5th Wheels and Gas Stations???

Pulled a 37 ft 5th wheel 2500 miles to and from glacier national park this summer with a gasser. We never had trouble finding a station to get in and out of for fuel. I did pass up one and look for a different, but that only happened one time. The pilot truck stops I stopped at had straight drive through lanes for gas and diesel so it was really nice. I had the same concerns as you when planning the trip. But it wasn't an issue.

I did trade my gasser after the trip for a diesel though. I loved my gas truck, still miss it. Id much rather have a gasser. But Wind, Long Hills, and 12,500+ lb 5th wheel doesn't make for a comfortable tow. The hills i was find, wind I was ok. But the 2 combined, It was very hard on the truck, and me. To much shifting. The truck had the power to do it. But I was manually shifting it too often and playing the coast up and accelerate down game the whole time on narrow roads that I didn't want to have to do that again. Coming from a gas guy, if you can afford the Diesel buy it. It wasn't a mistake me buying the gas truck, because I didn't want a diesel at the time and still don't. But I had to find out for myself. If I were just staying in Minnesota the gas truck is all I need. But for traveling long distances like we plan to do now. The diesel was necessary.

We tow the 2005, 5er with a 99 ford F250 HD, diesel. I always fill up local the day before a trip. Then hook up, if more fuel is required There are lots of flying J If I need to fill up on the road, and there discount With good sam helps take the sting out of there prices. Having to weight is even 15 min going to make that big a difference ? I'm on vacation, no stress allowed.

We have 2015 Chevrolet Diesel Truck, a 39' Fifth Wheel and we can drive 300 miles on a full tank which is as long as we wish to drive in a day. Hubby fuels up without the Fifth Wheel attached after we have stopped for the night.

If we have to fuel up with the RV attached we do it at a Flying J that has a lane just for RV's. Get the Gas Buddy app and it will help you find the fuel station you need.

I have a gas tow vehicle, and even at car gas stations (not truck stops) there is often a diesel pump set off to the side with much better approach and departure setups, than for the gas pumps.

My wife and I are pretty sure that our next combo will be a diesel and 5th wheel. While fueling isn't our main factor in this decision, I still think it is easier to fill a diesel at most places compared to a gas truck.

RAS43 wrote:

Lantley wrote:

Yes there was a time when going inside was required however times have changed and going inside is no longer necessary in most cases.

That may be true where you travel but in most places here in the west where I have been the truck stops still make you go in twice and I avoid them. I have found smaller fuel stops close by to the truck stops that I can get in and out easily and use my credit card at the pump. I and don't have to have a special customer card either.

I have a RV PLUS CHARGE CARD with Pilot Travel Centers/ Flying J and am able to fuel up without having to go inside the truck center and leave my card while I fuel up. I got the card through the Good Sam Club.

Guess I'm the odd man out. I check the Gas Buddy app, look for the lowest price close to me and off I go. Truck stops will charge premium prices for diesel. Just checked the app diesels 2.29 - 2.59 and the two are with in a 2.5 mile radius. So an average fill of 25 gallons I save 7.50 each stop. The only thing that should stop you is not enough height. One time in years I had to back out of a pump. You should know the capability of your unit & your driving capability, plan your exit as you pull in.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
7 yrs FT traveling USA using secondary.back roads 90% plus (Hate Interstates)

Towing a 13'4" 14k 34' 5th wheel with a quad cab long bed truck (diesel)

Used Mom/Pop stations, Brand stations, Off Brand stations......

No different then having to maneuver in/thru some CGs we encountered.

IF you are towing you should be able to maneuver it in/out. Otherwise go to large empty parking lot and practice: backing, tail swing, jackknifing (tight spaces), 'U' turns etc.

I hae the mind set.......IF I can get in then I WILL get out :B

I hear you Biscuit. I think the fact that you are on secondary roads makes a big difference. The stations and places are just not as busy. There are less cars to deal with. Clogging up the entire station with a 60"combo is less of an issue vs. being in a busier more populated location.

Lantley wrote:

Yes there was a time when going inside was required however times have changed and going inside is no longer necessary in most cases.

That may be true where you travel but in most places here in the west where I have been the truck stops still make you go in twice and I avoid them. I have found smaller fuel stops close by to the truck stops that I can get in and out easily and use my credit card at the pump. I and don't have to have a special customer card either.

If the pumps are parallel to the road it makes it much easier. I find at a lot of gas stations they put the diesel pump between two gas pumps and they are usually blocked by a car and the owner is inside the store.

7 yrs FT traveling USA using secondary.back roads 90% plus (Hate Interstates)

Towing a 13'4" 14k 34' 5th wheel with a quad cab long bed truck (diesel)

Used Mom/Pop stations, Brand stations, Off Brand stations......

No different then having to maneuver in/thru some CGs we encountered.

IF you are towing you should be able to maneuver it in/out. Otherwise go to large empty parking lot and practice: backing, tail swing, jackknifing (tight spaces), 'U' turns etc.

I hae the mind set.......IF I can get in then I WILL get out :B