Forum Discussion

Fourjs's avatar
Fourjs
Explorer
Apr 07, 2017

Stopping For Gas

We bought our TT in January and have taken 3 trips. All great. Being newbies, we have learned lessons every time.

So far, our trips have been short. We haven't had to stop and fill our TV with the trailer attached. Eventually, I'll be faced with that situation. Not something I'm looking forward to doing, but I know it'll happen eventually. My worst nightmare would be getting hemmed in at close quarters with no way out.

FYI, our TT is 35 ft. TV is 176" truck.

Looking for what you do and how you handle filling up. Any suggestions and wisdom is greatly appreciated. Thanks, in advance, for your replies.

Jimmy
  • 4aSong's avatar
    4aSong
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    If I had a trailer of that size I would plan on filling up with gas when I have the trailers disconnected. ie. Leave it at your campsite.
  • seaeagle2's avatar
    seaeagle2
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    You might not fit in every station, but remember, a double trailer tanker truck gets in there to fill the tanks....
  • wing_zealot's avatar
    wing_zealot
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    Pick gas stations with large pump areas and plan your way out before you even pull in. Truck stops usually have lots of room even in the gas pump area.
  • wing_zealot's avatar
    wing_zealot
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    4aSong wrote:
    If I had a trailer of that size I would plan on filling up with gas when I have the trailers disconnected. ie. Leave it at your campsite.
    I sometimes travel 500 - 600 miles a day. I have even went over a 1,200 miles before I unhooked and set up camp. How would you recommend I fill up when the trailer is not connected?
  • aguablanco's avatar
    aguablanco
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    4aSong wrote:
    If I had a trailer of that size I would plan on filling up with gas when I have the trailers disconnected. ie. Leave it at your campsite.


    That would mean he needs to find a campsite every time he needs gas. I live in AZ and travel to California frequently and I can't get there on one tank of gas. OP don't worry so much, it is not that bad filling up with the trailer in tow. You will get the hang of it with practice.
    RichH
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    If you are going that far each day, your aren't RVing, you are just driving! Stop and enjoy the flowers!
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    Fourjs wrote:
    We bought our TT in January and have taken 3 trips. All great. Being newbies, we have learned lessons every time.

    So far, our trips have been short. We haven't had to stop and fill our TV with the trailer attached. Eventually, I'll be faced with that situation. Not something I'm looking forward to doing, but I know it'll happen eventually. My worst nightmare would be getting hemmed in at close quarters with no way out.

    FYI, our TT is 35 ft. TV is 176" truck.

    Looking for what you do and how you handle filling up. Any suggestions and wisdom is greatly appreciated. Thanks, in advance, for your replies.

    Jimmy


    1. Apply for a Flying J rv Plus charge card so you can go to any Flying J or Pilot truck stop and then you don't have to worry about getting hemmed in ever again. Or, You can use any truck stop and just pay cash or use your own credit cards.
    2. Have an Auxiliary fuel tank installed to replace your original fuel tank. Transfer Flow makes great tanks. I have a 60 gal. tank on my Dodge 3500.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    When on the highway I look for either a truck stop or one of the large gas stations that have lots of room at the pumps

    Like others have posted most of the time I will fill while unhitched from the 5th wheel either after we finish setting up camp or before we leave to head to the next stop.

    One time we needed fuel and had to pull into a little town and the only station was one of the small type from the 50's. My wife direct traffic around our 5th wheel because the rear end stuck out into the street. She said most people smiled and waved at her as they went by.
  • Jay_Pat's avatar
    Jay_Pat
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    Most convenient stores are on corners. Enter one driveway and exit out the other.
    Go for the end pump.
    It will take experience to size up a gas station to determine if you will fit or not. You may have to drive around the block as you size up a station.
    Sometimes, I have to back out. I already recognize that when I pull in.
    There are too many varibles/situations.
    I realize, I may have to drop the trailer to get fuel. I haven't had to do that, yet....
    My overall length is 60'.
    Most important thing to remember is don't damage your rig!!!!
    Pat

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