log-book

[BerylPugh]

anybody have some good ideas on an effective logbook setup. or a website with ideas. need to keep track of fuel economy and oil changes and stuff like that. any ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[CChase]

I made my own in Excel. Columns for Date, Mileage, Fuel Quantity, Location, Type of Service & Next Service Due



Location I use for either fuel station or store and invoice # the service items are performed by (warranty stuff by Dodge) or purchased at (i. e. Napa #XXXXX)



Type of service is pretty self explanatory, but I also use that to record the mileage from the overhead for comparison, how many hours run on that tank, price per gallon & total cost of the service (fuel, oil, filters or whatever)



Just my two cents worth.

 

[rbattelle]

I have 2 logs. One of them is a database I wrote for my PDA. I use that for fuel only. The other is a spreadsheet on my PC, which I use only for "work" done (oil changes, filter changes, modifications, upgrades, accessories, etc).

 

[tpuig]

Although there are some nice software packages for fleet vehicles, I just started an excel sheet of my own. Very simple, mileage, $, mpg, etc. But I write the current mileage on the receipt from every fill up. When the pile of receipts gets big enough, I enter them in the spreadsheet and then put them in a manila envelope with all the other truck related paperwork.

I also keep track of oil changes, tire rotations, and anything else service related in a small notebook I keep in the center console.

Again, very simple. Mileage at each oil change, type used, cost and place purchased, trans pan install, wiper replacement install, tire rotations, etc.

I had a transmission blow up in a previous vehicle (actually 3 trannies, pos GM's!) and once the dealer saw the little book with my entries, he didn't even blink, just sent it through under warranty.

Hope this helps.

TP

 

[klenger]

I also keep a log in Excel. It tracks a bunch of stuff and calculates a bunch more. Here's a snapshot of the summary screen.



http://www.klenger.net/dodge/pictures/fuel-maintenance.gif

 

[y-knot]

What I use is Quicken, not only do I use it to keep track of our checking and savings accounts, but all trucks, cars, and toys.



What I do is set-up an account for each (Dodge 3500 or Raptor) I just name the account after what ever it is, this makes it very easy to use. Then enter every transaction for that account like it is a check, the mileage being the check number. That way the mileage is always included in the update. I have tracked every car, truck, trailer, ATV, everything that way for the last 10-12 years. My Dodge has very transaction since it was delivered to me, that is every fuel fill-up, oil change, replacement part, accessory or repair since 10-14-96. I do this on all the vehicles, It takes very little time and It's a great tool for information latter on. The sad part is it also reminds you of exactly how much money you have invested in that vehicle. My last dragster I sold to a guy in California also had the same detailed report of all parts used, complete with name, part number, price, and quanity. The info helped me get a better price and also made for a fast sell. I listed the add on E-bay and sold it two days later for the Buy Now price. The detailed record keeping sealed the deal, I was able to fax a copy of the records to the buyer for him to see, once he seen all that was done and what parts I used, the deal was done.

I like the ability to track changes in mileage after certain parts are added. It is also nice to be able to look back and see all that was done, I would forget half of it with out it being written down. I hope this does look like it takes alot of time? It don't. The Quicken program makes it very easy, and that is the key to book keeping, accurate and easy to use. I even track each remote controlled car or truck we have, T-max,sport-max what ever, it's great.

 

[BIG BOB]

Here is what I use. It's free up to 3 vehicles.



Vehicle Record System

 

[KO_RAM]

I was thinking of using Excel, and looked at several other applications. I found one that I really like called CARCare that has a personal use version for Windows or your Palm. It's $49. 90 for their combo pack. I downloaded their 30-day trial and I think I might invest in it. It gives you a lot of information you can track, and even attach scanned images of repair bills or pictures of the vehicle.

Their web site is:

http://www.carcaresoftware.com

 

[nkiewel]

Online tracking

I thought about writing an online system for tracking this type of information last year. Is there any interest in something like that?