FUEL

It depends on your driving habits and the truck. What kind of mileage do you normally get pulling a full load? You should be able to get about 50-60% more mileage by bobtailing.
For instance, I average 7.4 under load. But bobtail, I get about 12.

 

It's roughly 1800 miles from Nashville to Las Vegas. Being conservative and you get 7 mpg bobtailing (not factoring in speed changes, or wind, or traffic, or elevation changes) you would need 257.142857 gallons. I would say if you kept a steady, easy pace and had little to no head wind, it's possible on a truck with two 150 gal. tanks.




But I wouldn't want to try it.

 

I think you'd be pushing it.
But for the cost of fuel, why not take the bus instead?
Is this your truck or company and if company, they're going to let you bobtail across country?

 

Mentioning taking a bus sounds like you are a company driver. Are you aware they will bill you for that trip?

You should of prepared to quit. There are alot better ways without getting your DAC ruined.

 

I you do what I think you're planning you'll wish you took the bus . If you are owed any wages you can probably kiss them goodbye .
If the carrier catches on to what you are doing enroute the may report you for unauthorized use and have you arrested .

 

That's sort of steeling...