayton Lake in NE New Mexico). You can almost always find a spot, and some parks are self serve, so you can show up as late as you want. There are showers and bathrooms and they usually are quite clean. Some private parks and KOAs are good too. Pricing starts as little as $8 a night.
Gas
Tip#1
As hot as it is in the Plains, try to drive with the windows down, it is more efficient than with the windows up and A/C on.
http://www.questline.com/
Tip#2
This varies somewhat, but try not to fill-up near the interstates, the price per gallon is usually higher. Same goes for Metro areas.
Tip#3
Keep the roof uncluttered. As cool as all those antennas and weather stations look, they create drag and reduce mpg.
Tip#4
Slow down. If not chasing, try to maintain a slower speed. Not only will your mpg go up, but you can avoid those speeding tickets.
Vehicle
Tip#1
When renting a vehicle: Because the extra insurance (full coverage) is required if your gonna chase, and it can run $20 extra dollars a day from the rental company, I suggest (for those than can) get an American Express card (or check your credit card company) and ask about the car rental coverage.
AMEX charges $25 per rental, not per day, and they handle the claim and everything.
In 2002, when I chased with Weathervine, we trashed our Chevy Blazer (hail damage, crack windshield, 12,000 miles, rear suspension leaning to one side likely broken, dirt everywhere, air filter clogged with dirt, etc.). It basically was non-rentable, if not "totalled". We dropped it off and split really quick. As we walked away, I over heard the attendant saying "What the hell happened to this thing?" About two weeks later, get a call from AMEX, "Mr. Foster, there was a claim by ???? Auto Rentals, and we've taken car of it for you".