Blind spots & washing your RV

[SRQ_Suzanne]

I am new to RVing. I have trouble in gas stations getting close enough to the pump. I have a 34' motorhome and am towing a Jeep. I have a rear view camera, which doesn't hep at all; and my side mirrors only show the sides of the RV behind the front wheels. How can I better judge my distance in front of the wheels between my RV and barriers. Last time I got gas, my awning strut got caught on a concrete post alongside the pump. I couldn't go forward, and couldn't back up - my worst nightmare. I had no choice but to disconnect the Jeep. However, it was at an angle to the RV, and it took two men, myself rocking the Jeep forward and backward an inch at a time, and a crowbar to get the hitch removed from the ball. I thought I was going to be stuck there! Is there any after-market side camera system I could purchase; or is there another way to resolve this issue. I need help fast before my next trip!

Also, is there a place I can take my motorhome to be washed - where do commercial/recreational vehicles go for a quick wash when traveling? Many campgrounds do not allow for washing your RV. Do truckstops along major highways provide this service?

[jamnw]

Always take it slow. You may irritate someone to the point they yell at you, but in the end YOU are the one who has to drive the rig safely.

It can be difficult at times, I know, but don't let anyone or anything rattle your nerve.

All of us mess up. That's why they invented tow trucks!

Last year I tried to get fuel and ended up having to back my 28ft TT out of the pump island. I could not make the turn to get out. I got irritated for a minute, then I just remembered the two little boys in the back seat and my wife in the passenger seat. I sat there for a minute to calm down and very slowly backed the way I had come in. I had to back right out into the highway. Luckily it wasn't too busy.

You may want to look into a training course.

Hereis one with location in Sarasota, Florida although they say "closed for summer".

Good luck.

[rjsurfer]

I hate to block or slow down traffic for any reason with my camper "except" when I'm eyeballing an approach to a gas station. I slow to a crawl and really take a close look at the pumps and any obstacles such as posts and canopies. All the while thinking about my exit strategy.

Always stay as far away as possible to the pumps (as far as the hose allows) to give you max swing room.

If I'm not sure I continue to a gas station with better access.

Ron W.

[Tothill]

The gas fill on Mobi our 27 foot C is on the driver's side. I know after driving for 7 years how far past the pump I have to drive to be in the correct position for the fuel fill.

But the first trip of each year I have to remember and double check. We do not tow, so that is not an issue.

We wash Mobi in the driveway. Our dealer has an oversized wand car wash for RV's that we can use too. Then there are some gas stations in communities with lots of Rvers that can accommodate big rigs.

Lastly you can check out truck washes.

You can always attach a ribbon to your gas intake and look for it in your side view mirror. Discovered this trick when I was driving down the road and saw a lanyard with keys attached out one of the side view mirrors.

General tips:
Drive off the top half of your fuel tank. You have more options when you are not running out of fuel.
Look for gas stations with easy access and wide turning areas.
Look for gas stations where you can easily get back on the main road the correct direction.
Look for gas stations with no canopy or a really high canopy, know your height in feet and metres.
Ask for help if needed. I bought propane at a Co-op gas station in Airdie Alberta, you had to back into the spot. I was okay with backing up as long as I had a spotter.

[Monaco_Montclai]

The thing. I do is if a 18 wheeler can make it I can. HaPpy camping

[wny_pat1]

And the following link will really help you out: RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 1. Watch all seven parts!

[wny_pat1]

Suzanne,
You have more answers on your other post: https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26903977.cfm

[Two_Hands]

As soon as I get close to the fuel island my CEO/Navigator gets out to provide a second set of eyes to insure I don't take out any pumps, vehicles, or pedestrians.

[CA_Traveler]

Good input above.

You've already learned an important lesson about making sure you first have adequate clearance before proceeding and not only fuel stations but RV parks and neighborhood streets etc. Survey before you go into any location. Also waiting for a outside fuel pump may give better access.

Many truck stops have RV lanes which usually have more room and may have propane and dump available.

Buy the National Truck Directory which lists RV access etc. Over 6,000 locations.

You're going to have more situations with your tow bar not releasing. Been there done that. Consider one like the Roadmaster All Terrain that is designed for much easier release at all angles.

[Mandalay_Parr]

Maybe learn to swing real wide when turning....as wide as you can.

[skipnchar]

Use the same method you use to determine if you're on your own side of the highway which is just plane good judgment. If you can't do it at a gas station when sitting almost still how can you do it on the road where it's MUCH more important?

[HappyKayakers]

Go to any auto parts store and buy a convex blind spot mirror that glues to your regular mirror.

Many truck stops also have truck washing services. Also, many RV parks will allow a commercial firm to wash your RV on the premises. Some bring their own water. I suspect others may pay the owner/manager a small fee to use the parks' water.