Community Forums

genecurp · 10-19-2010, 02:34 PM

I am switching to a gas motor home 32 feet. (previously pulled a fifth wheel with a diesel pickup). For gas motor homes are there favored places, chains with good layouts, or other tips you can offer me?

I was told by a campground neighbor to chose a station with fuel pump rows paralell to the building for easier in and out.

I am guessing if I choose a station with diesel pumps, diesel is usually on the farthest edge away from building, it will have a tall enough canopy and also have room for bigger vehicules to navigate.

RVers Friend truck stop directory lists places that have RV gasoline and ample parking.

Let me hear from you experienced folks.

Thanks to all.
Gene

DriVer · 10-19-2010, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genecurp

Let me hear from you experienced folks.

Gene, Pumps that have parallel fueling aisles to the road are preferable however there isn't a steadfast rule. If you think you can make it into a pump just make sure you can get out.

The Flying J has separate fueling stations for RVs.

RVThere · 10-19-2010, 04:21 PM

When I had my gasser MHs, I always tried to swing around and face out to fuel (when the pumps are perpendicular to the store). That gave me a escape route to exit. Seemed whenever I pulled in and faced the store and filled up, a bunch of cars would pull in, park in front of the store, and block my way out.

Now I have a DP and I just go to the truck lanes. WAY more room!

**NLOVNIT** · 10-19-2010, 06:14 PM

Although some don't like 'em, we search out Flying J's, Pilot's, Petro's & Love's plazas. We've found them easy in/easy out. Flying J's usually have a couple lanes set aside specifically for gas RV's that include a dump station area ($).

Lori-

genecurp · 10-23-2010, 06:45 PM

Thanks for the great tips. Off on my maiden voyage Monday. Fuel stop won't be far behind.

Gene

kalynzoo · 10-23-2010, 06:56 PM

Enjoy your trip Monday. My suggestion is that you get gas long before you need to fill up. I like to stop and stretch every 2 hours or so, and will make the break a gas stop at about a half tank. This way I can carefully chose a station with easy access and exit. When in doubt, I will stop on the curb and get out and walk around the station making sure I can exit cleanly. Sadly, I have forgotten my own rule a few times and had to unhitch the toad to get back on the road.
Enjoy and Happy Trails.

wa8yxm · 10-24-2010, 11:33 AM

Well, I find the layout at many Flying-J stations to be a bit "Tight" but so far not so tight as to give me problems.

I basically look at the station as I approach and say "AH, This is a good one"

In Detroit (This is actually IN Detroit, the other side of the road is Redford TWP) at 7 mile and Grand River there is a Shell and it don't get much better than that

You make a 1/2 turn into the station, pass the pump, fill up, and pull out WITHOUT TURNING onto the other road, another 1/2 turn and you are on your way again.

I've seen several stations not far removed from that one.

I wait for the BEST pump with my tank-a-sorus.

Wanabee FTer · 10-24-2010, 04:04 PM

I am not attached to any one particular brand of fuel. I try to find a gas station that is not overly busy so I can maneuver around. If the station's roof is high enough, I can get into it or back up to it. I never use cut rate (Arco) gas.

edit: This will change soon as I am preparing a towd for my future travels.

kalynzoo · 10-24-2010, 04:43 PM

I have no problem with "cut rate gas". I think it all burns the same. It is not uncommon to see "generic" tankers filling a station. But I'm sure that is a topic for another thread. My concern is whether I can pull through easily enough, and I have seen a few Arco/BP stations that are indeed MH or large vehicle friendly. Only problem is that I don't carry enough cash to fill the MH. So I pay more, and accrue the air miles or 2% cash back. Just my thing.

txdutt · 10-26-2010, 08:16 AM

always check for an easy exit when scanning a station and watch your overhead clearance...don't be afraid to pull back out if you get in somewhere that turns out not to be quite right for fueling up

ccook129 · 10-26-2010, 05:03 PM

As long it doesn't happen like this.

YouTube - Amazing RV Crash

Wanabee FTer · 10-26-2010, 05:07 PM

I saw that vid clip on u-tube, from that camera angle it looked like a fatal accident, but fortunately no one was hurt.

UFO Pilot · 10-26-2010, 05:17 PM

My 1st choice for gasoline is Costco. Always easy in and out. usually the lowest price, and I get a 4% rebate from American Express. If a Costco is available I fill up regardless of how much fuel I have left.

genecurp · 10-26-2010, 05:19 PM

I fueled for the first time today. I did have to back up a few feet to have room to turn away from the pumps. Had I walked the station as one poster sugessted I would have known to approach from the other side. It was no problem, especially since I wasn't hictched to the towed car.