Filling up at gas station

our TT is 33ft long. gas truck for towing. there are smaller gas stations that just wont work for us. i usually plan fuel stops before we leave home. google earth is a big help checking out station layouts.

if there isn't a "rv" lane i usually am patient and wait on outside pumps.

I alwys try to find fuel stations away from cities, land is cheaper in the country so most of those stations have larger lots to maneuver. We also travel US highways and state truck routes where you will find mini truckstops that cater to the local haul trade. Usally with two or three diesel pumps with easy access and egress. I have had to back out once due to convienence store shopper blocking my planned exit. Guess he/she had to wait on the nocho cheeze warm up or there was long line at the restroom.

Npdchief07 wrote:
New to towing and I get a little nervous. When I go to had up is it possible to go where the big trucks fill up at the larger gas stations??

Unless you already have a 70,75 or more fuel tank, I recommend contacting "Transfer Flow" in Chico Ca. and have them install an auxiliary diesel fuel tank with the largest size that will fit your tow vehicle. A larger fuel tank will allow you greater flexibility in selecting fuel stations and more choices in fuel prices.

i look for travel stops like Pilot and Flying J's but sometimes they are a little tight even. I generally try to wait on the end pumps so it makes maneuvering in and out easier. Its never that simple, but once you know what you're doing, you'll find out some tricks that work for you. I really liked the comment of picking an exit with multiple stations. This is something I always do. I also get an eye open as soon as my fuel gets to a 1/4 tank. I have a 5 gallon can for emergency in my truck bed, but why push it. We also use fill up time to get out lunch meat, some bread, and get a little lunch in us, and more importantly, get lunch in our kids, while allowing them to stretch out as well. This will save you time every time.

Npdchief07 wrote:
New to towing and I get a little nervous. When I go to had up is it possible to go where the big trucks fill up at the larger gas stations??

I always use truck stop fuel stations. Pilot Travel Centers, 1-855-478-7587 and Pacific Pride, 1-888-327-7357 also have fuel cards that will give you fuel discounts. Some truck stops have a seperate fuel lane for RVs but you can use any of the truck lanes. Trying to use non-truck fuel stations can be a real hassle for a RV.

Out local mobil gas station has auto diesel pumps and they also have a rv diesel/gas pumps on the outside of the big rig pumps this station is right off the interstate

I know how you feel about being nervous filling up when you're new at this. We too were in that situation. We would first plan a stop when we were at half a tank to allow for time to find a spot to get in and out easily. When DH was filling, I would set out by foot and scout out the exit if it wasn't easily seen. Sometimes we would have to back up and I'd get out with the walkie talkie just to spot check any obstacle. Don't let others rush you! Take your time. We've had to resort to tight gas stations when low on fuel, and back all the way out, but DH didn't care and I would watch for cars for him. If you know your route, you can use google maps to scout out the fuel stops ahead of time. I know it sounds a little over OCD, but if that's what it takes for a little peace of mind when you're new then do it.

It's a challenge most every time. Some of the truck stops, like Flying J, have RV pumps but not all do. If you are on the interstate I sometimes stop at an exit for fuel where there are lots of choices for fuel and pick the best one.
Obviously the stations where the pumps are at right angles to the road are the best. Where the pumps are parallel to the road I usually take the one on the far right when facing the pumps from the road. If possible I will drive around the station to use the pumps at the far left which makes it easier to get back on the road.

It's true that the nozzles at the truck side of a station don't fit the smaller RV tube but you can, if you are careful, fill up. Usually, I scout out a station first and find the best entrance and pump for my RV on the consumer side of any station rather than the truckers side. So far, I've never been trapped because I always look at access and exits very carefully before pulling into a station.

That all supposes that you are careful to always fill up when you are between 1/2 and 1/4 tank and don't try to push your travel too far on a tank.

The nervousness will go, Npd, as your experience increases.