Just posted on Escapees RV Club Forum

So this doesn't apply to pickups and fifth wheels??

There is a long thread on this subject in the Class A forum. Over 20 pages and 200 posts. Interesting stuff!!!! Search for Arizona Fuel Tax on Class A Forum.

Any updates on this?? Would like to understand this better before we head west in Dec.

Interesting!! I stopped by Fry's yesterday and yes the warning sticker is posted on the diesel pump advising a 18 cent tax and $1,000.00 minimum fine. I asked the attendant if he could adjust the pump price to reflect the 18 cents and of course he looked at me as if I was crazy. I took it one step forward and went into the store and looked up the manager. I used a little stronger approach and said, I can't fuel my RV at the pumps anymore and get our credit for fuel points and again got that, are up crazy look. I did explain the sticker on their pumps and now there are two store employees involved. Bottom line they are looking into the problem and are to get back to me. It has only been 24 hours but no call yet. I will post when I hear back from them.
My point is they not only are taxing those that own a 26,001 GVW and over RV but also taking away our earned discounts.

jlabr2 wrote:
I will contend that 2 axle RVs are exempt from this law because the law reads that the "declared" weight is over 26,000 lbs. If you look on your registration, the weight is 0000 for RVs. That is where the "declared" weight is determined from, not what the rig actually weighs.

Ummmm....so, you're going to 'hang your hat' on that when the 'man' knocks on your door...:h....let us know how that works out for you....just sayin.....Dennis

I will contend that 2 axle RVs are exempt from this law because the law reads that the "declared" weight is over 26,000 lbs. If you look on your registration, the weight is 0000 for RVs. That is where the "declared" weight is determined from, not what the rig actually weighs.

BUT must remember AZ has some of the least expensive fuel in the West & Southwest even if you have to fuel at the truck pumps. What has been more upsetting is the price fixing at the Truckstops in almost all locations. They are almost always much higher than in the adjacent towns. This has been most noticeable since Pilot took over Flying J.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

I spoke with a representative from the Arizona Motor Carriers Services Division this morning. He assured me that we are reading their law correctly.

1. If you are fueling a motor home that weighs 26,000 # GVW or more then you have to pay the higher tax.
2. If you are fueling a motor home that has more than two axles, you have to pay the higher tax.
3. If you are either one of the above, then you have to refuel at a pump that has the higher tax sticker on it. He said it's your responsibility to ensure the sticker on the pump shows the higher tax.
4. It does not matter that you are a recreational vehicle ONLY. You must pay the higher tax.

He was very knowledgeable and apologetic but firm in his discussion about what's exempt and what's not. It doesn't appear there's any grey area. He said it best, fill up outside Arizona or use the truck pumps....looks like another tax grab sticking it to the RVing community....Dennis

I would like to get the info from the horse's mouth, so I just sent an email off to the AZ DOT asking if their intent is to fine privately owned RV's who come to visit their state. I guess I'll see if they respond. Typically, RV's are exempt, but often zealous employees don't use common sense and target people who are not the intended violators.

I also noted that many of us are capable of traversing their entire state without fueling up, is this their goal.

Lastly, if this turns out to be something Az is now doing, it would be an issue for FMCA to look into.

If your vehicle GVWR is 26,000# (or more) or you have more than 2 axles, you can be fined if you fuel up with diesel at a 'regular service station' pump where tax rate is only $.018/gallon.

BUT if your GVWR is under 26,000# and you fuel up with diesel at a truckers station pump that has the higher rate applied at $0.26/gallon you can get a refund of $.08 X gallons purchased.
Will need to fill out form with stations cashier for the refund.