Forum Discussion

Jerry_B's avatar
Jerry_B
Explorer
May 14, 2013

5er Newbie

We just upgraded from a motorhome to a 37' Mobile Suites. I have only pulled this RV several miles. I'm looking for the gotchas associated with 5th wheel traveling. In particular, any suggestions for getting in and out of gas stations? Refueling was always a hassle with the motorhome and towed car. Thanks
  • You don't say if Gas or Diesel, hopefully Diesel with a heavy rig like that. Low price for fuel is nice, but not at the expense of getting stuck, so we generally fuel up at the major truck stops and use the truck lanes. The RV lanes at Flying J's are a joke if you have a big rig, not to mention those that sit there and have lunch. We use the GoodSam Pilot/Flying J card and get the cash price plus an additional 8 cent/gal off on Diesel. Pull up to the pump, swipe my card, enter my PIN, pump my fuel then leave, don't have to go inside unless I want a hard copy receipt. Works for us with a 40' plus 5er.
  • Height is my concern also. If you have a diesel, refueling can be a little easier because along most interstates there will be truck plazas that have pumps with high overheads to accommodate big rigs. If like me you have a Gasser you may have to use the normal pumps that could present a problem with height and ease of in and out. All of the above advise are very good advise. Take notes.

    -BC-
  • We carry ten extra gallons of fuel just in case.
    Sometimes I'll just unhitch and drop in a safe location when fueling looks to be a nightmare.
    We're in no hurry so at times it makes a nice break.

    I'll agree with Renee about height also.

    Enjoy that 5ver!
    Regards,
    jim
  • May also want to consider taking extra fuel.

    We have a 65 gal. aux tank tn our TV bed which gives us over 100 gallons on board when full.

    Can go a long way...with options for where to refuel.
  • Watch your mirrors on tight turns, the fiver will track inside the truck. Watch trees at campgrounds. As Renee said, get in the habit of scoping out an exit plan before you pull into a service area or any parking lot.

    Most important - enjoy yourself!
  • My awareness level definitely goes up a few notches when it's time for fuel. Besides checking the prices, and checking circulation and obstacles, the process is normally in more conjested areas with cars and stop lights. Since my truck is diesel, I'm also looking for the green nozzle that may not be along every island. My advice would be to not worry about traffic around you too much. At least you will be large enough so you won't surprise anyone. Take your time.
  • If you are traveling and need to stop for fuel the experience will be similar.

    If you have arrived at your overnight or extended stay you can easily disconnect from the 5ver and take just your TV to refuel.

    Also you will not need to drag a toad around...it's on the front of the 5ver. :B


    Hope this helps.
  • Be aware of your height - for not only gas stations but low overpasses. Check ahead as you are pulling around or driving up to (as is possible on some interstates) of the room in and out of the gas station. Parallel to the building is best. I've hopped out many times spotting for DH for the overhead and while he's fueling, I've run around to check for an easy out. There have been times that we've had no choice and have had to back up to get out. If you travel the same areas, you'll get to know the easy in and easy out gas stations. Also, you can buy a trucker's atlas with route clearance information. There's a book on interstate stops and gas stations for RV'ers too. What we've done to ease in's and out's is to fill up whenever possible at the roomiest gas stations, even when we don't need gas, so that we are not forced to stop where we don't want to. Just a thought.