Plan your fuel stops before you hit the road
Enter your vehicle details and driving schedule. Get a day-by-day stop plan with odometer checkpoints. No apps, no signup, works offline.
Your trip details
Your fuel plan
Day-by-day schedule
| Day | Start odometer | End odometer | Fuel stop at | Notes |
|---|
How this planner works
The planner takes your tank size and fuel economy to calculate how far you can go on a full tank. It subtracts your buffer (the reserve you want to keep) to get your usable range. Then it divides your daily driving distance by the usable range to figure out when you need to stop.
For example, a 15-gallon tank at 28 MPG gives you 420 miles of range. With a 20% buffer, you have 336 usable miles. If you drive 360 miles per day, you need to refuel during day 1, not at the end when you might already be cutting it close.
The day-by-day schedule shows odometer readings so you know exactly when to start looking for a station. Fill in the notes column with station names or price info before you print.
Common mistakes
- Using sticker MPG instead of real numbers. The EPA estimate on your window sticker is often 10-15% higher than what you actually get. Use your own tracked average.
- Ignoring elevation changes. Mountain passes can cut your fuel economy by 25-40%. If your route crosses significant elevation, add an extra 10% to your buffer.
- Waiting until the low-fuel light. Most low-fuel lights come on with 1.5-2 gallons left. That is only 30-56 miles at 20 MPG. Do not count on that as your buffer.
- Forgetting about towing. A travel trailer, roof rack, or loaded cargo box all increase drag and weight. The towing toggle accounts for a 20% penalty. If you know your actual towing MPG, enter it directly.
- Assuming stations are everywhere. Some rural highways have 80-100 mile gaps between stations. Check your route on a map and mark known stations in the schedule notes.
Regional price differences
Fuel prices can vary by $0.50 or more per gallon between states and between highway exits and nearby towns. A station right off the interstate often costs $0.20-$0.40 more per gallon than one 2-3 miles away.
Before your trip, note which states on your route tend to have cheaper fuel. If you can time a fill-up for a low-price area, you might save $5-$15 per tank. The schedule's notes column is a good place to mark these.
Some stations offer discounts for cash payment or through loyalty programs. If you are on a long trip, these small savings add up over multiple fill-ups.
Electric vehicle notes
If you drive an EV, enter your battery size in kWh and your average consumption in kWh per 100 miles. The planner treats this like a fuel tank and estimates your charging stops.
Charging times vary a lot. A Level 2 charger might take 4-8 hours for a full charge. A DC fast charger can get you to 80% in 20-45 minutes. The schedule shows where to stop but not how long charging will take.
Range drops in cold weather and at high speeds. If you are traveling in winter or driving 70+ mph, add a larger buffer. Preconditioning the battery while plugged in also helps maintain range.
Questions travelers ask
How do I account for towing a trailer?
Towing can cut your fuel economy by 15-30%. Use the towing toggle in the planner, which reduces your effective MPG by 20%. If you know your actual towing MPG from past trips, enter that directly instead of using the toggle.
What buffer should I use?
For highway driving in familiar areas with plenty of stations, 10% is fine. For remote areas, mountain roads, or when towing, use 20-30%. The buffer is the fuel you keep in reserve below your planned stop point.
Can I use this for electric vehicles?
Yes, but the estimates are rough. Enter your battery size in kWh and your average kWh per 100 miles. The planner treats it like a fuel tank. Charging stop times vary widely, so the schedule shows stops but not charge duration.
Why does my actual range differ from the estimate?
Speed, wind, hills, tire pressure, AC or heater use, cargo weight, and traffic all affect fuel economy. The planner uses your entered average. If your real-world MPG is lower than expected, update the field and recalculate.
How do I factor in fuel price differences?
Fuel prices vary by state, region, and station type. Highway exits are often more expensive. The planner does not include prices, but you can note cheaper stations in the schedule's notes column before printing.
What if my route has long gaps between stations?
Some rural highways have 80-100 mile gaps. If your usable range is shorter than the gap, you need to plan a stop at the last station before the gap. Mark these in the notes column and fill up even if you still have fuel left.