Fuel option locations pulling a toad

[cmcbride]

We are about to join the list of folks pulling a toad with our RV. I am curious about options stopping for fuel for a gasser pulling a toad. We are always careful looking for a good space for our 32 foot motor home. Concerned about the extra length of a toad and finding a gas station large enough for us to get in and out.
I know were small in comparison to larger rigs, but wanted to know what apps might be available or advice from others to help planning stops to get in and out safely.

[AKIQPilot]

Fueling up can often be a bit of a problem. We left Lake Havasu 3 days ago and are now in Big Bend National Park Texas. My plan was to use the big truck stops along I 10 figuring if they were big enough for trucks they were big enough for me. I used Google Earth and Google street view to confirm that I could easily get into and out of the refueling stations. Everything was all planned out and set and I was confident I would have no problems refuelling our almost 40’ gasser pulling the Jeep Wrangler.

As I pulled off I 10 and prepared to enter the first Loves I was dumfounded at how packed the place was. Cars were backed up at every pump. The truck stop side of things was packed too. There was absolutely no possible way to get into that place to refuel. Across the street was a Shell, it was almost empty. I pulled right in and fueled up no problem. Entry and exit was easy peasy.

500 miles later the exact same thing happened at the Pilot I was planning to use. The places was packed to the gills and absolutely impossible to get into. Across the street was a Chevron that was empty. Into the Chevron I pulled and refuelling went well without a hiccup.

I guess time of day could have been a factor but I think the fact that gasoline was $.20 cheaper at the Pilot and Loves make them much more attractive for the average traveler.

We have one more refueling before we reach San Antonio. I plan to use a Chevron or Shell, whichever one is across the street from the Pilot/Loves. The extra $10-12 I spend will be well worth it.

My suggestion is to plan your fuel stops and use Google Maps/Earth/Streetview to make sure you can get in and out easily.

[ivykrewe]

I can fuel my 42 ft plus toad at almost any station. I use gas buddy to check price then do a visual check. i stop or go on depending on what i see. sams, Costcos, Buc-ees and Race Trac are usually good. I avoid truck stops but they should be ok for gas. Most have biodiesel and i don't care for that. Just look at location and decide if you are comfortable with it.

[jacwjames]

I don't use any type of app for access, I do use Gasbuddy for pricing as there can be large price swings from town to town.

From my experience when you are driving the main highways the fueling options normally have sufficient room for larger rigs.

I normally will take an exit that has multiple fuel stations. If possible I'll select a station on the side of the street so I don't have to cross lanes when exiting, this makes it easier to get back on the highway.

While approaching I'll do a quick look and confirm access. If it is questionable I just keep going, I'd rather do that then get in a situation that I'd get stuck. As I enter the fuel stop I'll take a pump that provides me access to fuel and not block others with my toad.

Driving the off roads and through towns I'll look for Walmarts/Sams or other stores of this type as there is usually better access and they have enough space to enter exit.

[BUB1988]

We try and use any place , not truck stops ever, that has a diesel pump on either end. Normally these locations, Wawa, Race trac, Walmart, Marathon, etc, have plenty of turning radius doe our 40' pusher with small Toad. Normally these locations also a much better price.

[winniman]

It seems a bit over whelming at first, but you will soon learn it not that hard. Plan ahead so as to leave yourself options. Your generator wont run on less than a quarter tank. It is a good idea to keep plenty in the tank in the event of an emergency, and you need the generator. For this reason, you should start looking once you get below half a tank. This way, you wont be forced to have to use a gas station that has a poor approach. Lots of them are really only designed for cars. Don't choose ones that require sharp turns to enter or exit. A straight on entry, and exit to the pumps and parking area are best. Good luck. Stations that cater to large trucks are also a good choice if you are near interstates etc.

[Spdracr39]

.20 cents more across the street is much better than hooking and unhooking the toad or especially damaging something. I have experienced this several times pulling my 38' 5'er and always go for the empty station.

[fairway2002]

Most fuel trucks are larger then me. If they can get in I hope I can. Only one time I had a problem. Little tight.

[mike625]

My Garmin GPS has a option to search for stations along my active route - it is easy because it list how far they are "have listed out over 150 miles away & which side of the road. So you can figure with much fuel is in the tank how far you have to drive where to stop. After awhile - you will figure out which stations groups will have easy access.

Normally when we had the 38 foot gas with Toad - I would start planning on a gas stop at 1/2 a tank - If i got to a place & did not like it, just go to the next one "getting off and on the highway is a lot cheaper that hitting something" - I would know how far to the next several stations before i would risk getting in and out of it.

[ernest917]

In my 40’ diesel towing, I only use truck stops.... never had an issue..... have had to wait in line occasionally but that’s just part of the trip....

[Incessant]

Originally Posted by ernest917

In my 40’ diesel towing, I only use truck stops.... never had an issue..... have had to wait in line occasionally but that’s just part of the trip....

I have a 40' gasser and pull a toad. Most Flying J (and some Pilot) have RV lanes in front that allow for entry and exit without backing up. Flying J is owned by Pilot. There is a 'My Pilot' app and web site. You can enter a route and display all locations along the way. I filter on those with RV gas lanes. If you belong to Good Sam you can get a Pilot credit card that is good for 5 cents a gallon off and no likit at pump.

My experience with Loves is no dedicated RV lanes but often the outside pumps have good turning radius.

In general, try to find a gas station where the pump islands are parelel with the road, not at a right angle.

[96 Wideglide]

Diesel coaches have the option of using the truck side of the station, where there's plenty of room. Gas coaches don't have that option, cause there's no gasoline pumps over there.

[Ivylog]

Originally Posted by ivykrewe

I can fuel my 42 ft plus toad at almost any station. I use gas buddy to check price then do a visual check. i stop or go on depending on what i see. sams, Costcos, Buc-ees and Race Trac are usually good. I avoid truck stops but they should be ok for gas. Most have biodiesel and i don't care for that. Just look at location and decide if you are comfortable with it.

X2, and have not used FlyJ or P in 8 years now that they are owned by the same company and I can go a half mile further and save 30+ cents.

[Domo]

Use Google Maps with Satellite view to see entrance and exits from the gas station BEFORE you turn off the main road... Works for us 80% of the time - no problems.