Getting gas with a TT in tow

[kaleb]

��

[Bluegabber]

I pull in most places. Just need to watch your tail swing.

[kaleb]

Originally Posted by ciditad

Do you stop at a regular gas station or go to truck stops like Flying J or Pilot? Some stations like Wawa or Royal Farms have big/long enough islands to accommodate but not every gas station seems to be able to handle one.

So how did you do pulling in and where did you go to get gas

[gw1800]

Originally Posted by Tim-Nancy-C

I found that most (if not all) Flying J's have a set of separate pumps for RVs that is in the area of the Car pumps. On a recent trip they had 2 lanes that had fuel and diesel. In either lane you could fill from either side using the "satellite" pumps. This island area also had the dump and water station. While the cost of the gas was up to 10cents more per gallon that other stations nearby, it was worth it for the ease of getting in/out safely.

I've had to back out of several pumps areas so I could easily turn and its not fun even with the wife directing traffic. I'm willing to pay the extra.

(while Pilot and Flying Js are same company, I've only seen this at the FJ's. I did get their app and looked up the stations. They do note RV pumps for the station if they are available. Hopefully these will be added to Pilot stations in the future if they don't already have them.)

I have only seen one or two Flyng J's with dedicated RV/TT lanes for gas.
If all else fails, drop the trailer in a large part of the lot, or nearby parking lot. Fuel up and reconnect. It only takes 10 minutes.
I've also pulled into stations and then backed out after filling. NO one wants to get behind you anyway.

[velvethippie]

My new truck (2018 F-350 DRW) has a 48 gallon (!!!) tank. I can't wait to go further between fill-ups! I've already driven from Knoxville to Atlanta, up to Lookout Mountain, and back to ATL. Haven't even put diesel in it yet, though I know it'll hurt when I do.

That said, we do usually try to stop at Pilots, Flying J, Loves, etc. I think I'm going to sign up for a card so I can use the truck lanes without going in, since now I need DEF in addition to diesel, and it can be a pain to find a vacant diesel pump when going to a regular station.

I miss my old 7.3L F350, but I do kinda enjoy the new comfort and Cadillac ride of the new model.

[USN6973]

When possible I prefer Flying J or Pilot Truck Stop! Usually lots of room to maneuver and usually gives 5 cent discount if Good Sam Member. Restrooms are usually decent. By the way campers, I use the IEXIT app on interstates that shows where fuel stops are located and rest areas. Hope this helps!

[WalterW]

Since I tow a 41 foot 5th wheel with a diesel Ram 3500, I opted to add a 60 gallon aux tank. Basically I set up the camper, then go fill. I am only driving about 450 miles a day, so I normally don't empty the auxiliary tank.. Driving into regular fuel stations with my set up is not fun, and I have done damage due to the swing.

[reevesfamily]

Originally Posted by ciditad

Do you stop at a regular gas station or go to truck stops like Flying J or Pilot? Some stations like Wawa or Royal Farms have big/long enough islands to accommodate but not every gas station seems to be able to handle one.

Plan ahead. We try to use Pilot, Flying J, or another of the large truck stops if possible. I have a diesel so fuel is a larger part of our planning than if we were gas, but we’ve never had a problem. I have fueled at 1/2 tank quite a few times just to use one of our favorite stations. Our TT is 37’ long and it does swing. Just gotta be careful and drive it like it’s got wings.

[JRHERE]

When unable to access fuel, and on busy days that isn't uncommon, one solution--drop the trailer. I've had to do that.
I solved my fuel issues with a 60 gallon reserve bed tank. Works great. I have almost 1000 mile range when towing. 1600 plus miles unloaded.
Another plus is the big filler allows use of big truck nozzles.
Truck stops might have minimum purchase requirements on their dedicated diesel islands.
I rarely stop for fuel. When towing. At 58', some places are not friendly.
This approach requires a pickup with sufficient weight headroom and diesel power.
Cheers!

[tx333]

I use Pilot/FJ app and the Fuel Stations app (has several brands listed) on my iphone and filter for RV lanes. Just makes it easier to get in and out. Truck is nearly 20’ long, F350 gasser crew cab long bed with 30’+ TT. Over 50’ with tongue and hitch simply doesn’t turn or back short. When necessary do as others have posted, check it out before you pull in.

[ciditad]

Originally Posted by kaleb

So how did you do pulling in and where did you go to get gas

That's the thing, I haven't but I've realized how difficult it could be. The few trips I took were short enough I could fill up before and after the TT is no longer connected.

[Buckeye Dad]

I drive a 31’ Class C with a toad (HondaCRV) all four down. My system uses Blue OX tow bars attached to the CRV. I cannot go in reverse…ever! So getting gas for my situation is very nerve racking and planning by my wife is critical as she looks for stations on Google satellite images. We can’t always tell even using this method but it’s about 90% accurate. Just recently while getting off the highway to get fuel at a 76 station, there was a double tanker filling the gas station’s in ground tanks. I had to stop and remove the car, backup and wait for other cars to finish their refueling. After I finally filled my tank I reattached the CRV and got out of there!

[zanoffmj]

I usually stop at Flying J or Pilot. A lot of their stations have designated lanes for RV's. You can go on their website and it states which stations have rv lanes.

[JoeInPA]

Originally Posted by Buckeye Dad

...31’ Class C with a toad...Blue OX tow bars...to the CRV....cannot go in reverse…ever

Sorry for the dumb question, but is it even legal to operate a vehicle on the road that cannot back up?

[frankraney]

Originally Posted by ciditad

Do you stop at a regular gas station or go to truck stops like Flying J or Pilot? Some stations like Wawa or Royal Farms have big/long enough islands to accommodate but not every gas station seems to be able to handle one.

I pull a 40 foot fiver with a 2500hd. 55 foot front bumper to back and have never had a problem finding diesel in a station. Pilots and flying j are more expensive, but I have used them if they were close to my overnite stop. I have had to back out once or twice. I already scan the door before turning on, with my eyes. I never use an app or Google to look. The main thing I watch for is clearance height. Some stations do not have it. I always start looking at 1/4 tank. Most stations on our close to major routes are ok.

[Accountingphd]

Originally Posted by JoeInPA

Sorry for the dumb question, but is it even legal to operate a vehicle on the road that cannot back up?

Yes, it is legal. It is the nature of the beast for all of us that tow 4 down.

[timbob55]

I try for truck stops as my trailer is 33ft. Unless the gas station is very big

[S.Edington]

Love the satellite pumps at Flying J. Just got back from a California to Colorado and return trip this June and don't mind going through the diesel truck stop, but the RV pumps are easy to navigate through. I have a 3/4 ton Chevy 2500HD and a 29 ft Flagstaff towable trailer. Easy and convenient.

[Jcape]

Originally Posted by ciditad

Do you stop at a regular gas station or go to truck stops like Flying J or Pilot? Some stations like Wawa or Royal Farms have big/long enough islands to accommodate but not every gas station seems to be able to handle one.

I never use a Flying J, Pilot, Love's, they are usually $.30 a gallon more than other stations and they make using the truck lanes inconvienient. I pull a 35 foot Coachmen, and I've had a 32 foot Shasta, a 30 foot Rockwood 5th wheel and never had a problem. Just look before you get in to make sure you can get out. Most stations can accomodate a large rig if your careful. In 50 years I've only had to back out 3 or 4 times.

[Pockets]

I agree with Bikendan. Whatever you are comfortable with. I have a 31 ft trailer towed with a supercrew and a 6.5ft box. So it is long. I try to get the end islands. If I can't oh well, just take it easy and use your mirrors and take wide turns.I try to go to Pilot or Flying J as I get a .10/gal discount with my Good Sam card. ANd when you have a 36 gal tank, every little but helps.