Gas Engine - Fill It Up

I always use regular gas stations to fill up our diesel truck with 5th wheel. I only think of 3 times in the last 11 years that I had to back out after filling up.

How big the camper is in length and the turning wheel base of the truck, creates a learning curve dealing with normal gas pumps.

Here are a few tips I learned along the way.

Be selective on the gas station, I look for outside island pumps (wait in line if you have to) and I size up the station that I can get out of, what I got into, "before" pulling into it. Can you turn getting out and make the swing?

Stay a good distance away (3 1/2 to 4 1/2 ft) from the pump (side of truck to side of pump) to allow your exit turn to not have the camper hit the pumps on the way out. Most/many gas stations that allow cars etc. you have to turn 90 degrees getting out of the pump area. Using an end pump on a gas island allows the camper tail swing to clear better then if you are inside the island.

Start searching for a station early. In our case we have a small gas tank, 29 gal. so when I see the 1/2 tank mark, I start searching for a station. It allows me time to pass by what does not look like I can get in and out of it. Yes, having a gasser, most of them have a drinking problem... You will not go the same distance on fuel like you did with the diesel. I need to stretch my legs and drain my tank, so this 1/2 fuel tank guide works on our case.

If you get into a situation where you have to use a less then ideal station, let your wife or traveling companion get out and watch for crazy car drivers buzzing in behind you as you have to back out of a pump as you can't go forward. Use your cell phone, put it on speaker, lay it on the console and you are hands free and can talk/hear them.

I do look for truck stop stations with gas pumps, Love's, Pilot, Flying J, Travel America etc. if there are any, most times they have more room for RV'er's. But out in the boonies or off the main roads, you deal with smaller gas stations. Same rules apply.

Once you master the turning in and out and know how far to stay away from the pump, this is a non issue. Just take a few deep breaths and don't be in a hurry, wait in line if you have to to get the pump that will work for you. It seems when you hook up the camper, all the inconsiderate auto drivers seem to just show up as the gas station. They have no clue what is takes to get a big camper in and out. And the worst is, the ones who park at the pump, go inside and come out 20 minutes later, then start pumping the gas???

Happy travels.

John

Try to get your fuel while unhitched, like while camping. 11am at a Flying J isn't a great idea. Don't look for the cheapest gas.

We still use truck stops. They generally have gas pumps arranged for easy access.

We've typically fill up before hooking up.

But when we've had to fill up while hooked up never been much of an issue. If you are concerned, look ahead on google maps in satellite mode. Most big stations near freeway exits have plenty of room.