Stoped routine

pull in gas up, wife will go in camper while im fueling and use restroom. i will pull to outside of parking area out of the way or in back and i will go in camper and use restroom, then do a walk around checking things on outside.

our TT is 37 footer so once in a while at the larger stations if no convenient pump is open (my truck is gas) i have pulled around back out of way and unhooked TT then pull around to pumps without TT. my wife will slip inside TT and make a sandwich for lunch break etc. by the time i get back and rehook TT we eat. we are never in a big hurry and i can hook up our WDH blindfolded.

about a year ago i pulled into a flying j truck stop with my truck not towing and pulled into the best spot for a longer TT and tow vehicle (on an end pump) as soon as i got out to pump, a couple with a TT pulled into the station looking for a pump. pumps were full on both ends so i waved to the guy to use the pump i pulled into and moved to an interior pump. his TT was basically blocking a large section of parking area, and i wanted to make it quicker and easier for him. he verbally thanked me. i said "no problem, been there myself" a little kindness goes a long way.

Vinman02 wrote:
I do what most people here do but I do it last. As in when I stop for fuel or washroom break I’ll fuel up and do whatever else I have to do then on my way back to the truck I’ll take the long was around the trailer and check everything just before I leave. That way I know nobody messed with it while it was out of my sight.

I was brought up to take care of the ride first. Check for heat in tires/hubs ASAP, before they cool. And I make it a point to not be in anybodies way, be polite, give nobody a reason to mess with my snot. Then check hitch and such before I pull out...

Vinman02 wrote:
I do what most people here do but I do it last. As in when I stop for fuel or washroom break I’ll fuel up and do whatever else I have to do then on my way back to the truck I’ll take the long was around the trailer and check everything just before I leave. That way I know nobody messed with it while it was out of my sight.

Indeed, if you are out of sight of the trailer, you need to do a last minute check to insure that all hitch pins, weight bar pins, coupler lock, electrical connector, and the emergency brake cable and switch pull-out have not been disturbed.

You would be surprised what people will do sometimes, to vandalize your property.

Charles

Most of the time I fuel up at the same locations.
I have had 36 gallon tanks on my last two trucks.
I can tow from Alabama to the Smokies on one tank
I can tow to Gulf Shores or PC also...
I generally fuel up before I hook up, and again when I un hitch.

Pit Stops... I generally park with the big rigs. I check my RV when I get out,
and again before we leave. A quick walk around, checking Cargo Doors, tires, hitch, and I'm on my way.

My routine when stopped. Pull into a Cassie's, fill the truck, wash the windshield, use the restroom, grab a sandwich, pull away from the awning over to the grassy area, let the Collie pottie and do a walk around of the camper, load up and hit the highway. Repeat about 300 miles down the road.

Treat it like a WM parking lot. Drag out the chairs and set up the grill. :)

BarabooBob wrote:
I was in Oregon a couple of years ago and was really surprised at the full service only. Is this to provide jobs for people or is it some sort of safety concern? I almost got knocked over when I pulled into the station and got out to pump my gas. The gas pumper was yelling at me that he and I could both be arrested for me pumping my own gas.

I remember this topic was in the news a year or so ago. they made it not mandatory or something. the morning shows had a field day. All of these people in Oregon thought the world was going to end because they might have to pump gas.

I couldn't imagine not pumping my own gas. That's like basic drivers training lol.

I can honestly say that when towing I have never delayed anyone at a pump. I try to stop at large multi pump stations, I know I am going to take up two pump stations so I will pass on a busy station.

Also, large truck stop type stations generally have lot of turn around room, so they are my top choice.

Out west the smaller remote towns do not have such opportunities but they also do not have the volume of traffic.

On vacation I fill up with at half a tank, I do not worry about cost, I have an extra 5 gallons in the truck bed and I goes for convenience and ease on maneuvering at the pumps.

I was in Oregon a couple of years ago and was really surprised at the full service only. Is this to provide jobs for people or is it some sort of safety concern? I almost got knocked over when I pulled into the station and got out to pump my gas. The gas pumper was yelling at me that he and I could both be arrested for me pumping my own gas.

AutomationIsComing wrote:
I am not sure I have seen anybody mention "kick the tires" yet. Its like a tuning fork for trucks and trailers. You'll know if somethings wrong

Maybe because the only thing kicking will tell you is the tire is there. I touch mine with back of hand. Can tell if hot, but not burn fingers. Plus, any dirt transferred from tire does not get on steering wheel when moving to/from pump. We stop before we get to pump, I touch all tires&hubs while DW puts leash on the kid. She heads inside while I take dog to do the same thing. When dog is ready, we pull to pump. Most times spouse will come out take over gassing while I head inside. She will pull off to side, and all 3 of use will stand outside, enjoy a snack and drink.