Forum Discussion

windofthesouth's avatar
Dec 02, 2013

Lookin for an easy pump

Just got back from what I would consider a successful trip, meaning the beast didn't break down and I didn't bleed. However I have a question. We are good sam members and would like to take advantage of the fuel discounts, but I usually can't get my 35 foot beetle puller in to the station, because of size issues. I've walked around to the back side where the big rig diesels are in hopes of seeing a regular gas pump and so far have not seen one. So am I just blind or is the back side only for diesels. Any info would be nice, thanks.

10 Replies

  • All fueling stations are different! The Pilot here off I-40 on the way to Lake Havasu City, AZ. has gas up front, diesel in back, and the front side has 3 Islands for Rv's both gas and diesel! FYI, in case you ever head out this way!
  • Yup, truck lanes have been all diesel only everywhere I have been.

    I fill in the rear as well and it can be a pain at times, especially when the pump hose attachment at the top doesn't extend out on that retractable cord like most do. I to either have to block the entire lane or sometimes I can get away with hitting the battery disconnect so the steps don't extend and I can get out of the door when I am parked close enough for the hose to reach.
  • We always look for stations with pumps that are PARALLEL to the station building/road, as opposed to PERPENDICULAR to the station building/road.
    We fill from the rear, and usually have our toad behind us. About 50% of the stations we use are Cumberland Farms, 7 Eleven, etc., along with regular gas stations.
    With pumps that run parallel to the road, it's usually pretty easy to pull into the island...just have to decide whether to use the forward pump or the rear pump depending on parking lot layout, etc. Either way, I block the whole island while fueling up, but never had a problem with that.

    And I agree with not worrying about a discount. The $3-$4 I might save just isn't worth the hassle.

    Jim
  • You can download the PFJ RV Travel Guide that will show you which PFJ locations have RV pumps, where both gas and diesel are available.

    You can also sign up for their My Rewards card which will give you discounts on your fuel purchases.
  • My Rv is a little over 36 with a Jeep in tow and even worse because I fill from the rear but I've not had any problems but then I don't target Flying J stations, At .03 per gallon savings, I spend the extra 2.50 and avoid the hassles.
  • I've been caught going in and then finding the only way out was by letting someone else move first. This taught me a lesson, never pull in unless you have an exit strategy.
  • We have a gas rig about the same size as yours. You can fit in more places than you think. Just make sure to think things out before you pull into the pumps. In some cases I block the pumps on both sides and make it work. Yes places like Flying J have special pump islands but they're not always available...
  • Yes, the areas designated as truck pumps will not have gas, only diesel.
    You can find RV friendly gas pumps at Flying J but not Loves or Pilot. You can find gas stations where the very outside pumps will allow you access in and out but they are by no means the majority.