Getting Fuel ?
Taking off on first extended trip. If we use a Pilot (or other big truck stop) gas station for diesel, is there a certain pump area we should use? Should we use the one the semi's are in? We have a...
Forum Discussion
I have used the truck lanes only a couple times in many years of diesel truck ownership. I've not had any problems finding fuel stations that sell "auto diesel" at the pumps along side the auto lanes and having difficulty navigating the trailer. My trailer is 35 1/2 feet long. With truck and trailer hitched I'm a total length of about 57 feet from bumper to bumper.
There has been several occasions I've driven right by a fuel station because I felt the manuverability would have been too tight, but about 90% of the time, I've never had problems navigating normal fuel stations.
I avoid truck stops, unless I can use the car lane pumps because of truck lanes being so oily, spilled diesel on the ground, and grease. Plus, some states have 2 different prices for diesel, those for commercial and those for non-commercial vehicles. So when filling at the truck lanes, it can be confusing and aggravating (especially in Indiana).
So, I stick with auto fuel stations.
By the way, 1/2 full becomes the new "empty!" If you ever run out of fuel in a diesel, re-priming the fuel pump and filter will be called for. You never want to run out. So if you start looking for a convenient fuel station at the 1/2 empty mark, you can comfortably pick and choose a CLEAN auto fuel station and pay AUTO diesel prices.
Most auto fuel stations with diesel pumps will have the diesel pumps on the outside lanes and access will not be too difficult. You do always have to plan how you exit. Sometimes, I do have to back up a few feet to get clearance around the pump, go around the building, or maneuver in a weird way. But I've never had to unhitch, or never gotten into a jam when filling up at normal auto fuel stations.
There has been several occasions I've driven right by a fuel station because I felt the manuverability would have been too tight, but about 90% of the time, I've never had problems navigating normal fuel stations.
I avoid truck stops, unless I can use the car lane pumps because of truck lanes being so oily, spilled diesel on the ground, and grease. Plus, some states have 2 different prices for diesel, those for commercial and those for non-commercial vehicles. So when filling at the truck lanes, it can be confusing and aggravating (especially in Indiana).
So, I stick with auto fuel stations.
By the way, 1/2 full becomes the new "empty!" If you ever run out of fuel in a diesel, re-priming the fuel pump and filter will be called for. You never want to run out. So if you start looking for a convenient fuel station at the 1/2 empty mark, you can comfortably pick and choose a CLEAN auto fuel station and pay AUTO diesel prices.
Most auto fuel stations with diesel pumps will have the diesel pumps on the outside lanes and access will not be too difficult. You do always have to plan how you exit. Sometimes, I do have to back up a few feet to get clearance around the pump, go around the building, or maneuver in a weird way. But I've never had to unhitch, or never gotten into a jam when filling up at normal auto fuel stations.
