Community Forums

slsbuz · 10-14-2011, 09:57 AM

Looking for information on access to the rv pumps at Pilot Travel center in West Des Moines ( I-80 & I35). I have google earth this location but can't determine where the big rig diesel pumps are located. Most of time I Have use Flying J's which means I'm always looking for that rv island for service. I assume that I can use the 18-wheeler lane if rv site isn't available.

Any information will be helpful?

Thanks

Triker56 · 10-14-2011, 10:59 AM

Most Pilots don't have a RV Island. The Des Moines Truck lanes are on the east side of the station. Easy to see in Google Earth.
You can use them.

Our Time · 10-14-2011, 11:22 AM

I have been in that station many times. If it were me, I would look for another fuel stop. This one is extremely busy with trucks and can be very difficult to navigate in with the traffic.

nodine · 10-15-2011, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slsbuz

Looking for information on access to the rv pumps at Pilot Travel center in West Des Moines ( I-80 & I35). I have google earth this location but can't determine where the big rig diesel pumps are located. Most of time I Have use Flying J's which means I'm always looking for that rv island for service. I assume that I can use the 18-wheeler lane if rv site isn't available.

Any information will be helpful?

Thanks

As was mentioned, Pilots do not have RV Islands. We always use the truck lanes, even at Flying J because the turns are usually tight at the RV lanes for 40 feet towing a car. If you use the truck lanes, be sure to pull forward after fueling and then go inside to pay for the fuel. We have the Frequent Fueler Advantage card registered for pump start which allows us to start the pump and purchase the fuel before we go inside. Works great and we use it all the time.

Bob

LewF · 10-15-2011, 09:07 AM

Agree with Bob on using truck lanes and learning the etiquette of using these lanes is important. They are busy but the flow through the lanes is pretty smooth, and the room to maneuver for a big rig towing is usually must. We also use the Pilot/FlyingJ Frequent Fueler Advantage card which eliminates one trip inside - to get the pump turned on. Important to pull up after fueled and before you go inside to pay since this a step that keeps the vehicles flowing smoothly through the pumps. Also the truck pumps have high flow nozzles - not sure about RV pumps - so you can pump large volumes quickly and get out of the lanes. Just my thoughts, our rig towing will only fit in the truck lanes so we have had to learn the ropes for using these lanes. Hope this is of some value.

Lew

OldHiker · 10-15-2011, 10:03 AM

At Pilot, I have not had any success with the pump start using my registered FF card. I just contacted customer service and they claim it should work. I'll let you know when I try it again.

As far as using Flying J rv islands, not sure why the problems accessing them. I have a 45' pulling a H2 and have never had a problem getting to or leaving the pumps.

sdennislee · 10-15-2011, 11:39 AM

I always use truck lanes at Pilot and FJ. Only had my card fail to start the pump once. Went inside to start. Always receive the 3 cent discount as well at truck lanes. I prefer the truck lanes for pump nozzle size.

Bill2 · 10-16-2011, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodine

As was mentioned, Pilots do not have RV Islands. We always use the truck lanes, even at Flying J because the turns are usually tight at the RV lanes for 40 feet towing a car. If you use the truck lanes, be sure to pull forward after fueling and then go inside to pay for the fuel. We have the Frequent Fueler Advantage card registered for pump start which allows us to start the pump and purchase the fuel before we go inside. Works great and we use it all the time.

Bob

The only problem with doing the truck island is that if you have a card like mine Pen Fed, it gives you 5% back if you swipe your card at the pump but nothing if you swipe it inside. You want to use the RV island if you have pen fed card.

Triker56 · 10-16-2011, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldHiker

As far as using Flying J rv islands, not sure why the problems accessing them. I have a 45' pulling a H2 and have never had a problem getting to or leaving the pumps.

I have always wondered myself how those RV drivers manage to get into and out of a lot of the older campground's sites.

Maybe they just camp at Wal-Marts with big lots. And never drive off of the Interstate roads. 2 lane roads and driving in towns must be a nightmare for them.

I have found those fast big truck nozzle's will pump many gal. of foam into the tank and it never gets close to full.

RV Island pump set on medium and then on low for last 5 gal. does a better job.

And a lot of the RV Islands now give a receipt at the pump. No long walk inside to wait to get a receipt or pay like the truck lanes. That long walk and wait in line makes the fast truck fill. Slower then the RV Island slower pumps.