Community Forums

Jtrving · 05-04-2018, 07:30 AM

Thank you everyone, this is some really good information. A couple of things.

I am fortunate that my coach has a dual side DEF fill and I know I don't need it every time (although I know DEF does expire so I am thinking topping it off with fresh DEF when it gets to below 3/4 might be wise?)

The "pilot card" that people are referring to - this is the fuel card that acts like a credit card that you pay off at the end of each month or a rewards card that just gets you the few cents per gallon discount? I would really prefer to use my Costco Visa card because I get 4% back on fuel purchases.

I have the Good Sam premium membership that allows for fuel discounts at Pilot/Flying J. Can you scan that card or input the numbers at the truck islands like you do at the regular islands so you can get your discount?

Thanks again for all of the great info.

Jake21 · 05-04-2018, 08:00 AM

There is a rewards card, but the Pilot card some are referring to is a “RV Plus charge card” It works at Pilot and Flying Js. You apply online and attach a bank account to it. They will deduct at the end of the month whatever you spent in fuel. You will also get a decent discount when fueling.

The best thing about it is that it allows you to pull up to the pump, swipe, fuel and go. No more going inside. I hate when we are traveling and trying to make a specific destination but we need fuel. I would stop, go inside and get stuck behind a trucker trying to fax something or working out some issue with his account. Man that 5-10 minutes seems like 2 hours sometimes. That was before I got the card. Now my fuel stops are more like a NASCAR pit stop. (If there isn’t a line of rigs in front of me).

Crasher · 05-04-2018, 08:32 AM

Don't forget when you are fueling up in AZ to go in and ask for the RV discount. You leave your card with them and after fueling up return to pay and get the .08 discount. It is the difference in road taxes that truckers have to pay, but RVs are exempt. If you do not ask, you will pay the full amount. I know where the cheaper fuel is from my travels and the extra .08 is a bonus. I also have the Pilot/Flying J card, but while in AZ, there are better places to stop for fuel.

RMD3819 · 05-04-2018, 01:25 PM

I am about 63' with toad here is what I do.......

We use truck stops exclusively even if it costs more. The preplanning to use regular stations is not worth the hassle. I have found the PFJ RV lanes generally are too small for my DP with toad. Ingress and egress is usually OK but the length causes an obstruction.

When we went FT I got the PenFed cc which is 5% back on fuel. Then I learned that truck stops do not accept any cc at the pump except their brand or a fleet card which negated getting the PenFed card.

PFJ has a discount card and a charge card. The charge card, which I have and like, gives a bigger diesel discount and you can pay at the pump with no pump stop limit. No going inside. It is a charge card not a credit card. It requires full payment each month and using auto debit gives you a higher credit limit.

Paying inside is a PITA. You guess how much you'll need, then pump. Some stations will charge you what you actually pump but others require you to go back inside again and get a credit for the difference. Either situation requires a second trip inside if you want a receipt.

DEF-If no one is waiting I will pull up and fill my DEF. If someone is behind me I will do it next stop. I generally wait until 1/2 to fill DEF. It doesn't burn that much.

Always pull up when finished if going inside to the bathroom, snack etc. If it will be longer I will park in the truck lot unless it is busy or hard to maneuver then I'll just skip it. If I do use the truck lot I will park as far away as feasible to allow the truckers the closer spaces and stay out of their way.

TexasSprinter · 05-04-2018, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMD3819

I am about 63' with toad here is what I do.......

We use truck stops exclusively even if it costs more. The preplanning to use regular stations is not worth the hassle. I have found the PFJ RV lanes generally are too small for my DP with toad. Ingress and egress is usually OK but the length causes an obstruction.

When we went FT I got the PenFed cc which is 5% back on fuel. Then I learned that truck stops do not accept any cc at the pump except their brand or a fleet card which negated getting the PenFed card.

PFJ has a discount card and a charge card. The charge card, which I have and like, gives a bigger diesel discount and you can pay at the pump with no pump stop limit. No going inside. It is a charge card not a credit card. It requires full payment each month and using auto debit gives you a higher credit limit.

Paying inside is a PITA. You guess how much you'll need, then pump. Some stations will charge you what you actually pump but others require you to go back inside again and get a credit for the difference. Either situation requires a second trip inside if you want a receipt.

DEF-If no one is waiting I will pull up and fill my DEF. If someone is behind me I will do it next stop. I generally wait until 1/2 to fill DEF. It doesn't burn that much.

Always pull up when finished if going inside to the bathroom, snack etc. If it will be longer I will park in the truck lot unless it is busy or hard to maneuver then I'll just skip it. If I do use the truck lot I will park as far away as feasible to allow the truckers the closer spaces and stay out of their way.

Exactly the same, but with one small change. Some of the truck parking lots do not have pull-thru slots, so you can't park with a Toad. In my area I try to learn which have pull-thru and which don't. If I can't find an out of the way pull-thru, I'll look at the far edges, where often you can park at the curb without getting in the way. If not, down the road we go....

saddlesore · 05-04-2018, 03:40 PM

Watching...........................!

(Dr says I gotta walk more so always just walk in ,pay the deposit ,walk out fuel & do glass, then when fueled pull ahead & back inside I go to get receipt..keeps my "Dr. of NO!" happy

veraken · 05-04-2018, 04:52 PM

Here is a free website you can use to help find/plan fuel stops along you route. If you use the Advanced Query, you can select the fuel stops you want.

Find The Cheapest Truck Stop - TruckMaster Fuel Finder

Lloyd in S.C. · 05-06-2018, 05:14 AM

Forgot to mention on the Pilot card, you also get discounted gasoline, deeply discounted propane, and 10% off in the store. Still think the prices can ve beat, but the convience is very nice.

L.

RMD3819 · 05-07-2018, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd in S.C.

Forgot to mention on the Pilot card, you also get discounted gasoline, deeply discounted propane, and 10% off in the store. Still think the prices can ve beat, but the convience is very nice.

L.

10% in the store? On certain items or the whole store? I've never seen that.

fagnaml · 05-07-2018, 12:10 PM

Similar to other posters, for my weekend mini-vacations in south/mid-Texas and LSU football weekends I use Pilot and Loves "truck lanes" and also Buc-ee's which have large vehicle lanes. I know that at Loves and Buc-ee's I can use my Master Card at the pump. At Loves, I need to take the card to the cashier before fueling (for some reason Loves will not accept a personal credit card at the pump). When I'm done fueling, I pull forward to make room for the next truck/RV waiting for line to fuel then go inside the store to use the restroom, get a Coke, etc. "just like the truckers do".

I have not re-fueled at a Flying J or Travel America yet....