Sharing fuel-costs on the road

[tkp]

What's the best way for sharing fuel costs on a long road trip? (2800 miles)
I'll be driving my car, and found someone online to share in the expenses. But should we split 50/50 even though there is wear and tear on my car?

And how should it be done? I dont know exactly how much gas is gonna cost, so I cant ask for money upfront. Should each person fill a tank each time?

I'd like to hear from people who have done this before and what they recommend.

Thanks!

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

You say that you've already found someone who has agreed to share the expenses. If that is literally what you've agreed to, then it is too late to now insist on anything other than a 50/50 split of the expenses directly incurred in making this trip. Essentially that entails gas and tolls. Food, of course, is an individual expense. If you have not discussed lodging costs, do so now. You can either each get rooms, or split the cost of a single room. What I have done in the past on those few occasions when I have been in your situation is to just alternate who pays. I'll pay for one fill up, my partner the next. Same for rooms. If you want, keep a log of expenses and agree to even out any discrepancies at the end of the trip.

AZBuck

[tkp]

Thanks for the reply.
I haven't sorted out the details with the person yet. Just contacted them about going. I think i might do what you suggested (I pay one tank, he pays the next). But.... how about splitting 60/40 since it's my car, im driving, etc. Is that common and acceptable?

Thanks.

[JMA]

On the other hand, if it weren't for this person, you'd be paying for the whole trip by yourself; that's where I tend to figure the cost-splitting from. Unless you're driving cross-country primarily as a favor to this person, I think 50/50 is the more fair bet. (But maybe this is because so often my friends don't even chip in 50% of gas and tolls, so my standards are lower.)