Getting gas with a TT in tow

[Backcountryboondocker]

Originally Posted by ciditad

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.

It’s not nearly as bad as you think, especially with your single axle. So far I’ve put almost 2,000 miles on mine, and I have yet to run into a problem at any station I’ve stopped at, ranging from small town 2 pump stations to multi pump normal stations and truck stops like TA, Pilot, Petro. Tail swing is something to watch out for, but normally can be mitigated alot by turning away from the pump as you first pull away and then correcting to straight to help pull your trailer front away from the pumps and such. The biggest things to realize are your exit strategy, and your overhang with a trailer now behind you. (Its not the best idea to come right off the road and go to the first pump closest to it. Could lead to your trailer blocking the entrance.)

[timfromma]

My first season owning a TT I had a gas TV. The pain and aggravation trying to fuel up every 3 hours with 35' of trailer hanging off the back was enormous. Once I had to disconnect in a nearby shopping center parking lot just so I could go fill. That winter, I traded for a diesel. Now I pull right into the truck lanes at truck stops fill and go. Yes, it's a bit more expensive than regular stations that sell diesel but that's more than made up for by the reduction in my blood pressure.

[moose074]

I have read where several members have mentioned using truck lanes are inconvenient. I just finished a 5k trip got every fill-up from truck lanes. Since I got my 5th wheel in 2017 I have exclusively used the truck lanes. Very very rarely have I had to go inside regardless of the card I use to pay with. Now Oregon truck stops it was hit and miss. That said I think the OP was looking for gas not diesel so truck lanes aren’t an option.

Also in my travels I have learned that generally speaking ANY gas station on the interstate is priced higher than those closer to town or further off the beaten path. It’s a convenient feature they ALL charge for. I also feel that if it’s a smaller town most of the time the interstate prices are the same or just a few cents lower. In larger towns with more competition yes prices seem to vary more.

While fuel is usually higher at interstate stations and we can use the .30 cents higher for gas let’s be realistic about PER tank savings. Yes we could do trip saving, year long or life long savings but let’s limit it to one tank. Again MOST gas tanks are 30 or less most are less and very few people don’t wait until running on fumes . The extra cost 30 gallons at .30 cents is $9. So most people get 20-25 gallons Now how far does one drive to save $9 ( 30 gallons) costing time and with stop and go traffic dropping mpg to single digits burning more fuel. Again just my opinion

[Dakota 1120]

I pull my 30' toy hauler with a Dodge Ram 3/4 ton w/6.4 Hemi and average about 10 MPG.
I like to fuel every 100 miles for a margin of safety if have to go further and fuel wherever is convenient to get in/out of without issues - most regular gas stations are fine and don't often fuel at 'truck stops' where, at times, the gasoline pumps do NOT afford ample room to exit.

[Nomore9-5]

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.

My wife and I have a 38 ' motorhome and tow a focus. Years ago I found a 2014 vintage Pilot /Flying J RV PDF that listed all their locations and indicated which had RV fuel lanes as well as dedicated RV parking . I used it as a starting point and then added other RV friendly places I've found since then.
Generally speaking you'll have better luck at a Flying J although Pilot seems to have finally realized the RV business they've been missing as some of the newer locations are more managable

[Bhrava]

Back when we had a TT and used the F150, my wife drove her car since having more than me and one other put the truck over GVWR, and I would have her scout out ahead for gas stations, both on price and access. The one time she didn't I got into a bind and had to back it out. There was a darned dumpster that was right where I would have needed to turn to pull out, and that wasn't it's normal spot either, just happened to have been moved there for the pickup.

Now with the 5th wheel and F350 diesel, I just find a truck stop that gets me the lowest TDS price and use the big rig pumps. Wouldn't fit the regular auto lanes anyway being 60' long.

[DSurette]

Originally Posted by Nomore9-5

My wife and I have a 38 ' motorhome and tow a focus. Years ago I found a 2014 vintage Pilot /Flying J RV PDF that listed all their locations and indicated which had RV fuel lanes as well as dedicated RV parking . I used it as a starting point and then added other RV friendly places I've found since then.
Generally speaking you'll have better luck at a Flying J although Pilot seems to have finally realized the RV business they've been missing as some of the newer locations are more managable

I recently posted an updated PDF of FJ locations with RV lanes. Post # 44 in this thread. It is from their web site and is recent.

[DuluthCamper]

I double-tow a 27' 5th-wheel and a 26' boat, making my total rig about 69' long. When I've got the whole thing hooked up, I only pull into truck stops (my truck's a diesel). I plan stops ahead of time to ensure I don't run into issues with too-little turning space at fuel stations.

It's not the same as driving my Prius, or any sedan, or even an SUV. You don't make spur-of-the-moment last-minute fueling decisions.

Newer gas stations usually have more room to maneuver, but if there's any question about "really needing" fuel and only having a small station to maneuver, I drive a few blocks away & drop the trailers off. It takes less than five minutes to unhook, including chocking tires & raising the front end of the camper up to uncouple the fifth wheel hitch.

It's more about planning if you want the convenience of pulling in and having enough room. Maybe I'll fuel up when I'm only half empty, or even a quarter empty, because I know the NEXT fuel stop is a long drive away.

With the right planning, I don't have to drop the trailers off and then hitch them back up.

So, planning makes for convenience. NOT planning makes for needing to fuel up in place that may not have the space you need or want.

Look ahead, plan your stops around what's convenient for you & your rig, and you'll be in business.

Failing to plan means you've planned to fail.

[Dakota 1120]

Clearly you follow the: "Rule of the 7 P's"

That is: Proper Prior Preparation Prevents Pizz Poor Performance.

[benchmarks]

Originally Posted by jbflag21ds

I drive a diesel so I'm more limited on station choice but anytime I'm not at a larger station I try to find the easiest way out and usually take the outside lanes.

Just don't forget about tail swing in those tighter locations

Me too, same truck.

[garyhopp]

I try always to hit the Flying J. This company is dedicated to RVs and if Your a Good Sam Member you get a discount, or apply for their card and get the discount. Private RV lanes although some ding bats don't get the message. Propane is at the pump usually and even a dump station.
Usually they are spaced about 250 to 300 miles apart on most interstates and easy in and out. Pilot is another but not as RV friendly usually, all are under same ownership. Many have spots to one night if needed.

[JRHERE]

Another issue relates to even accessing stations. Unless your in a dedicated truck stop, the auto islands frequently offer only a couple diesel pumps. Greatly limiting busy times access. Cars limit the gasoline pumpsaccess too. That's by design I'd guess?
I'm in central NC, and once within 25 or so miles of downtown metro such as Charlotte or other large areas, there are plenty gas stations, few diesel pumps, and accessing the station can be impossible due to traffic.
Often 25-40 mile distance to return to useable exits and long vehicle fuel facilities.
Good quality, extended range fuel tanks are well worth the expense...gas or diesel.
If traveling at night, that's a whole new can of worms.

IMHO...?!

[sherman12]

Bhrava, what kind of TDS card discounts are you realizing today? I did not know you could see how much savings per gallon would be saved at given stations in advance, only to find out how big the discount was a day or so later by looking into your checking account.

[ciditad]

Quick trip report: I identified a handful of rest stops with gas stations on the highways and was able to gas up without issues.

Also note: Route 15 had a warning for RV'ers where max height in some overpass areas are less than 10'. Had to reroute and take I95N.

[JoeInPA]

Just brought new trailer home yesterday. First time towing anything heavy with the truck. 75 miles (some ups and downs through foothills, but no steep grade mtns) seemed to use about 1/3 tank of gas. Ouch that is gonna hurt the wallet.

[Dakota 1120]

Originally Posted by JoeInPA

Just brought new trailer home yesterday. First time towing anything heavy with the truck. 75 miles (some ups and downs through foothills, but no steep grade mtns) seemed to use about 1/3 tank of gas. Ouch that is gonna hurt the wallet.

On average - you can expect your fuel mileage will be 7 - 12 miles per gallon depending on your tow vehicle, speed and size of the camper.

[Bhrava]

Originally Posted by sherman12

Bhrava, what kind of TDS card discounts are you realizing today? I did not know you could see how much savings per gallon would be saved at given stations in advance, only to find out how big the discount was a day or so later by looking into your checking account.

There is a app called TSD Open Roads. It checks in and pulls up all the stations the card is good at and shows them on a map. I just opened it now and the best prices for my area is $2.73 a gallon in Janesville T/A. The pump price is $3.259. Thats a 53 cent per gallon savings, that is HUGE.

https://openroads.fueldiscountapp.com/

It will show fuel prices you pay in a 300 mile radius.

It has a transactions page as well that updates within 10 minutes of your completion at the pump, which shows the price you paid and how much you saved.

[Bhrava]

Originally Posted by JoeInPA

Just brought new trailer home yesterday. First time towing anything heavy with the truck. 75 miles (some ups and downs through foothills, but no steep grade mtns) seemed to use about 1/3 tank of gas. Ouch that is gonna hurt the wallet.

What really hurts is if it is a 50 gallon tank!

[5picker]

Originally Posted by JoeInPA

Just brought new trailer home yesterday. First time towing anything heavy with the truck. 75 miles (some ups and downs through foothills, but no steep grade mtns) seemed to use about 1/3 tank of gas. Ouch that is gonna hurt the wallet.

Nothing about owning a R/V correlates with saving money.
Get used to that.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Bhrava

There is a app called TSD Open Roads. It checks in and pulls up all the stations the card is good at and shows them on a map. I just opened it now and the best prices for my area is $2.73 a gallon in Janesville T/A. The pump price is $3.259. Thats a 53 cent per gallon savings, that is HUGE.

https://openroads.fueldiscountapp.com/

It will show fuel prices you pay in a 300 mile radius.

It has a transactions page as well that updates within 10 minutes of your completion at the pump, which shows the price you paid and how much you saved.

Are these discount cards good for gasoline too or only diesel?