Problem filling the tank!

[ahfox]

Has anyone had a problem filling their motorhome at the gas pump? Can not seem to figure out why it is taking forever to fill up with the nozzle shutting off at the pump due to the constant backing up of the gas; almost as if there is an "airlock" or something. The mechanic at the Chevy garage says everything checks out OK electronically, but I got the impression he did not want to really deal with it. My money is green, but maybe his expertise in this area was limited!

[loggenrock]

You don't indicate if this is a new issue, or one that has been there all along. If long-term problem, I'd focus on the filler pipe. If newer rig, and it just started, there is an electronic valve on most newer fuel tanks, not just a vent pipe, that opens to purge air. Have had both issues - filler pipe on our '03 Roadtrek got pinched when they reinstalled the gas tank after replacing the fuel pump, and the valve failed on our '09 Subaru causing it to behave exactly like the pinched fuel line. ST

[DavidandDayle]

I have that problem everywhere in California. It stops when I leave the state. But I did have it in Michigan this year.
Sometimes turning the nozzle a bit helps, but I often have to run it barely on.

We had a problem with the filler hose developing a hole and we replaced it a year ago, but the problem goes back long before that.

[DaCrema]

I have had the problem in some locations. It helped for me to adjust how deep or far in I place the nozzle. It does not happen often but it is not rare either. Amazing what a difference a fraction of an inch will make. I have noticed the issue most often with pumps not required to capture gas vapors. I live in a fairly large city on the east coast so additional solution controls as compared to other places.

[bukhrn]

Healeyman wrote:
I've had some success by turning the gas pump filler handle UPSIDE DOWN.

That puts the shut-off pickup tube ABOVE, not BELOW the filler nozzle.

Tim

Never thought of that, I usually just pull the nozzle out an inch or two.

[4x4van]

ahfox wrote:
The mechanic at the Chevy garage says everything checks out OK electronically...

What the h3ll does "electronically" have to do with the fuel filler hose? The mechanic sounds like he's in the wrong field.

In addition to what others have suggested, also check the vent line. On my old class C, the vent hose runs parallel to the fill hose; one of the mounts had broken and the line dipped down lower than the fill hose. That allowed fuel to pool in the low spot of the line, effectively blocking the vent line. Resulted in the exact scenario you are describing.

On the other hand, my wife's '06 Tahoe is a bear to fill regardless, and the pump clicks off constantly. On that, it is simply a horrible design, with an actual filler hose that is only 1" in diameter and can't keep up with the flow. Some pumps are better than others, but rarely is it not a problem.

[YC_1]

Sometimes they just install the filler hose incorrectly or poorly. I too had to trim an inch or so off one RV that would not fill fast. Dig around and remove panels to follow the filler hose.

[IAMICHABOD]

I,like you sometimes have a problem with filling my tank on my Chevy Based Class C. Everything checks out OK but I have found that if I hold the nozzle at a 45 degree toward the rear of the Motorhome I have no problems.

I also have the same problem on my GMC Yukon the trick also works on it too.

I have also found that some stations it can be a problem,Example,the older Sams Club here I have a problem but at our New Costco not so much.

[Bordercollie]

Common problem, may be a kink in flexible hose to tank. Try holding filler nozzle in various positions while holding sealing ring back to get fuel to flow better, fill slower, be careful not to overflow and spill.

[Healeyman]

I've had some success by turning the gas pump filler handle UPSIDE DOWN.

That puts the shut-off pickup tube ABOVE, not BELOW the filler nozzle.

Tim

[j-d]

Coach builder put a bend or uphill slope in fill or vent. Can you see under there and how it runs?
Also helps to park at pump with filler at highest corner end or side.

[garyemunson]

Our older (2004) Fleetwood would repeatedly kick off the gas nozzle unless I filled at the slowest setting. Eventually I eyeballed the hose from the filler to the tank and noticed at a bend it was slightly kinked because it looked a little too long. The next time I was low on gas, I disconnected the hose, cut about 1" off of it then reinstalled. No more slight kink, fast filling from then on.

[We_Cant_Wait]

Sounds like the gas tank vent is plugged not allowing the air to escape as the tank is filled. With the newer evap. systems it's hard to tell exactly what causes this, could be a back flow valve or any other part of the fuel tank evap system.