RV Folks,I've recently switched from a DP to a Gas RV. Lots of pros/cons etc, however there is one thing that is rapidly landing in the cons column that I would love some advice on. Where do you all fill up with gas? How are you fining gas stations with gasoline in the truck lanes?This is why I'm asking. When we had our DP, it was a little frustrating having to fine gas stations with diesel, but I could always swing through the truck lanes when they were available. I had a gas RV now, and I'm finding it VERY difficult to fill up, especially when I'm towing. Very few, if any, truck stop stations have gasoline at the truck pumps. So I end up having to fight for an end spot in the normal car area, and block traffic and multiple pumps and whatnot. I REALLY don't like doing that. AND those rotten car gas pumps are slow, and shut off at $50-$100. By the 3rd run of the credit card, my card is being flagged by fraud protection. Anyway, are you all using mobile apps or websites to locate stations that might be RV friendly and have gas in the truck lanes?Thanks,Brian

Even though we have a 40' DP, I may use a truck stop for fuel only once a year, they charge too much.I much prefer Sam's Club or Fred Meyers for their grocery/fuel discounts. Other then that, use Gas Buddy and the aerial view before you get to a gas station.Bill

Trackrig wrote:Even though we have a 40' DP, I may use a truck stop for fuel only once a year, they charge too much.I much prefer Sam's Club or Fred Meyers for their grocery/fuel discounts. Other then that, use Gas Buddy and the aerial view before you get to a gas station.BillThanks, yeah, we're Costco people, but those pumps are always jam packed. Much better prices for sure. I don't think we have Meyer's on the west coast, but I think some of the grocery stores have the discounts as well.It's less about the cost (although I'd love cheaper gas too!) is about getting maneuvering around the car area. We have a 40 foot RV with a car on the back and dealing with all the cars and the c-store is really a pain. Looking at the aerial view is a good idea also.Thanks,

We use Loves car islands and other standard gas stations. We prefer islands that are not perpendicular to the building as they are more like pull throughs. We use Costco early in mornings before store opens and have not encountered any back ups.

We have used Flying J who have RV islands for the last 20 years. Use the Pilot/Flying J app for locations.

we're 56-57' overall length (Class A gasser + Jeep SUV). our first option for fuel is Flying J as virtually all of them (other than franchise stations) have two RV lanes with gas and diesel. every now and then we encounter a car or pickup blocking the lanes but usually tbe wait is short. if the lanes are tied up and the station is not busy we'll use one the 'car' lanes preferably one of the end pumps. option 2 is another truck stop...Pilot, Loves, Travel Centers,etc. option 3 is a "regular" gas station preferably with pump lanes parallel to the street or with a set of pumps adjacent to a side entrance. it's usually not a major issue to find gas.

Gas RV Fill up tips | Good Sam Community

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Dec 29, 2018
The National Truck Stop Directory lists stations with RV gas and that might help.

Regardless it's an excellent reference.
tropical36
Explorer
Dec 29, 2018
prepilot_3ck wrote:
RV Folks,

I've recently switched from a DP to a Gas RV. Lots of pros/cons etc, however there is one thing that is rapidly landing in the cons column that I would love some advice on.

Where do you all fill up with gas? How are you fining gas stations with gasoline in the truck lanes?

This is why I'm asking. When we had our DP, it was a little frustrating having to fine gas stations with diesel, but I could always swing through the truck lanes when they were available. I had a gas RV now, and I'm finding it VERY difficult to fill up, especially when I'm towing. Very few, if any, truck stop stations have gasoline at the truck pumps. So I end up having to fight for an end spot in the normal car area, and block traffic and multiple pumps and whatnot. I REALLY don't like doing that. AND those rotten car gas pumps are slow, and shut off at $50-$100. By the 3rd run of the credit card, my card is being flagged by fraud protection.

Anyway, are you all using mobile apps or websites to locate stations that might be RV friendly and have gas in the truck lanes?

Thanks,
Brian

I used to maneuver into some pretty tight stations with our gasser, especially the Walmart's and even with our toad connected.
However if you're not comfortable with doing so, there's truck stops that have gas lanes, as well and have used them, also.
Either a Pilot or Flying J comes to mind in Seffner, FL and just for an example.
Expyinflight
Explorer
Dec 29, 2018
We are early risers, and like to hit the road early when we travel. Less hassle at the pumps in the early morning.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Dec 28, 2018
It was mentioned but timing is a big hint. Many newer convenience gas stations also have popular food and beer spots so avoid lunchtime and especially Friday, payday and Saturdays.

And start looking around half a tank before things get desperate.

Google Earth is helpful.
prepilot_3ck
Explorer
Dec 28, 2018
FloridaRosebud wrote:
IB853347201 wrote:
We have used Flying J who have RV islands for the last 20 years. Use the Pilot/Flying J app for locations.

^^^. This

Al

Thanks man! Yeah, I'm a Costco member already. We live in Vegas, and 2 of the 4 Costco's here are completely out of the question in terms of getting in and out. Lines are forever long, pushing cars out into the general population and the turns are just too tight. However, the other 2 in town I've used, still quite the spectacle, but it was doable. LOVED your post. Some day we'll be full time, for now...weekend warriors.
old_guy
Explorer
Dec 28, 2018
if you card is not letting you gas up because of the fraud situation, you NEED TO TALK TO YOUR BANK. when we left for Yuma the first time I was in getting cash at our bank and the teller fixed us up right away on the use of our card. she said to just call and let them know when we get home and she would put the card back to the normal purchase mode
Johno02
Explorer
Dec 28, 2018
30' class A with toad. We just look carefully and have had veryfew problems at conveniance stores, and we avoid FJ and Pilot as the ones around our area and always a pain to fool with. We prefer stations that appreciate our 75 gallon fillups. Mostly though we use Walmart and Sams locations. Some of the Walmarts are pretty tight, but our rig has a very tight turning radius, just have to watch tail swing with the toad. Locally, we wait to attach the toad after the fillup at Walmart, but have no trouble with it attached. Just watch for cars parked in such a way to block your exit. Like others have said, I really hate to have to swipe twice, so usually just take card in and have them start pump for fillup. If they can't, or won't (pilot and FJ), I have been known to drive off to somewhere else.
zigzagrv
Explorer
Dec 28, 2018
FloridaRosebud wrote:
IB853347201 wrote:
We have used Flying J who have RV islands for the last 20 years. Use the Pilot/Flying J app for locations.

^^^. This

Al

^^^. This X2
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Dec 28, 2018
Because most gas coaches have their fuel pump in the tank, it is not advisable to let the tank run close to empty. That said I have never had any problem fueling my gas coach and I always am towing my toad. When my tank is approaching 1/4 tank I will stop at the next station that I can get in to. I have stopped at small stations that only had two pumps but it had easy access in and out. As long as you do not wait until you have no choice bu to use the stations near you, you should not have any issues. I very seldom use the large truck stops because they are usually the most expensive. I have found that the smaller stations away from the exit have lower prices and there is always one that I can fit into. If my tanks is below 1/2 full by the gauge, and I am driving past a station with easy access, I will stop.
georgelesley
Explorer
Dec 28, 2018
Corner stations with pumps parallel to the road are usually good. DW and I spot for each other depending who is driving. Stat looking at 1/2 tank any doubt, pass it up. 1/2 tank of gas means I am ful anyway, so time to stop.

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