Filling Up at Gas Station--Class A Gasser

I often end up at those newer convenience store/gas stations. The deciding factor is how close the pumps are to the line of cars parked at the store. I don't mind using the inner lanes, but I basically block both of the pumps on whichever side is to my left, and fill from the back one.

Use the backup camera (set it to view on while you're going forward) and stop just when your bumper is at the back pump. If you get that about right, you can afford to park 2 feet out from the pumps' island, which will cover the tail swing problem if you have to turn to the right as you leave. The camera is a luxury, since you can go forward, slowly back up a little and correct, if your tailswing is uncomfortable.

Pulling our 24' trailer, I thought it was going to be hard to find stations, but it's exactly the same as above, just have to make sure there's enough room behind the trailer for traffic to get past while I'm pumping. I always get moving ASAP, since I'm blocking an extra pump, and make any inspections that don't get done during the fillup at a pullover location elsewhere.

Outside pumps are great if you can get them. Sometimes a run of the mill Circle K with nothing special fuel price can be easiest, since there's often no line, and I will pull in if the shape of the lot looks decent.

The newest thing we've done is pull a car with a dolly, and that does mean that I can't back up if there's any turn at all in the rig already. Those Flying J's do have those greasy gas/diesel RV lanes, which are always pretty easy with any rig.

Use the outside pump island. It's that simple.

As you become familiar and more comfortable with your coach, you'll find that evaluating possible fuel stops becomes somewhat automatic. You may even find situations where the tail swing can work to your advantage. A couple of days ago, I pulled into a large BP station on Route 17 in South Carolina to gas up. The pump islands with three pumps each were aligned towards the store, but I could see that the right end island would give me an easy exit out past the side of the building to a rear exit. There was already a car at pump 1 though, and as I pulled in, a pickup pulled up to pump 2, leaving only pump 3 available, but without enough room to pull up. The fuel filler is at the left rear corner of our coach, so I was preparing to wait my turn when the pickup driver started unload 5 gallon gas cans to be refilled. The bed of the truck was filled with at least a dozen of them. Now not willing to wait him out, I pulled up a bit out from the 3rd pump, and then swung out past the pickup, letting the tail swing bring the filler port within reach of the pump. About $150 dollars later we were on our way, and the pickup driver was still filling cans.

What is so hard? You find a station with pumps parallel to the road with enough clearance height and fill up. Never had a problem yet even with our toad.

When in metro areas, I like to hit Costco. I find the fuel prices to be about as good as it gets, and I get a 5% rebate. They always have wide lanes. When on the road, I use the gas buddy application. It allows you to plan your trip with gas prices in mind. Then I use google map to zoom in on the station. Since we are out west, I also use Pacific Pride, which is a card lock service station that also always has nice wide lanes and offers both gas and diesel. Since the price is not posted, you need to be a bit careful with them as their prices sometimes are not the best.

I do use Walmart whenever possible, and usually have no problem getting in or out, BUT do scope your options first. And, I get .05 discount when I use my Walmart card. It adds up when filling the 75 gallon tank.

We are 31' with a toad. I always use convenience stores with no problems. Just scope it closely, and check you exit route. I will NOT use Flying Js or Pilot unless there is nowhere else. Gas is OK, price is usually OK, but if most of them will not allow a fill-up over $75 or so without reswiping card, or overcharging your care in advance. Its pretty obvious that we probably are not going to drive-off with a Class A and toad. I don't like being treated like I might be a petty thief for a 75 gallon tank of gas. Some folks don't mind, and if the company can stay in business with those customers, That is fine. I will just take my business where it is appreciated.

JCGibson wrote:
During our travels, we are able to go to Pilot/Flying J, Loves, etc. diesel truck lanes to fill up our truck. My main worry about filling up a Gas Class A is having to use the regular pumps as cars do. Tail swing appears troublesome. Does anyone have problems filling up with their Gas Class A?

Thanks in advance.

John

not normally. we're close to 55' between the MH and toad. we use the J RV lanes but in most "normal" gas stations we usually shoot for the outside lanes.

When I find a gas station that is easy in and out, I put it in my favorites in my GPS. I almost always seem to travel that way again and know where to stop for gas.

I too look for the end pumps at gas stations where it appears to be easy in and out, especially when towing. We keep track of the good ones so we can return to them in our travels and know that we are "safe" in terms of access and convenience.