Fuel tank range on Anthem

[srh]

Originally Posted by Gary.Jones

A couple of issues to comment on.

1.) The charge limit is common. Often $100. You can use the same card and repeat at least a couple of times before being forced to change cards (I find it is often only 2 times in a row). I use the PenFed card since I get 5% of the total cost refunded at the end of the month so use it anytime I can. It has to be used at the pump. If you use it inside, no discount. Now, If I have to go inside, (fairly common at truck pumps because there is no card reader outside), I just tell them the maximum I can handle, so I usually tell them 125 gallons regardless of what I need. My credit is good, so it pre-charges the full amount, but then final-charges only what you pump. It simply drops the charge for anything above what you took on. It is easier to tell them the max than to try to guess what you actually need and then have to go back in to add another 25 gallons.

2.) I try to fuel at no less than 1/4 tank, usually getting nervous at 1/3 tank. I use GasBuddy app on my iPhone to help me find a reasonable place to stop and not get completely ripped off on diesel prices. Only happened one time, but was in Williams, AZ to visit Grand Canyon about a week. Was cold and was using diesel AquaHot to keep coach warm. Was low on diesel but thought I could get to Flagstaff to fuel as it was much cheaper there than Williams (GasBuddy is your friend!). However, when fired up Cummins to leave, all the warning lights were on (the AquaHot had been burning diesel) and thought I better not try for Flagstaff so fueled at the car pumps for diesel rather than the truck pumps for diesel (almost always 6 or 9 cents higher than the car pumps) and all I could squeeze in was about 120 gallons with all the lights on and the gauge near "empty".

3.) I have had troubles with my PenFed card being accepted by some truck stops. I have worried that they knew somehow I was getting a great discount on price and made it difficult for me to use the card (paranoia??). I have called PenFed from the station and they say that the failure to clear was at the truck stop end and not on their end. This has also happened at Sams or WalMart if I fuel there.

4.) I carry a Business Amex I have had for 40 years, a Citi Mastercard, and my PenFed card. I default to the PenFed as it is an excellent discount, but have the AMEX (no limit) and Citi for fall backs.

Back when diesel was in excess of $4.00 a gallon, this was an everyday occurrence/ritual/mess when traveling.

Gary

Like you, I use my 5% cash back PenFed Visa card. If you use Pilot truck pumps the limit is around $250 or more. That is more than I usually need although my tank takes 225 gallons. Also, as has been suggested, if you are going to be away from your home zip code, it would be best to call or go online and indicate that you will be traveling so for security reasons they (PenFed) do not block your card. It is usually that than the gas stations that you can't use your PenFed card.

[DSL417]

Several years ago, headed North in Michigan, looking for fuel in our then Anthem...got to the point where I had to fill up off the interstate a regular filling station. 126 gallons...I wouldn't push it past the quarter tank mark

[rogelling]

Just going into Vegas last month from Kingman the idiot light came on when it said 130 miles to empty thenot low fuel for over 30 miles. We got to the TA on I15 and took 122 gallons.