Another tool (phone app):
TRUCKERS PATH
What I use for work. As noted above, โtravel centerโ is the better term than truck stop. These businesses cater to all.
1). Location
Choose based on some distance from major metro areas. At least 75-miles to avoid most commuters and regional delivery plus contractors.
The ideal location is in the same direction of travel. Backups can occur when there are several truck stops clustered at an exit and itโs still a one-lane over the Interstate.
2). Time of Day
Most truckers are up and gone by 0800. Most commuters gone by 0900. The next couple of hours are slowest.
Mid-day sees trucking jerks using the big truck diesel lanes to accomplish their mandated 30-minute break (versus using a parking spot). Backups start to occur, and might last into evening dependent on location (staying away from cities thus key). Itโs not always the reason (some lanes are just flat busy).
But, be assured that by 1600 many drivers are finishing their day. Some do this by buying fuel before parking for the night. This lasts till past 2100.
Nationwide, the hours 0800-1100 are the LAST hours traffic volume is low enough to make decent headway (highest average MPH). From 1100 until almost 2300 the plague of cars never subsides (apparently no one has a job).
3). How to Use
Thereโs no parking at the pumps (unless one is an American by virtue of paperwork). Use the satellite provision of T-Path to scroll down tightly to figure post-fuel parking, if needed. I wouldnโt. Buy fuel and leave. Itโs not a vacation if more is necessary. You already carry food and have a bathroom. At these businesses one pays for convenience. That they have, and rightly charge for it.
If buying fuel is part of the mandatory 4-hour break, then choose location based on proximity to where youโll shortly pull over for lunch.
4). What brand?
For my money Iโd choose
Petro
T/A
over the competition. Most fuel lanes (plus a C-store out there); indoor sit-down restaurant, mechanic on duty, greatest range of services. Tends to long term employees.
Pilot & Loves are glorified C-stores. More locations, though. And more likely on non-Interstate routes (especially Loves). Discounted fuel (not the pump price) is the attraction. Driver competition can be fierce getting in & out.
Flying J is okay. They make noise about being RV friendly, but I in my observations, thatโs more luck than reality. They can be heavily-used and ARE NOT staffed to meet high demand. I like them well enough, but only use them for overnight parking when my time is no longer a concern.
For any of these, set up accounts if possible. Otherwise one needs to pay in advance if using the truck lanes. Itโs easy to fill my CTD at those; and parking is a few steps away and AWAY from the far worse (inconsiderate) car travelers.
Exits & Entrance to the truck lanes is ONLY via signs directing Truck traffic. Auto is a separate entrance, and there should be no cross-flow between the types.
5). Price
Itโs the foolish RVโer whoโs chasing pennies by trying to find the lowestc priced fuel. Can it be reduced 10-15 PERCENT? No. Thus the heightened risk of accidents and time lost plus aggravation.
Travel Centers (truck stops) make for a fast re-fuel with minimal time off the road. Using them early in the day (as youโll be finished by 1500 anyway) is the prudent approach.
T-Path also features reviews, and while they donโt always apply to RVโers, THERE ARE those locations you might want to use where sat pic has you head-scratching, and bad reviews about trucker use change your mind to find another spot instead.
T-Path also features a WalMart locator plus other services. Just choose filter. I set up company-directed fuel providers to trip plan, and then use the major chains to determine overnight parking as last. W-M I use to shop on the usual 5-6 week trips. (As with fuel I DO IT AWAY FROM CITIES).
1990 35' SILVER STREAK Sterling, 9k GVWR
2004 DODGE RAM 2WD 305/555 ISB, QC SRW LB NV-5600, 9k GVWR
Hensley Arrow; 11-cpm solo, 17-cpm towing fuel cost
