Gassing up Diesel

[coachrains]

Newby question: What is best strategy for gassing up my diesel while pulling my 36 ft 5th wheel? 13 ft high clearance.

I stopped at a truck stop only once, trucks were backed up 3 deep, some just sitting with motors running, is this the norm?

Yes, I know Gassing is wrong word, you know what I mean

Thanks

[NMWildcat]

Truck stops are definitely easier to get in and out of while towing. We use them most of the time. Some are busy, some are not. We use Pilot/Flying J when we can, as most have specific RV lanes and we have an RV Plus card that allows fueling ( not gassing in the semi lanes using the card w/o having to go inside. Also has a small discount.

When no truckstops are in the area, we use Google Earth to look at potential stops to see if we can use them. We rarely get below half tank so we can be selective.

[67L48]

First advice is to never gas up a diesel.

Secondly, I found that truck stops are the easiest. The pumps are parallel to the store front, there is space around the pumps for turning, and the stations themselves are easy to get in and out of. Big rigs are slow because many pay cash for the discount on the massive fuel bill -- which means they go inside, go to the bathroom, chat, stretch legs, pay ... all while the rig is outside blocking pumps. So, you just have to sort of wait it out.

Finally, when no truck stops are around, try to avoid stations that have pumps perpendicular to the store front. Either that, or you're going to be stuck with some hairy turns or waiting for the end position to open up.

Good luck.

[coachrains]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Truck stops are definitely easier to get in and out of while towing. We use them most of the time. Some are busy, some are not. We use Pilot/Flying J when we can, as most have specific RV lanes and we have an RV Plus card that allows fueling ( not gassing in the semi lanes using the card w/o having to go inside. Also has a small discount.

When no truckstops are in the area, we use Google Earth to look at potential stops to see if we can use them. We rarely get below half tank so we can be selective.

how do you get card?

[aceinspp]

We also have the pilot/flying J card. You will find that the Flying J stations are more RV friendly and have special lane for you use whether it be gas or diesel. You can get a card through the Good Sam club which will get you discount for fuel. Later RJD

[ramit315]

We always plan out routes to stop at Pilot/Flying J. We haven't had many issues with trucks stacking up and not moving. Most of them we have seen fuel then pull up if they need to go inside.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by coachrains

how do you get card?

You can pick up an application at the store or go to the following website. This card is associated with Good Sam. Works well.

https://www.rvpluscard.com

[B47]

Originally Posted by 67L48

First advice is to never gas up a diesel.

Secondly, I found that truck stops are the easiest. The pumps are parallel to the store front, there is space around the pumps for turning, and the stations themselves are easy to get in and out of. Big rigs are slow because many pay cash for the discount on the massive fuel bill -- which means they go inside, go to the bathroom, chat, stretch legs, pay ... all while the rig is outside blocking pumps. So, you just have to sort of wait it out.

Finally, when no truck stops are around, try to avoid stations that have pumps perpendicular to the store front. Either that, or you're going to be stuck with some hairy turns or waiting for the end position to open up.

Good luck.

Fortunately most big rig drivers do the right thing after fueling - that being pulling their rig forward to the line leaving room for the next rig to move up to the pump. Unfortunately,as you said,some,but not all,do leave their rig at the pump after fueling while tending to other non- fueling things.

[spock123]

Or you could do what I did and install a 100 gallon extra fuel tank and stop after you stop for the night.

[TJA1]

I installed a 50 gal Titan fuel tank. I can run an entire day then fuel up at night when I’m unhitched. That also allows more choice of stations not necessarily those closest to (and more expensive) the interstate.

[Fushux]

When pulling our enclosed trailer, I am right at 64-65 ft so we tend to use truck stops exclusively. I don’t typically find issues with long waits or trucks sitting in lanes. If they need to go inside or use the facilities, they typically pull forward allowing another person to pull in.

[asquared]

As others have said, I tend to stick to the truck lanes. Expect a bit of a wait. Usually we will use the bathroom in the 5er while waiting. One of us will walk the dog and the other can pull the trailer forward as needed. If it takes long enough one can even go inside to pay and the other pump. We can usually have everything done by the time we are ready to pull out of the pump. If we aren't done, we can pull forward to finish up and then leave. If it is meal time then we will pull on ahead to a truck parking spot to eat.

[CHICKDOE]

truck stops are the easiest. many have special lanes marked for rv use.

just a tidbit. in arizona the tax on diesel for non-commercial use is $.18/gal and for commercial use it is $.26/gal. the truck stop pumps are set for the commercial tax. if you fuel your non-commercial rv at a commercial pump print a receipt and go in to the cashier and get a cash rebate of $.08/gal.

[Sierra360PDEK]

I fuel up at Sam's Club, usually the lowest price on diesel and most have been easy in and out. I do have a 100 gallon aux. tank so my stops for fuel are around 1000 miles.