Forum Discussion

roscott's avatar
roscott
Explorer
Dec 10, 2013

Update - Diesel lane tips/advice

Picked up the rig and have had an issue free trip so far. I used the advice provided during my truck stop fueling...thank you all, it made everything a bit less intimidating. Just dropped off my copilot in Austin (My Brother came along to help drive) and will finish my journey to Houston in the morning.

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OK, flying out on Thursday to pick up my 1st Diesel Pusher. I will be driving from Phoenix back to the Houston area. I've read the comments from other posts regarding truck stop/diesel lane etiquette, as well as downloaded some material from other sites. Just thought I'd come on here one more time and see if anyone in the community has any additional advice that might help mitigate the 'rookie factor' when I have to stop. The last thing I want to do is tick someone off...especially a trucker. I've heard a lot about Flying J and thought I'd try them for my stops, if possible. I've owned a class C and have rented a couple of 35' + Class A's in the past, so not too worried about driving and maneuvering...until I get to the diesel lanes anyway.

Thanks in advance!
Class A
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Dec 10, 2013
    Get yourself the RV Swipe and Save card from Good Sam. If you already have the RV rewards card, use that until you can get the new card(s).

    1. Pick a truck lane and pull up to the pump. Note the pump number.
    2. Swipe your RV card. Pick tractor fuel. You won't need DEF or reefer fuel.
    3. Pump will authorize. Pump fuel. Remember these are 40 Gal/min pumps.
    4. When finished fueling, return hose to pump and pull your coach forward to the yellow line.
    5. Go inside and pay.

    What we do, is after pump authorize, I pump the fuel while my wife goes inside to stand in line. I finish pumping and text her the amount. I pull forward while she pays, then comes outside and we leave. Quick and easy...

    Now if you don't have the RV rewards card;

    1. Pull up to any vacant pump.
    2. Go inside to authorize your purchase.
    3. Return and pump.
    4. Pull your coach forward to the yellow line.
    5. Go back inside an pay.

    Enjoy the trip....congrats on the new (to you) coach....Dennis
  • roscott's avatar
    roscott
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    Thanks Dennis! I'm still waiting to receive my cards and don't think I'll get them before I leave...so it looks like I'll have to apply your second method.
  • fcooper's avatar
    fcooper
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    Dennis has given good advice. Don't worry about the truckers as they are just out there doing a job. The only conversations I've had with them have all been pleasant.

    On this last trip, I began to look for the next refueling stop during down time the night before, and google maps will let you see an aerial view of the selected truck stop so that you can see how to enter to get to the fuel pumps and then how to exit.

    Enjoy your new DP. Pictures?

    Fred
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    get in, get it, and get out.

    Careful... watch your step...Diesel is very slippery. And I do use disposable gloves.

    Any hassles with truckers...Tell him your enroute to pick up on of your trucks that a driver walked away from and it's been years since you've had to fuel up. :B
  • roscott's avatar
    roscott
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    Great advice with regard to Google Maps, Fred! I will definitely employ that technique.
    Pics in signature and profile. As soon as I figure out how to include in a post, I'll add some.
  • Canadian_Rainbi's avatar
    Canadian_Rainbi
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    Flying J/Pilot usually (always?) have RV lanes. diesel/gas both available,sometimes dump station.
  • Dennis_M_M's avatar
    Dennis_M_M
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    Agree with all the above.

    I keep an old pair of leather gloves beside my seat that I use when fueling.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Dec 10, 2013
    We'd much prefer to used the truck lanes with our 40' rather than the RV lanes which seem to be too congested and the pumping is slower.

    Dennis gave the proper procedure and you should have no problems. We've never had an 'incident' with a trucker. Some even come over to chat about our MH or RVing as we pumped.

    The big thing is to do your pumping and move up to the line before going in to pay. Also, don't think Flying J's are the only ones for you. Any truck stop works the same way.

    Also be aware of the signage and where truckers (including you) are directed to enter and leave. Have someone with you do the spotting as you're driving. It's usually a different entrance than the 'little folks'! Wearing plastic disposable gloves and watching where you walk will keep you clean. Diesel is messy. Have a good trip...you'll do just fine.
  • Dutchstar02's avatar
    Dutchstar02
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    When using the high speed pumps listen for the gurgling sound in the tank - when it stops immediately release the trigger. This will prevent spilling the fuel out of the tank spout. Otherwise figure out how much fuel you'll need by the fuel gauge and stop before it gets to that amount, its very easy to overfill the tank and spill a bunch of fuel.
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    All good advice above. Don't use the 'RV' pumps in the regular section... WAY TOO SLOW! Made that mistake once. Go to the truck pumps. I've never been bothered by a trucker but do try to get in and out as quick as possible.

    I have never really spilled fuel. Our tank will allow the receiver to turn off just as it gets to the top. Actually, I tilt the coach to the passenger side on the air bags so that I can get an additional 15-20 gallons. I can drive just over 100 miles before the needle begins too move.

    Fill up, pull forward, go pay and then leave. Easy peasy.

    MM.

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