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jimmac28's avatar
jimmac28
Explorer
Aug 06, 2014

Fueling up at a truck stop

I need some help on fueling up my new to me diesel at a truck stop. I’m taking a trip from Chicago to Nashville, so this will be the first time I’ll have to stop on the road with the trailer.

I know with the fifth wheel its better just to go through the truck fuel racks, but how does the pay part work and is there anything that I have to be aware of?

57 Replies

  • Road Runners wrote:


    These past few years tho, I have been finding some truck stops have upgraded their pumps so that you can use your credit card just as you do at the car pumps.



    I have found this to be true at many truck stops. I pay at the pump but need to go inside to get the receipt.

    I use the truck fuel lanes exclusively.
  • In general, when you get fuel at the truck islands you do have to go inside and talk to the teller. You may have to leave a credit card or pre pay to get fuel. Oh yes, it is a good idea to get the pump number you are at as they usually want to know that. Some stops have a telephone near the pump and you can use ir to find out the procedure for getting fuel.

    These past few years tho, I have been finding some truck stops have upgraded their pumps so that you can use your credit card just as you do at the car pumps.

    It is also very imperative that after you fill up you move your rig forward out of the pump area to let a truck behind you get in to refuel. It is not like at the car pumps where some park their car at the pump after fueling while they go do your errands inside the store.

    Lots of stations have car diesel pumps in the car islands. These are usually the pumps on the end. I use them a lot. You can tell which are the diesel pumps as they usually have two hoses attacked to the pump. You usually find that the diesel hoses have a green handle. However, I have found some to be colored yellow.

    Practically all the gas stations that have diesel fuel advertise their price in a green color.

    Just use your head and be polite and you will get along just fine.
  • Have noticed that some of the Pilot/Flying J have pay at the pump with Master Card only or get the Pilot/Flying J RV card and you can start the pump then go in and pay. Otherwise it's go in prepay, pump, go back in and pay. That is a PITA Some of the other truck stops have a small truck/RV island closest to the building and some of those have card readers.
  • Ranger Smith is correct. It's very easy. I use mostly truck stops when we travel. Very convenient. Only thing I would add is to just pull ahead when you go in to finalize your transaction.
  • Ranger Smith wrote:
    You go inside and prepay then go outside and pump


    Exactly. Most of the truck stops I have fueled up at are very busy inside at the register.
  • Another option is to use FlyingJ truck stops(not Pilot).
    They normally have 1-2 RV Only islands which have gas/diesel, and are separate from the Car Islands.
    Easier entry and exit to the pumps,and most also have areas to park your RV if you want to go inside for food/drink/bathroom.
    Pumps are set up for normal Visa/MC?Disc credit cards
    JMHO