I was topping off my truck with diesel recently knowing I was right on the edge of a tankful of fuel taking me my entire drive, so for the first time I squeezed all the fuel I could in the tank and was shocked that I was able to add an additional 3-4 gallons. I just let the foam die down and added more fuel multiple times and the tank kept accepting more. That equates up to an extra 50 miles of towing, which is substantial. Has anyone else not accepted the first time the fuel handle automatically pops off, and kept adding more? My owner’s manual warned that this might cause spilling, which wasn’t a problem, so if that is the only problem I don’t see why not to do this each time.

Mine gas. But I can always get a good bit more in after the first cut off.

I always keep pumping and letting the foam settle...settle, pump, settle, pump.Welcome to diesel fueling.

downtheroad wrote:I always keep pumping and letting the foam settle...settle, pump, settle, pump.Welcome to diesel fueling.Me too.

Hi,It is ok to do if you are going to drive immediately. However, if you are not, the fuel will expand as it warms and will leak out. DAMHIK.

If I'm on a road trip and know I'm not close to being done for the day I fill it up as full as it will go. That way less stops which kill time.

Topping off tank - when to stop? | Good Sam Community

43 Replies

joshuajim
Explorer II
Aug 18, 2013
downtheroad wrote:
Is anything legal in CA (except high taxes?)

Actually, we're working on a law to stop the 'tonies, 'gonies and 'zonies at the border. Much the same as Mexico.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
restlesswind wrote:
Uma & Papa wrote:
I forgot what it is like to have someone else pump your fuel....check under the hood....(as I look out on this dreary rainy day:()

They pump the fuel,I doubt if they even know how to open the hood,let alone check anything.

I know they can get your locking fuel cap off before you can give them a key :B
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
Somebody needs to pay Santa is running out of money.
chevman
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2013
downtheroad wrote:
Is anything legal in CA (except high taxes?)

Hey Washington and Oregon are right behind!
restlesswind
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
Uma & Papa wrote:
I forgot what it is like to have someone else pump your fuel....check under the hood....(as I look out on this dreary rainy day:()

They pump the fuel,I doubt if they even know how to open the hood,let alone check anything.
4x4ord
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2013
My 93 GMC would take an additional 4 gallons after the nozzle clicked off. The new Ford clicks off when the tank is full.
tekman741
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
I top off just before towing otherwise I believe the space of air is needed. anyone elaborate. I get an extra 2 to 2.5 gallons.
rayford118
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
I am still wayne_tw wrote:
the bear II wrote:
In California it is illegal to add fuel (gas or diesel) once the pump has clicked off.

In California, I would not be surprised that it is illegal to use more than one flush visiting the comfort stations! Caan't you just see the warning labels inside each stall, "WARNING! It is illegal to flush more than once per each sitting!"

If that ever becomes a law I will never make it out there, lol! not that i plan on leaving good ole Louisiana where we still have some freedoms.

Back to the OP, i normally just go to the second or third click and then done. not spending all day trying to get another 1/4 gallon in the tank.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Aug 16, 2013
No vapor recovery on diesel. I topped mine off, drove it 2 miles and parked it in the driveway. Wasn't arrested, diesel didn't swell and spill in the heat, and certainly no misinformed citizens with an ax to grind in the way............
Bedlam
Moderator
Aug 16, 2013
Mandalay Parr wrote:
downtheroad wrote:
I always keep pumping and letting the foam settle...settle, pump, settle, pump.
Welcome to diesel fueling.

Me too.

x3

Mine is a short bed with shorter wheelbase and has a smaller tank. I can easily add 10-15% more range by topping off.