Community Forums

Route 66 · 04-23-2010, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

AH - so you're saying that now that FJ/Pilot is CHARGING to dump - they'll undoubtedly be REDUCING the price of other goods and services, because of the money they will save....

Wow! You read a lot into that!

It's the latest fad, charging for each and every individual service.

FJ will probably spend more on the card reader than they will make in fees.

It still has not been determined if it's company wide or a manager's option.

ChiefJohn · 04-23-2010, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmiles

This is just my personal opinion, so take it FWIW.

There is a social under-toe in America these days where the folks who expect something for nothing are becoming more vocal. I don't believe the numbers of folks are rising, it's just that the recent climate has given their voice more weight. It would be more of a problem were it not for the fact that the pendulum has begun to swing back toward center, as it always does.

Personally, I try to manage my tanks in such a way that I make use of the facilities at campgrounds, where the cost of providing such services is figured into the cost of the campsite. But there are probably always going to be times when I have a need for these services elsewhere. When given the option of paying a reasonable fee or seeing the services go away, I will gladly choose the fee.

I couldn't have stated the facts any better!

I'm blessed to be able to enjoy this RV lifestyle -- hell, when I see the Sun each morning I know it's going to be a great day.

What is $5 to dump our 'stuff' and get on down the road to another adventure!

DBOL · 04-23-2010, 06:24 AM

Come on people you know why they have to start charging for what use to be free.Change!?brings price increase when you know what is running the country,wake up!!!!!!!!

George Schweikle · 04-23-2010, 07:11 AM

Here's the response from Flying J:

"George,

Thank you for your business over the years and for contacting us in regards
to the new RV dump fee. We have been struggling with this matter for some
time now. We understand and appreciate your concerns. Adding any fee in
today’s challenging environment is difficult. The challenges we face is
that there is an increasing cost for this service. The fee charged is only
a portion of the actual cost. As you know, these costs must be covered to
remain competitive in business.

Again, we appreciate your business and hope you understand the need to add
a cost to this service.

Sincerely,

Flying J"

Dmiles · 04-23-2010, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefJohn

I'm blessed to be able to enjoy this RV lifestyle -- hell, when I see the Sun each morning I know it's going to be a great day.

What is $5 to dump our 'stuff' and get on down the road to another adventure!

In other words, don't sweat the small stuff...and a $5 fee for dumping my tanks definitely qualifies as SMALL STUFF! But, if I can't find a place anywhere at all to dump and my RV really "needs to go", That's another matter altogether.

Enjoy the time you get to spend in your RV for the blessing it is.

wa8yxm · 04-23-2010, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

Totally lost in all the above, is the FACT that Flying J was quite recently bought out and taken over by Pilot -

Not accurate: Flying-J and Pilot have an agreement but the Government has yet to decide if the merjer/buy out will be allowed to proceed.

So they have not yet been bought.. The deal is still open to government action

At least that was the word last week and I've not seen an update

I do point out.. If there have been "hard stuff down the pipe" issues, 5 bucks might deter the vandals.. and it is still a reasonable fee.

bigskymt · 04-23-2010, 08:46 AM

I have fueled at both Flying Js and Pilots for more years then I can remember. I'm usually always rewarded with good products& service at a fair price. There are a few I'll avoid and a few I prefer.

With the recent planned acquisition of FJ by Pilot I expect some changes and I will adjust accordingly.

$5.00 to dump my tanks is not worth complaining about or threatening to take my business elsewhere.

If the Flying Pilot can't stay in the black someone else will likely step in with more charges.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 04-23-2010, 11:51 AM

I hate add on fees, BUT, here where I live the Flying J is 5 miles away and my residential sewer rate just increased $8/ month with additional increases planned each year for the next 3 years. So I'm not surprised that a business has to do something to offset these costs.
I checked out two J's yesterday the one nearest me in Ripon Ca has yet to add the pay system whereas the J in LodiCa has installed the Token/Cardreader for payment. I also checked both places to confirm they have Potable water for use and non-potable water for flushing tanks.

TXiceman · 04-23-2010, 11:59 AM

It cost Flying J to operate and maintain a dump station. No reason they should not expect to be paid to use the service.

Ken

Gary - K7GLD · 04-23-2010, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

It cost Flying J to operate and maintain a dump station. No reason they should not expect to be paid to use the service.

Ken

While I sympathize with those who frequently MUST use places like FJ - it really makes no difference to us, one way or the other. We use parks or CG's that provide dumping as part of their use, are NOT Walmart or other no-service freebee overnighting RVers - so not much effect on our RVing.

FJ lost our business when they, in effect, wiped out the price savings on fuel purchases by regular customers - we now buy our fuel at Pacific Pride - far more available than FJ, and save from 25 to 50 cents a gallon on fuel - and don't need a dump station anyway...

dieselclacker · 04-23-2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

While I sympathize with those who frequently MUST use places like FJ - it really makes no difference to us, one way or the other. We use parks or CG's that provide dumping as part of their use, are NOT Walmart or other no-service freebee overnighting RVers - so not much effect on our RVing.

FJ lost our business when they, in effect, wiped out the price savings on fuel purchases by regular customers - we now buy our fuel at Pacific Pride - far more available than FJ, and save from 25 to 50 cents a gallon on fuel - and don't need a dump station anyway...

Gary, how would one get hooked up to use Pacific Pride fueling stations? I thought they were for use by truck fleets rather than use by the public.

Dieselclacker

Bill Adams · 04-23-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

AH - so you're saying that now that FJ/Pilot is CHARGING to dump - they'll undoubtedly be REDUCING the price of other goods and services, because of the money they will save....

No, I believe he was saying that the cost of "things" continues to go up and this may have been a necessary step to maintain the business profitability.

Bill Adams · 04-23-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Ok. As long as I can park my rig in your lot, come into your house to get my lottery ticket, souvenir painting on velvet, browse thru your trucker's items aisle & pick up my big bag of Cheetos, supersize drink & can of Skoal.

Lori-

Not to mention that this $5 is for dump and fill capabilities. Will we be dumping that waste in your yard as well as filling our 100+ gallon water tanks with your water? What does your water cost you? I have a 160 gallon tank.

Lorna · 04-23-2010, 06:08 PM

Have any of you asked what Flying J charges for their showers? I don't remember what it was (Pecos TX last November... visions of a lengthy very hot shower rapidly disappeared with the mention of the price) but I decided to use the one in our RV and then dumped (for free) the next morning. It was far more than $5. Many campgrounds charge $5 and up for non-customers to dump. I think it's reasonable. Besides, I like the buffet and it was a good place to park overnight. It worked for us.