Stopping for gas at service plazas

2gypsies wrote:
OP's statement: "In some cases, there is gas on the truck side (which is the reason for my post, I was simply wondering if there was a way to know in advance whether or not it is there). I've used them on a number of occasions".

That must be an eastern thing...we have never seen gas pumps in the trucking area. Semi trucks use diesel.

I can't remember exactly where I had the encounters, but it was somewhere between MA and MI. While all semi's use diesel, RV's and trailers are often guided in that direction upon entry, so some have a gas pump on that side. Interesting that it seems to not happen outside this region.

OP's statement: "In some cases, there is gas on the truck side (which is the reason for my post, I was simply wondering if there was a way to know in advance whether or not it is there). I've used them on a number of occasions".

That must be an eastern thing...we have never seen gas pumps in the trucking area. Semi trucks use diesel.

As I remember, on the toll roads like the NYS Thruway, the parking is before the fuel pumps. They want you to park and use the facilities first. Same on the truck side. Most of the lots are quite large and you should be in good shape. But it been a while since I've been on the Mass Pike, and as I remember, the were smaller. And the Pa Turnpike, well thats just a cluster. And Ohio turnpike, they had lots of room for parking, even RV hookups for overnight. And to find out if there is gas on the truck side, just call the plaza's station or the toll road's operator. They should know.

2gypsies wrote:
You didn't state how long your RV is but if you have gas, the car fill-up area is your only option. The truck area only has diesel but RVers are welcome to use it also - for diesel.

Try to grab one of the end pumps where you'll have more room - at least until you're a little more experienced. Also, if you're on the interstates, you could use the rest areas for the pit stops and lunch then you wouldn't have to find a place to park and wait at the fuel station.

You could also park in your campground, unhook and drive to a fuel station w/o the RV to refuel before you start out in the morning.

It'll become easier and easier with more experience. Just take your time in the stations and look over the situation BEFORE you get trapped in a situation where you can't get out.

If you have 'The Next Exit' directory for interstates, there is a symbol next to the fuel entries that will tell you if it's recommended for RVs. That would be a big help. Also, as stated above, some truck stops have special RV pumps for both diesel and gas and also propane. You'll find these at Flying Js, Pilots and others. It just takes some advance planning on where you figure on stopping. Don't wait until you're almost on empty. Strive for filling at 1/2 then you'll have plenty of leeway for finding the best station for you. Good luck!

In some cases, there is gas on the truck side (which is the reason for my post, I was simply wondering if there was a way to know in advance whether or not it is there). I've used them on a number of occasions. It doesn't look like it's all that consistent, however.

We do have Next Exit, but honestly, I find it to be relatively useless. Perhaps it is the regions I travel, but it is not at all uncommon for us to look for their rv-friendly options and find absolutely nothing within 50-75 miles or more. Given how often it is recommended, I find myself wondering if it is more useful in other regions.

A little off the OP's topic, but Tonyj asked about diesel TVs.

Use the truck pumps, at least at first. It is usually straight in and out with plenty of overhead clearance. The pump on the left is the Master; on the right is the Slave. Use the master.

Most truck pumps are not card readers (a few are). To get it turned on use the phone or squawk-box to tell the cashier that you are "Private Owner - Credit Card" or " Private Owner - Cash".

Fill the tank and then PULL FORWARD until the trailer is clear enough to allow a trucker to get in on the pump and start setting up.

Go inside and tell them the pump number to pay.

If you are going to eat, shop, or spend a while in the restrooms, move the rig to a parking space.

You didn't state how long your RV is but if you have gas, the car fill-up area is your only option. The truck area only has diesel but RVers are welcome to use it also - for diesel.

Try to grab one of the end pumps where you'll have more room - at least until you're a little more experienced. Also, if you're on the interstates, you could use the rest areas for the pit stops and lunch then you wouldn't have to find a place to park and wait at the fuel station.

You could also park in your campground, unhook and drive to a fuel station w/o the RV to refuel before you start out in the morning.

It'll become easier and easier with more experience. Just take your time in the stations and look over the situation BEFORE you get trapped in a situation where you can't get out.

If you have 'The Next Exit' directory for interstates, there is a symbol next to the fuel entries that will tell you if it's recommended for RVs. That would be a big help. Also, as stated above, some truck stops have special RV pumps for both diesel and gas and also propane. You'll find these at Flying Js, Pilots and others. It just takes some advance planning on where you figure on stopping. Don't wait until you're almost on empty. Strive for filling at 1/2 then you'll have plenty of leeway for finding the best station for you. Good luck!

1775 wrote:
Often at the service plazas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic the gas pumps are on the car side and the two sides don't join until you are just about at the exit back to the road. Go to the car side. Usually there is someplace to pull over once you get gas that is large enough for a TT and you can park there (or wait for the family to come out). OR - get gas and stop at the next plaza to eat and "go".

This has been my experience as well - I usually can't re-enter the gas/passenger vehicle side after parking on the truck side, and there usually isn't any parking for large vehicles on the passenger car side. The mpression I am getting is that a lot of people go to the gas sde and then just find a place to park even if it isn't a designated spot.

I have found basically two types of truck plazzas.

Flying-J has special RV islands with both Gas and Diesel

The rest of 'em I use the auto pumps.

Often at the service plazas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic the gas pumps are on the car side and the two sides don't join until you are just about at the exit back to the road. Go to the car side. Usually there is someplace to pull over once you get gas that is large enough for a TT and you can park there (or wait for the family to come out). OR - get gas and stop at the next plaza to eat and "go".

I've seen some Pilot stations that have a separate area for RV fueling, where you can pull away from the pump without being blocked by cars parking and going inside the store. Wish there was more of them.