Pulling into Service Station for Gas w/ Travel Trailer

[mdoerner]

Hi Guys,

Now that the trailer has become more reliable this year, we are thinking of going longer distances w/ our setup. I have a GMC Sierra and a 26' TT. What's the most efficient or easy way to get in and out of a service station w/o blocking people or being blocked in by "less understanding" people? Are the truck stops the better bet when gassing up? Thanks.

Mike Doerner

[tmmar]

I think that most truck stops are larger and have more maneuvering room and more pump space. This makes it easier to fuel and not worry too much about blocking others. Gas stations are made mostly for autos and are smaller.

[Hokiehall]

When I stop for gas, I try for an end pump and park so that I am not blocking the parking lot completely. I look for stations that have plenty of room if a truck stop is not available where I am traveling.

[revrnd]

I went on Google Earth & checked out gas stations along my routes. You should be able to pick the stations that look best for getting in & out of. Also, try to use stations that have the island(s) parallel to the road.

[pondlady]

Here's a spreadsheet of truckstops etc.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RVBudd...0Locations.xls

[mdoerner]

Uhhhh..... That link is for the LADIES only. Wanna send me the file or PM me with the info?

Mr. MICHAEL Doerner

[pondlady]

The info is the same, no matter your gender. It came from an RVing listserv that I belong to. It's an open list and anyone can join. You can join, download the Excel file and then unsubscribe. That should work and you won't have to ever tell anyone that it came from a ladies only organization.
I can understand your reluctance to associate with a women only organization, but it won't hurt you for 5 minutes or so. Trust me.

[amxpress]

There are a couple of good books you might want to check out.
"LAST EXIT" & "NEXT STOP".
They list all of the Interstate exits showing what is located at that exit. This includes highlighting facilities that are RV friendly such as gas stations and restaraunts.
We don't hit the (Interstate) highways without it.
Good Sam's makes the better book, in my opinion. Go to their website for more information.

[KyDan]

I try to avoid those little stations where the gas pump isles lead
you to the front door of the store unless there is plenty of room to
make that turn!
Other than that I try for the outside pump and I also try to pull
past the first pump to the 2nd one so my trailer is actually blocking
the back pump. This lets me leave when I'm done without waiting
for the guy in front of me to finish. I nearly always use pay at
the pump so I'm done and gone pretty fast. If I let someone use
the front pump and they walk inside, I'm stuck waiting so I
grab both pumps when possible. After a month touring (just got
back yesterday) this worked for me. There aren't a lot of truck
stops in some of the areas we visited. My truck burns gas so if
you have a diesel, my advice might not totally apply.....

[acadianbob]

I look for gas station where the pump lane is parallel to the road. If the lanes are perpendicular to the road, you have the issues with people parking up by the store and giving you limited room to swing wide to clear the pumps when you leave. It really amazes me how many stations are laid out in a manner that virtually prohibits any kind of a trailer in tow.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by KyDan

Other than that I try for the outside pump and I also try to pull
past the first pump to the 2nd one so my trailer is actually blocking
the back pump. This lets me leave when I'm done without waiting
for the guy in front of me to finish.

KYDan, I try to do the same thing. But beware, at least on my trailer, my fridge running on propane is now sitting at the 2nd pump where someone could be using the other side of that pump.......about 6' away from the open flame on my fridge. I usually don't cut the propane off since there is about 30' distance between my gas tank and the fridge, but in the above case I will turn the gas off.

[revrnd]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

It really amazes me how many stations are laid out in a manner that virtually prohibits any kind of a trailer in tow.

X1,000,000

The new service centers along the 401 in Ontario are laid out w/ the pups parallel to the highway, but your vehicle is facing the "convenience store". It would appear that only the outside lanes are suitable for people towing a trailer. I have no idea if there are diesel pumps in these lanes or you have to go thru the truck section.

[rockwood06]

The problem with most gas stations on I-95 is that one can not see the size of station until you get off of the interstate and as stated I try to pick a pump on the end but I am never that lucky so I end up in the middle. Traffic is heavy in these areas and you like everybody needs gas so it is hard to jump across the street to pick the perfect gas station. I have had people move out of the way to allow me to leave the station after filling up. I am 53' long and when I start to leave everyone watches. In the beginning of our camping career I had the shakes about gas stations, but now I like the challenge. I have learn how to handle my rig, but this all comes in time, you will need to get into tight spots so you can learn as well and others will help if you get into a bind. It's the only way to learn. You can get some basics by reading, BUT getting behind the wheel is something different.

One thing you can do is to go to a Wal-Mart parking lot or find a vacant lot with orange cones and set them up then practice backing up and pulling forward and turning around them to get the fell of your rig and it's reactions, this is the key....to know your rig and what your limitations are.

[slpybeartx]

I have always had great luck with "QT" gas stations. The pumps are spread far and wide, you can make a complete circle around the outside perimeter of the property, the pumps on the ends are tailor made for Trailering, everything inside is clean, and best of all? Free air that is easy to get to.

[kvtaylor]

We try for Truck stops as they have more manovering room to get around. Be thankful you don't have a 5th wheel that is 13.4 ft high. Thats what our old Montana was with a satellite dome. Then you start looking at the roofs along with the pumps.