New to pulling a fifth wheel

Most of the rest areas on the east coast have these kind of signs, limiting idle time. Once had a highway patrol cruising the lot, knocking on doors, up in New Hampshire. I had just pulled in, was doing my log book when he drove up to my door. He reminded me that there was a twenty minute idle limit for trucks. It was something like 15 degrees, my little home was a fiberglass shell. I told him I was out of hours (illegal to drive) and to go home and tell his wife and kids they couldn't run their furnance, then I would shut off mine. I never saw him again, my truck ran all night.

I wouldn't want to be the guy knocking on sleepers saying time to go. Kidding - im sure the level of ordinance enforcement doesn't go further than the signs. Lots of walmarts do the same but you ask and they will say a night is ok.

We have a fairly new QuikTrip in Terrell, Tx. Went thru the other day to fill my TV. The have lanes next to the big rig pumps labelled Auto Diesel, separated by the scales if you want to weigh your rig. This is a separate area from the gas pumps. Nice and large, no problem at all for any size 5er. Filled up at $2.33 and looked over at the big rig pumps, $2.45. Huh???

Talk about a rip-off. Topper was a city ordinance limiting parking to 4 hrs, signs posted all over the parking area. This was in the area for the big rigs to "overnite" park. What were they (QT) thinking to build a truck stop with that ordinance in place.

These fuel stops are also starting to have DEF pumps for those of us with the newer diesels. Could come in handy if you forget to stop at WallyWorld for a jug.

Larry

cbshoestring wrote:

ford truck guy wrote:
My only issue with fueling with the big boys is getting behind the one who is just coming off a long haul.. They fuel up and pull up , you pull up and fill the truck. Once done there is still no sign of the driver and now your boxed in..
It happened to me twice , and usually not fun. I rather look for the rv lanes at the flying J

Trust me, if the driver did it to another trucker, he would get an ear full.

Go in, get a receipt, take a quick p@@, buy a cup of coffee to start the entire process over again. All can be done prior to the next guy filling up dual 150 gallons tanks. Might hold you up a bit if you are only filling a half full 50 gal tank.

Hold me up and come out with a McDonalds/Wendys bag in your hand, or looking like you just had a fresh shower----we gonna have us a little talk. :B

Let's just say that the one time it happened the driver had a half empty bag of food and other bags... He was also a bit too big to mention my displeasure to , so I just sat.... And sat....
I drove a 48' flatbed for 30 years and been a few truck stops in my day so I know the curtious way... And the Other way

ford truck guy wrote:
My only issue with fueling with the big boys is getting behind the one who is just coming off a long haul.. They fuel up and pull up , you pull up and fill the truck. Once done there is still no sign of the driver and now your boxed in..
It happened to me twice , and usually not fun. I rather look for the rv lanes at the flying J

Trust me, if the driver did it to another trucker, he would get an ear full.

Go in, get a receipt, take a quick p@@, buy a cup of coffee to start the entire process over again. All can be done prior to the next guy filling up dual 150 gallons tanks. Might hold you up a bit if you are only filling a half full 50 gal tank.

Hold me up and come out with a McDonalds/Wendys bag in your hand, or looking like you just had a fresh shower----we gonna have us a little talk. :B

taken wrote:
The Ford's have the large fill inlet so no issue there. I always use the truck pumps. One other thing that I didn't see mentioned is the speed at which they pump. Many are high speed pumps and they will fill our little tanks in less than a minute. While this is great, they do not have an automatic shut off like car pumps. So you have to listen to the sound coming from your fill inlet. You'll hear it when it gets close to full and should stop then. If not, the side of your truck will be getting a diesel wash.

We got the Good Sams RV - Pilot card when we started full timing. We try to use it almost 100% of the time refueling while hooked up. We ALWAYS use truck lanes for refueling while hooked up. With Pilot and Flying J you can pay at the pump with their card, pull forward while you go inside for receipt, and be gone in a matter of minutes.

Oftentimes we back into the truck parking area if we want to eat or take a break.

I try to use Flying J if avalable. Most have RV lanes and are easy in/out. Don't like Love's as they tend to be run down. Truck Lanes are OK, but if you have a dog its usually a long way to a grassy ara for them.

The Ford's have the large fill inlet so no issue there. I always use the truck pumps. One other thing that I didn't see mentioned is the speed at which they pump. Many are high speed pumps and they will fill our little tanks in less than a minute. While this is great, they do not have an automatic shut off like car pumps. So you have to listen to the sound coming from your fill inlet. You'll hear it when it gets close to full and should stop then. If not, the side of your truck will be getting a diesel wash.

Only a few have Rv lanes in the west. We use the truck lanes and mostly works well. FAR better than the car islands. Be aware most pilot and flying j travel plazas are increadibly busy in the truck lanes so quick in and out is good. Truckers get very tense in line ups.