(Stupid) Diesel Questions

BEisler wrote:
First, forgive me if this information has been posted in the past - my search came up empty.

So . . . I am a new diesel owner and am getting ready for some trips in the next few weeks - once this friggin winter weather decides to go away. Anyway, I think I have just about everything figured out on the new DP but it occurred to me that I now need to make sure I have diesel fuel available on my routes. Flying J, Pilot, Love's - tons of them out there. My first question is, in my 37 foot RV am I expected to go through the truck pumps? Next question, (and this is probably really stupid) are those pumps basically the same as the others? Can you pay at these pumps? Any special "etiquette" required at the truck pumps? I assume all of the big name stations have the extra low sulfur diesel?

I apologize for all of these really silly questions, but I am one of those who likes (needs) to know what to expect in advance.

Looking forward to the usual great input.

BEisler,
First off, congrats on the new coach. Hope your experience to come is as nice as it can be. As for where to purchase diesel while out and about, we get it anywhere we choose. We don't aim for Pilots or, Flying Js or anything big name. If we happen upon them and, they're not crowded, and we need fuel, we jump in there.

Because we tow our '11 GMC, our total length hovers right at 60'. So, accessibility is a top priority and, of course, price too. So, knowing your remaining range is important. That is, if you have say, 1/4 tank left and, it's a 100 gallon tank, then you have somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 gallons left.

And, if your mileage is say, around 7 mpg, and you're pretty sure it's flat ground in the next section of the trip, they you'd be pretty good for upwards of another 100 miles and still have a tad bit of reserve for looking around for fuel.

But, each person has their own parameters when it comes time for fueling. Some, don't let it get below 1/2 a tank. I try not to go too much below 1/4 tank. That gives me plenty of fuel for scoping out areas to purchase some and, also check things out for access. I have pulled off the freeway with intent to use Pilot and or Flying J and, when I got close to the station, many times it's jammed. Well, it's not my goal in life to sit and wait for an opening to occur for 1/2 hour or more, just to save a few cents on fuel.

So, we just look for what's available, cost and access. We've used truck fueling pumps only about 3-4 times in the life of owning this rig and, it was a pain in the a$$. Those pumps, many times, are setup for the payment systems the truckers use which, is not the same as normal credit cards. That means I have to inside the store and, stand in line behind people getting a ton of junk, just to pre-pay for my fuel. Then, I have to come back in, when I'm done, only to stand in line again, to finish the transaction. So, we just find normal pumps that accept credit cards. We pull in, shut down the rig, swipe the card, fill up, leave, DONE!

So, everyone has to do what's good for them. Convenience, access and cost are what we use for parameters. Good luck.
Scott

DutchmenSport wrote:
If you have an I-phone, get the app, "Gas Buddy". It lets you select different grades of gas or diesel. It also has a map feature that gives you the locations in your immediate area where fuel stations are and the current price at each station.

You will find out there are many more options "out there" other than truck stops. By zooming in on the map, (like Google Maps), you can get a good feel how to navigate the fuel station is.

Everyone has their own preference where they like to get fuel, but I have come to dislike Flying J's big time. I find them confusion, dirty, not friendly, crowded, and people are very rude, both truckers and auto drivers. Not to mention the derelicts that come up to you when you're pumping fuel and hit you up for a hand out. I almost went postal the last time that happened (which was just about 2 weeks ago. That guy RAN away from me I go so crazy!).

A lot of people use Flying J.But for me they simply don't appeal and don't work for me. I have filled up at Flying J, but not at the truck pumps, I fill up at the car pumps for diesel. I keep saying I'll never go back to another one, but sometimes, they really are the only one around with diesel.

Use Gas Buddy. It will help you a lot.

I just got the Gas Buddy App. Looks very helpful! Thanks for the good advice!

TucsonJim wrote:
The Truck pumps usually have a much higher volume that they dispense. So if you're refueling, it's very easy to cause a major spill if you don't monitor the pump and shut it off when it's getting close to full. I can hear the change in tone when mine is getting full, and shut it off accordingly.

I let the nozzle shut off for me, but I don't click it to the maximum position.

Most semi fuel desks require cash or cc before pumping. So someone has to run in.
Our drill is for DW to go in as we usually pay cash and she waits to see the total.

As stated, pull in, fill up and pull forward if someone is behind you.

The area around the pumps are often nasty and covered in spilled fuel.
We put out a towel by the door to wipe shoes with.

If you have an I-phone, get the app, "Gas Buddy". It lets you select different grades of gas or diesel. It also has a map feature that gives you the locations in your immediate area where fuel stations are and the current price at each station.

You will find out there are many more options "out there" other than truck stops. By zooming in on the map, (like Google Maps), you can get a good feel how to navigate the fuel station is.

Everyone has their own preference where they like to get fuel, but I have come to dislike Flying J's big time. I find them confusion, dirty, not friendly, crowded, and people are very rude, both truckers and auto drivers. Not to mention the derelicts that come up to you when you're pumping fuel and hit you up for a hand out. I almost went postal the last time that happened (which was just about 2 weeks ago. That guy RAN away from me I go so crazy!).

A lot of people use Flying J.But for me they simply don't appeal and don't work for me. I have filled up at Flying J, but not at the truck pumps, I fill up at the car pumps for diesel. I keep saying I'll never go back to another one, but sometimes, they really are the only one around with diesel.

Use Gas Buddy. It will help you a lot.

You can go through the truck pumps, but several of the Flying J's, Pilots and others have lanes specifically dedicated to RVs.

The Truck pumps usually have a much higher volume that they dispense. So if you're refueling, it's very easy to cause a major spill if you don't monitor the pump and shut it off when it's getting close to full. I can hear the change in tone when mine is getting full, and shut it off accordingly.

As far as etiquette, wait your turn in line at any of the pumps. Fill up promptly and exit the lane as soon as you're full. If you need to go in to pay, you can pull forward far enough for the truck behind you to get to the pump so they can start their fill up. Do not block the lanes needlessly.

As far as paying at the pump, each station has different requirements. I signed up for the Flying J/Pilot credit card, and I can pay at the pump at any of their locations. In addition, you get $.08 off of the CASH price at the pump when you use their card. Generally, their limit is $1000/month if you pay the bill via normal methods, or $2000/month if you sign up for their automatic debit.

Jim

We use the truck lanes when pulling our fiver, easy in, easy out. We have the Pilot Fuel Card. We save 6¢ per gallon and they debit my checking account. Once you fueled pull forward so others behind you can fuel up while you go inside.

The truck lane diesel pumps pump really fast so be careful not to overfill and make a mess. I have see many smaller gas stations with diesel pumps out back for trucks to use, if not pull up and fill up as long as you fit under the canopy.

Good luck with your new DP and have fun.