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Old_Vet's avatar
Old_Vet
Explorer
Jan 25, 2014

Fuel stops

Every winter we head for El Centro, California from our home in Northern California. The shortest route in down I-5 to the 210 which skirts the east side of L.A. I was wondering if any one knows of a good fuel stop on the 210. I'm pulling a 35 ft 5th wheel with a Ford Diesel. Scares me to just pull of when I see the gas station signs. I'm afraid I wont be able to turn around.

20 Replies

  • I agree with those who use truck stops as you are sure to have plenty of room.
    Good Sam Club Members have a discount at Flying J's which I believe have about 25 locations in California.
    Not sure if any on your route.
    Good luck!
    GPG
  • Why even go over the grapevine? It is a rate race.

    At Lost Hills on I-5 head east on 46 to 99. On the East side of Bakersfield on 58 is the Orange Grove RV Resort. There is a Shell at the exit before that(Weedpatch hwy) with diesel at the Truck Stop behind it. Easy in and easy out.

    Then you have a nice scenic pull over the Tehachapi! Turn South at 14 and head to Palmdale. Do not take Palmdale Dr, continue South for two miles and exit on Avenue E and head East to 138. You will have a nice rolling drive to I-15 on 138. Head down the hill to I-215 and at University head East on 210, then onto I-10 like normal.

    From the Shell in Bakerfield it is 206 miles to the Pilot at the West end of Palm Springs.

    As a side note I-5 is getting bumpy again North of Lost Hills. 99 might be better from Stockton down. I cross over on 120.

    Chris
  • I am ordering an ATI auxiliary fuel tank. There are many to choose from. I'm getting the 42 gallon size that fits under a tonneau cover. There is one with a tool box top but it will have to be modified to fit in the bed of my truck. The last one mentioned would be around 50 gallons.
    Price is about $700 and $1100 delivered to my door.
  • We swapped out the factory 26 gallon fuel tank on our Dmax for a Titan 52 gallon fuel tank. One of the best mods I've made to our rig.

    We've also stopped on the north end of the Grapevine for fuel, it's easy on and easy off.
  • overthehillbill wrote:
    I usually stop for fuel at the foot of the Grapevine. Two truck stops there. You are good to at least Indio.


    This is the best advice given to the question. I stay with truck stops exclusively even when it means paying a bit more for fuel.
  • luvglass wrote:
    Big tanker trucks pull in every gas station - that's how they get their fuel. If they can do it, you can do it..


    Yes big tanker trucks do pull into the stations, but they don't pull up to the pumps. The tank fills are usually out in the open. JMO
  • I usually stop for fuel at the foot of the Grapevine. Two truck stops there. You are good to at least Indio.
  • Big tanker trucks pull in every gas station - that's how they get their fuel. If they can do it, you can do it..
  • You just have to look the stations over carefully before you pull in. Make sure there is a way to pull out after you pull in. Two exits from the station help a lot. Or use truck stops they are always safe.

    BK