Gas stations and GPS questions

[Nomore9-5]

Originally Posted by MColley

we have a 32 foot TT and have a question about gas stations and even RV GPS. Mostly so far we have stayed within a few hundred miles from home on our camping trips. So when I fill up I usually just fill up when the truck does not have the camper on. My question is when we start traveling longer distances we will have to fill up with the camper on. I will try to use places like travel America or Loves or something similar that is larger and has seperate lines for the big rigs. Do most of those pumps for the 18 wheelers have regular gas or mayber even just a line or 2? If so how do you know which line to get in? I am trying to not completely block an entire side of the regular gas pumps if possible. My GPS question is will they tell you which gas stations offer regular gas in the larger diesel lines? I know you can input the size of your trailer but Im curious about the gas situations. As I'm sure you can tell we run unleaded gas not diesel. If this is posted in the wrong place my apologies and please move

Transport diesel lanes are just that - they're set up for commecial 18 wheelers. I would not attempt to use them just as I would not take up a truckers spot for the night at a truck stop. This is how they make a living
Some travel centers offer RV fuel lanes and some even have RV dedicated spots RV's can spend the night . Over time you'll develope a library of good places to fuel and stay . I personally have had pretty good luck using Flying J locations

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by 007matman

I've never seen gasoline in a truck lane.

I use them all the time when travelling (we have a Diesel truck). They're not just for big rigs but you do need a Diesel.

Sometimes, payment can be a pain because you need to go inside to authorize but I've never had an issue with that.

Otherwise, stick to the Lowe's, Pilots, and Flying-J's (or other large stations) if possible.. they typically have large enough fuel lanes (for Gas) for you to get through.

I've seen one or two with gas in truck lanes. Mostly new or renovated facilities in on popular RV routes.

Last one I stopped at was at 7 Feathers truck stop in Canyonville OR. Two lanes at left of truck lanes with gasoline and diesel but marked RV's only.

[dmctlc]

So, I like others mentioned use Google maps but not just in satellite mode but streetview. This way I can check out entrance and exit. Though I have a diesel if I'm taking side roads to get me to a campground I check gas stations for diesel fuel access. Even on the highway at a Pilot, Flying J, Sheetz, etc.i like to know the easiest way in and out. Just make sense to me. Anyway try streetview for even for stations for gas, too.JMO

[moose074]

Originally Posted by Nomore9-5

Transport diesel lanes are just that - they're set up for commecial 18 wheelers. I would not attempt to use them just as I would not take up a truckers spot for the night at a truck stop. This is how they make a living
Some travel centers offer RV fuel lanes and some even have RV dedicated spots RV's can spend the night . Over time you'll develope a library of good places to fuel and stay . I personally have had pretty good luck using Flying J locations

Using the truck lanes I’m in and out in 5-6 minutes top with the high volume pumps. It doesn’t bother me one bit. I will use the semi truck parking lot. For short term not over night though. Most truckers don’t mind.

[LittleBill]

As far as I have seen all trucker lanes are strictly diesel. Maybe as mentioned newer trucker stops will provide gas, but I wouldn't count on it.

When I had my 2015 2500HD Diesel it only had a 36 gallon tank. I always aimed to plan my trips where I was camped and disconnected to re-fuel. This allowed me to seek out cheaper stations for fuel. However at times we needed to travel more than the fuel economy would allow, I would mainly utilize trucker lanes, but at times I needed to use a regular station. I only did this if I felt I could maneuver around it.

About 2 months after we bought our 2021 3500HD Diesel I had the underbed 36 gallon tank replaced with a 60 gallon underbed one. This was before we ever pulled the 5er. This allows us to travel the maximum distance we would ever consider travel in one day, allowing us to refuel after disconnecting and to seek out those cheaper fuel prices. Very happy I did it, as now only have to stop at rest stops and don't have to watch fuel gauge.

Have you considered swapping out your underbed fuel tank for a larger one. It was well worth the cost for me. A couple like Titan and S&B are out there as well as others I am sure. I believe it is against most state laws (not positive) to have an in-bed tank for gas but not diesel.

Good luck and be safe -

[michael621]

I am after diesel, and gotta love those high speed pumps!

[rfifer]

In Florida, an RV lane for gas does exist, but I have seen it only a couple of times for my in-state destinations. Having said that, many of the newer Pilot, Flying J, Loves, etc. have large ramps that easily accommodate a long trailer, even for the center pumps. There are a couple older Pilot stations with a small ramp that makes maneuvering - interesting - to say the least. Fortunately, I have encountered only two of them along I-75 thus far.

[007matman]

Originally Posted by Nomore9-5

Transport diesel lanes are just that - they're set up for commecial 18 wheelers. I would not attempt to use them just as I would not take up a truckers spot for the night at a truck stop. This is how they make a living
Some travel centers offer RV fuel lanes and some even have RV dedicated spots RV's can spend the night . Over time you'll develope a library of good places to fuel and stay . I personally have had pretty good luck using Flying J locations

I've never had anything other than smiles and friendly truckers at the truck stop when pulling in the truck lanes with my F350 LWB Dually and 36' travel trailer.

Never been told that by using one it would take up a truckers spot to sleep for the night either and I was never forced to park it and rest after fueling either.. I guess maybe it could happen...???

They're typically very easy in and very easy out.

RV fuel lanes are great if they are available. However, I've had situations before where they are too tight for my rig and it's still much easier just to use the trucking lanes..

If you have a gasser.. go for it.

[007matman]

Btw.. if you have a Diesel get the TSD Logistics card.. you use it in the trucker lanes at several large national (and local) fuel chains.. it'll save you significantly.

www.myopenroads.com

[sherman12]

When traveling on interstates I always look to get off on exits that show multiple fuel stations. Almost always you can find one that you'll fit into. Our DP with the car in tow on a dolly is about 56 feet and though we've had a few tight circumstances the majority of times we find a place with enough room to navigate. We look for stations that have the green diesel pricing below the standard 87 octanes. On some occasions, the diesel pumps are not easily identified, or I'm not sure there will be enough exit space, my wife will jump out of our rig and go do a recon to be sure and guide me to the best pump location.

[Tabasco_Joe]

Originally Posted by dmctlc

So, I like others mentioned use Google maps but not just in satellite mode but streetview. This way I can check out entrance and exit. Though I have a diesel if I'm taking side roads to get me to a campground I check gas stations for diesel fuel access. Even on the highway at a Pilot, Flying J, Sheetz, etc.i like to know the easiest way in and out. Just make sense to me. Anyway try streetview for even for stations for gas, too.JMO

I do the same. Scout the route before hand and not accessible stations along the route. I put them into Google maps as pins so they can be checked while traveling. I put notes on the pins as to special info such as to enter on the east side, etc.

[Dianekane]

We have a 30’ and stop at any gas station that we can swing into. May block a few extra pumps but we’ve never had an issue

[jlynn721]

Originally Posted by MColley

we have a 32 foot TT and have a question about gas stations and even RV GPS. Mostly so far we have stayed within a few hundred miles from home on our camping trips. So when I fill up I usually just fill up when the truck does not have the camper on. My question is when we start traveling longer distances we will have to fill up with the camper on. I will try to use places like travel America or Loves or something similar that is larger and has seperate lines for the big rigs. Do most of those pumps for the 18 wheelers have regular gas or mayber even just a line or 2? If so how do you know which line to get in? I am trying to not completely block an entire side of the regular gas pumps if possible. My GPS question is will they tell you which gas stations offer regular gas in the larger diesel lines? I know you can input the size of your trailer but Im curious about the gas situations. As I'm sure you can tell we run unleaded gas not diesel. If this is posted in the wrong place my apologies and please move

First, Fill up (even if it’s to top off) when you aren’t connected.
2nd, if possible, put a larger gas tank in your TV. My new truck came with a 50 gallon fuel tank. That will cut down my fuel stops by 50%.
3rd, fuel up at off peak times, if possible. I like to leave campgrounds at 5am, and I’ll try to fuel up first thing (if I haven’t done it the night before when unhooked).
4th, if I have to fuel during peak daytime hours, I hit truck stops. Even the gas lanes are usually larger than a neighborhood gas station. You may pay more, but less likely to hit something.
5, I carrry 5 gallons of fuel with me to use in an emergency (my TV is a truck) if I’m in the middle of nowhere and haven’t found a fuel station I could safely get in/out.

Good luck.

[jas451]

Our TT is 26' and usually don't have an issue. I can think of a couple of occasions where I had to back out because I wouldn't be able to make the turn. When I do pull up to the pumps I tend to keep some distance on the side to allow more turning radius. Try to get a pump on either end. The stations with the pumps running parallel instead of perpendicular are usually advantageous too. TA and Pilot are usually good about having enough room. Love's are generally pretty good, but sometimes their pumps can be a little close to the building. Unfortunately it's the inconsiderate people out with no clue, la la land. We were in New Mexico, or Texas, this past February, and pulled up behind a SUV to wait so we could pull up to the pump. Waited, waited, and they finally came out with their snacks and chili dogs and then proceeded to sit in their car and eat!! Finally my wife went up to the car and knocked on the window and asked if they wouldn't mind moving PLEASE! There are some really stupid people out there, I'm afraid.
They can be your biggest challenge.

[Villagerjjm]

I will use the satellite view of Google Maps on my previously planned out route. Within a predetermined range of travel miles , I will zoom in and look at gas stations. Street view comes in very handy to actually come up with a strategy to get in and out of a station. In a pinch, you can always unhook if you are in a tight spot.

[Trainaddict]

Sir,
I have a 35 ft TT but diesel truck. When getting fuel I either use the diesel pumps the same ones the truckers use or when using the pumps in the car area, usually the outside pumps have diesel as well as gas. I have no problems using the outside pumps. Never had any complaints. Hope this helps Rick

[jtsriding]

Not much to add except I avoid Chevron, great gas but higher prices. And watch Sinclair. They have pump handles same colour and a small stickers that say "this has ethanol" If you pick up the wrong handle you pay a lot more. I found that if I went into larger towns off the interstate and travelled in a mile or two the gas was cheaper. Gas buddy ap really helps. I've only seen 1 or 2 gas stations that would be sketchy to get in and out, all others especially in tourist areas are set up well. I'm 54 feet total and never an issue in my latest 10,000 mile 4 month tour.

[gw1800]

Originally Posted by Tabasco_Joe

I do the same. Scout the route before hand and not accessible stations along the route. I put them into Google maps as pins so they can be checked while traveling. I put notes on the pins as to special info such as to enter on the east side, etc.

I do the same thing. Satellite view of the station. One thing I have noticed is most Marathon stations have the pumps oriented so you can pull straight through from the road.

Pilot and Love stations are notorious for putting regular gas pumps right in front of the store and no room for a truck with a trailer.

There were a couple of situations at a truck stop where I needed fuel and could not maneuver the pumps. I pulled the trailer into the truck parking area, unhitched, gassed up, hitched up, and went on my way. Only takes a few minutes.

One thing about the truck parking, pick a spot further away from the truckers.

[BMullins46]

Flying J truck stops have a RV island off to the side of the automobile islands, that's where I fueled up when I had a gas TV. With my diesel dually and 5th wheel I go 0around to the truck side and use my discount cards on the truck pumps.

[tx333]

I pull with a gasser and use the “Truck and RV Fuel Stations” app on iPhone. It has filter for RV Fuel Lanes. I was towing 34ft total length TT with F350 crew cab long bed nearly 20ft long. So far app has been correct to guide me to stations that have dedicated RV lanes with gas that are easy in and out. When planning a trip I usually preplan my route for my Rand McNally RV GPS then plan my fuel stops along the route using the app. I do try to watch for lower cost but will pay more for convenience. Sometimes distance between stops are a little shorter to assure I always have enough gas but not an issue for me. Stopping more often is sometimes a good thing 😁
I also carry 10 gallons gas in truck just in case I get in trouble somewhere.