Using Truck Stops

[Rogue_Eagle]

I am new to rving and would like to know if I can use truck stops to refuel my diesel pickup with 5th wheel?

[ventrman]

I go to Flyingj. I prefer FlyingJ over the Pilot Stations. They used to be separate Companies. The FlyingJ Stations have a Fuel Lane just for RVs.

[FordDiesel250]

We use truck stops all the time when pulling our fiver. Truck drivers and truck stops are pretty nice folks. We have never had a problem with the fueling or truck drivers. Just fuel up pay and get on down the road. If one sits at the pump and takes up a lot of time then I could see how a truck driver could get frustrated with an RVer. Time is money to them and it beehoves them to get in and get out.

[SandSOrrell]

That's my experience too, Duck. I use the Pilot/FJ RV Plus card. My level gets me 6 cents a gallon off the cash price and the convenience of not having to go in and get pre-approved to pump. No problem with the nozzle on my Chevy 1 ton. I also like the long pole squeegees for windshield cleaning. I like chatting with the truckers. Never found a one of them that was rude. All of them are pros, most act accordingly, and many of them want to know about your rig and how it is to pull, etc. One of them told me he was going to buy the same model as mine after taking a look inside and out. And I didn't even extend the slides. He just peeked in and said he liked it.

With the 6 cent discount (off cash price), you would have to do a lot of driving around town to find a station that would beat the price. Why would you put up with that hassle when all you really want to do is get back on the road. Oh yeah, and the truck stops are generally no dirtier than the others. Except for the messy pumps. Diesel is nasty when you get it on you and the stink lasts forever it seems. I use a disposable glove on my right hand when fueling. Keep a supply of them in the center console. Works for me.

When I first started with my 5er, I was a little intimidated about truck stops. It only took a couple of fuel stops to figure it out and use them regularly now. Be courteous and friendly and you will have no problems. Happy RVing!

[Duck]

greende wrote:
I also must say that I've always used the truck stops on all our out of town trips. Have never had a problem and use the Pilot/FJ card to activate the pump but have no problems running in to start the pump at TA and other truck stops that don't have the start card.

X2 I also enjoy talking to the truckers. Most are very friendly and enjoy talking.
Don

[greende]

I also must say that I've always used the truck stops on all our out of town trips. Have never had a problem and use the Pilot/FJ card to activate the pump but have no problems running in to start the pump at TA and other truck stops that don't have the start card.

[Oakman]

gkainz wrote:

ralphnjoann wrote:
My biggest gripe about filling stations is trying to find the diesel pumps. Sometimes they're in the front, sometimes in the back; sometimes marked, sometimes not; sometimes on the outside lanes, sometimes not; sometimes at the end of the lanes, sometimes not. It's a real PITA!

I find the one or two diesel pumps at these places are the ones with the little gasser cars lined up and blocking access! End pumps where the drivers have no idea what the green hose is.

X2!

[hoopers]

ralphnjoann wrote:
My biggest gripe about filling stations is trying to find the diesel pumps. Sometimes they're in the front, sometimes in the back; sometimes marked, sometimes not; sometimes on the outside lanes, sometimes not; sometimes at the end of the lanes, sometimes not. It's a real PITA!

X2

[gkainz]

ralphnjoann wrote:
My biggest gripe about filling stations is trying to find the diesel pumps. Sometimes they're in the front, sometimes in the back; sometimes marked, sometimes not; sometimes on the outside lanes, sometimes not; sometimes at the end of the lanes, sometimes not. It's a real PITA!

I find the one or two diesel pumps at these places are the ones with the little gasser cars lined up and blocking access! End pumps where the drivers have no idea what the green hose is.

[ralphnjoann]

My biggest gripe about filling stations is trying to find the diesel pumps. Sometimes they're in the front, sometimes in the back; sometimes marked, sometimes not; sometimes on the outside lanes, sometimes not; sometimes at the end of the lanes, sometimes not. It's a real PITA!

[2oldman]

Don't get diesel on your hands in the first place.. use disposable gloves.

[ependydad]

Good call bpounds, I keep a pair of nitrile coated gloves under my driver's seat and use them every time:

[avvidclif1]

I use Murphy/Walmart whenever possible. Usually close to the freeway if not on it. Their prices are less than a truck stop. Plus I got one of their Discover cards and get a 5 cent discount per gallon. Last Xmas they gave a 15 cent discount. Pay it off at the end of each month and go on. There are apps to find the closest WM.

Down side is some of their pumps are not set up for big rigs(RV or truck). They don't want the trucker business. But I have always managed to get in.

[bpounds]

I use truck lanes or regular lanes about equally I guess. No real preference one way or the other. Just pull off on the cloverleaf and pick whichever station looks convenient. I'll choose the lower priced one if I happen to notice, but I'm not worrying about it. As someone mentioned, it's usually at most a couple of bucks difference between stations on a fillup. Not worth sweating over.

But wanted to add, diesel pumps are often pretty nasty, and you don't want that fuel on your hands and then the steering wheel. So I carry these under the seat of my truck. Got another container in the utility bay of the fiver near the dump valves. These are great at cutting diesel oil and leaving your hands smelling nice.

[john_bet]

I use truck stops all the time and have never experienced any of the negative some folks mention on here. My truck takes the big nozzles and I like filling up faster. In, out and on down the road.